SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: New Whittley CR2080 outboard

A leading local manufacturer of trailerable cruisers, Melbourne-based Whittley Marine Group will have several key new models amid a fleet of five rigs at Hunts Marine stand at the Sydney International Boat Show from July 28-August 1.

The big news is a new outboard-powered CR2080 on display with a base price from $59,990 with a 115hp Suzuki four-stroke outboard on trailer driveaway.

Whittley already offers the outboard-only budget CW Series, and has entertained outboard-powered versions of its offshore-ready SL fishing boats, but to date if you wanted a Whittley Cruiser it pretty much came with Volvo Penta inboard power.

Paired with four-stroke or direct-injection two-stroke outboards in the 100-150hp range, the new CR2080 OB variant offers reduced weight and also greater internal cockpit space thanks to the removal of the sterndrive engine box (see photos accompanying this article).

Neville Whittley, marine director at the long-serving Melbourne company, said: "Whittley is a customer-driven company that responds to the needs of its market.

"Our dealers noted that there was a demand for a niche product: a compact outboard-powered cruiser that would complement the existing sterndrive line-up.

"The CR2080’s soft riding flexible platform is versatile and can adapt to a range of applications and propulsion options. We knew it would work, so we pushed the button and re-engineered the transom for today’s modern outboards."

Standard CR2080 OB packages can be towed by a broader range of small SUVs and family sedans courtesy of the reduced overall towing weight to around 1400kg, depending upon engine and fit-up level.

Whittley’s compact sterndrive-powered CR2080 has been a popular pocket cruiser with both young families and nomadic seniors. The outboard version will add to the options and appeal to today's younger boat buyers. More at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.