Which Whittley cruiser should I buy?

Many first-class Whittley models have been produced along the way – from the sleek and chic Puma and Cherokee outboard runabouts to the immensely popular Monterey, Fleetmaster and Cruisemaster sterndrive-powered half-cabin cruisers.

But what are the most sought-after Whittley models? Are the classics the best Whittley boats to buy? Or should you be looking for a state-of-the-art late model?

Here’s our guide to the five most popular Whittley boats that people are searching for here on boatsales.

Like the classic Whittley Voyager which came before it, the CR 2180 is a compact 6.0m half-cabin cruiser with a premium fit-out and feature set.

Available brand new from Whittley dealers around the country, the CR 2180 is one of the most versatile Whittley models, especially as it is available with both outboard and sterndrive engine power.

The CR 2180 is a terrific weekender for a couple but can also double up as a bay cruiser and coastal fishing boat for anglers.

The stand-out feature of this model is the luxuriously upholstered front cabin with vee-berth accommodation that converts into a full-size double bed with infill cushions.

There’s also plenty of storage space, along with a clear deck ventilation hatch, and the option for an LCD TV to be mounted on the front cabin bulkhead.

Above decks, the CR 2180 has a pair of moulded helm chairs fronting a deluxe dash and helm station.

A sink with freshwater tap is situated beneath the helm chair, while the chair opposite can be optioned with an induction cooktop.

Padded, removable transom corner seats are situated aft in both the outboard and sterndrive models.

Outboards boats are rated for a single extra-longshaft outboard engine to 150hp, while the sterndrive boat is fitted with a Volvo Penta 200hp V6 sterndrive.

Find your own Whittley CR 2180 right here on boatsales.

Related: Whittley CR 2180 OB 2022 Review

The flagship of the Whittley CR range is the CR 2800. An evolution of the classic Cruisemaster 700, the CR 2800 is an exceptional powerboat cruiser.

Like the slightly smaller CR 2600, the flagship model is a big, capable, full-featured boat. It is very much a caravan for the water, and a luxuriously appointed one at that.

A key selling point for the big CR 2800 is that it is just 2.49m wide, making it legally towable at all times in all Australian states. Rival craft from the US and Europe are usually slightly wider, and therefore can be subject to towing restrictions.

That said, the CR 2800 exceeds 3000kg on a trailer so it requires a very large, powerful towing vehicle.

The CR 2800 is a big-volume, full-bodied boat with a soft-riding deep-vee hull for smoothing out bay chop and offshore swell.

The boat has everything you need for weekend cruising with a family of four – two permanent berths forward, a modular seating area aft which converts into a double berth, along with full cabin galley and sink facilities, and a head/shower compartment.

The CR 2800 is available with Volvo petrol sterndrive engines to a maximum of 350hp. The engine compartment sits under the rear seating area, ahead of a massive external boarding/utility platform – with surrounding rails to take an optional BBQ.

The CR 2800 was launched around 2007 so there are pre-loved and brand-new models available on boatsales.

Find your own Whittley CR 2800 right here on boatsales.

Related: Whittley CR 2800 2015 Review

The third most-searched Whittley on boatsales is the CR 2800’s predecessor, the stunning Cruisemaster 700.

The Cruisemaster 700 itself was developed from an earlier Cruisemaster model called the Sovereign 2300.

The Cruisemaster 700 launched in 1998 and was available with petrol and diesel sterndrive engine power to a maximum (petrol) of 300hp.

Paired with the standard 220hp V8 MerCruiser engine nestled under the rear cockpit, the Cruisemaster 700 could run to a top speed approaching 40 knots.

The deep-vee hull could use this power too; the weighty fibreglass hull and fine bow entry shape combine to provide a wonderfully smooth ride with surprisingly adept handling and manoeuvrability.

Mind you, the Cruisemaster 700 was not purchased for its ride comfort and speed across the ground, but for its efficient, well-thought-out cabin cruiser layout, complete with a live-aboard standard of fit-out.

Key Cruisemaster 700 features include an open plan vee-berth cabin with port side galley unit (with cooking, sink, fridge, bench and storage space), starboard side head/shower compartment, semi-enclosed helm station with sunroof/hatch-equipped hardtop, a double-wide helm console with bench/box helm seat, bucket passenger chair, and a wrap-around transom seating area that converts into a double berth.

The Cruisemaster 700 is a fine craft for weekend bay cruising and overnighting and it’s now relatively affordable too. Used examples are selling for less than $80k.

Find your own Whittley Cruisemaster 700 right here on boatsales.

Related: Whittley Cruisemaster 700 1999 Review

Available with outboard and sterndrive power, the CR 2380 is a current model in the Whittley range, although the sterndrive boat has been available for some years.

The CR 2380 could be considered the Goldilocks model in the Whittley range. It’s not too big, not too small, and not too expensive, at least when compared with the larger CR 2600/CR 2800 models.

At around 2500kg on a tandem-axle trailer, this CR 2380 can be hauled behind a large SUV/dual-cab ute – yet it is large enough to feature a full-length, lock-up front vee-berth cabin, as well as a practical port side galley unit with sink, cooktop and refrigerator.

The CR 2380 can also accommodate four people, thanks to the wrap-around cockpit lounge that can be converted into a double berth.

In outboard or sterndrive configuration, the CR 2380 is a stylish-looking boat, the low-slung cabin/deck topped by a curved windshield, bimini and side curtains.

Standard power for the sterndrive model is the Volvo Penta V6 200hp coupled to a Volvo’s standard SX single-propeller driveshaft. The Duoprop leg is optional, along with a selection of higher horsepower petrol and diesel engines.

The more recent CR 2380 OB – or outboard model – is rated for a single extra-longshaft outboard engine to 225hp, but will run efficiently with as little as 150hp.

Best power is somewhere in between. With a 200hp outboard engine, you can expect a top speed in the 34 to 36 knot range.

Find your own Whittley CR 2380 right here on boatsales.

Related: Whittley CR 2380 2015 Review

The smallest of the Whittley Cruiser models, the CR 2080 SD blends trailer boat cruising capability with a relatively affordable price and a manageable, easily towable hull size.

The CR 2080 SD is the fifth most-searched Whittley model on boatsales, though it is worth noting that it is also now available with a single outboard engine.

The sterndrive model has been available for more than a decade so there are plenty of boats on the used boat market.

A key feature of the sterndrive model is the huge transom boarding platform. It adds usable length to the boat, particularly when optioned with aft rails so you can stand and fish from the transom or cook up a storm with a rail-mounted BBQ.

Like the larger Whittley cruisers, the 2080 SD has a full-length forward cabin with a vee berth that converts to a comfy double bed.

A privacy curtain seals the cabin from the outside cockpit and the box-mounted helm and passenger chairs, which can be optioned with a sink and ice box respectively.

The deep, carpeted cockpit flows aft to the central sterndrive engine box, which is flanked by lift-out quarter seats.

With the standard Volvo 200hp V6 petrol sterndrive engine, the CR 2080 SD is fast and efficient. This four-stroke motor is economical at cruise speeds but has plenty of punch for waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Find your own Whittley CR 2080 SD right here on boatsales.