MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW: Whittley to launch budget boat

Buying a pedigree boat that will give you change out of $30,000 normally means you’re browsing in the pre-loved section.

However, the Whittley Marine Group is poised to change the status quo with the Melbourne Boat Show release of its budget-friendly range of family all-rounders that complement the premium Sea Legend (SL) and Cruiser (CR) lines.

Newly appointed Director of Operations and Strategy, Angelo San Giorgio, could hardly contain his excitement. "We’re proud of the fact that Whittley has been an aspirational brand for over six decades with a reputation for crafting refined yet seaworthy hulls," he said. "But we don’t believe that families who’d prefer a simpler boating solution should be excluded. So with that in mind we’ve packaged up five versatile fibreglass hulls and are offering them at prices that are sure to cause some waves."

From the estuary- and bay-focussed Whittley CW1580 to the offshore-bound CW2150, there is now a boat for every application. With a tow-away price of $29,990, the CW1580 Runabout is an easy rig to own, tow and store.

Powered by an economical Yamaha 60hp two-stroke outboard on a braked Mackay trailer, this compact 16 footer comes standard with items other brands consider options. Folding bimini, navigation lights, stainless steel bow rail, bilge pump, large baitwell, foam floatation and more are included.

At the other end of the size spectrum, the CW2150 is said to be a lot of boat with a vast interior and a great ride in the rough. It comes at a ramp-ready price of $59,990.

As an extra incentive at the Melbourne Boat Show, Whittley will supply and install a Raymarine Dragonfly5 Sonar GPS featuring CHIRP Downvision for the grand sum of $1 on all new CW boats. That’s right, a buck!

For further information on the new Whittley CW range, navigate to www.whittley.com.au