Whittley 7.3 Sea Legend

The Whittley name is synonymous with quality family cruisers, but is rarely mentioned with the same reverence in game or sportsfishing circles. That may soon change, however, with the release of the latest 7.3m Sea Legend. In an attempt to tap into the serious fishing market, Whittley has released an outboard-powered hardtop version of the already popular Sea Legend.

The Sea Legend hull was actually born in New Zealand under the Rayglass banner. Rayglass hulls are renowned for their seakeeping ability so Whittley has chosen an excellent base in which to produce an offshore fishing platform. Although based on the Rayglass hull and deck, that's about where the similarities end, with the Sea Legend being every bit a Whittley in terms of fitout. Indeed, the first-class interior fitout and extensive list of standard inclusions are unmistakably Whittley.

While standard powerplants for most Whittleys (including the 7.3 Sea Legend) are MerCruiser sterndrives, it was the new outboard-powered version that grabbed our attention and warranted a closer inspection. Our testboat was fitted with twin 115hp Johnson Ocean Pros spinning 17-inch props. While the carbed Johnos provided ample power, a set of four-stroke or direct-injection outboards would help reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

With a LOA of 7.3m, beam of 2.45m, the Sea Legend is a big rig, although still legally 24-hour trailerable. The testboat had a Mackay tandem trailer fitted with multi-stop electrically-operated hydraulic brakes. Northside Marine's LandCruiser towed the Sea Legend with ease.

Having never driven a Whittley before, I was hoping for a windy test day so I could form an opinion on the boat's rough-water handling. This was not to be, however, and as we launched the boat into Moreton Bay conditions could only be described as glassy.

We headed out to Mud Island in the middle of Moreton Bay, but still the biggest wave to be found was the wake of a passing ship... Maybe another day!

MUDDY WATERS
The 115 Johnos provided the Sea Legend with excellent acceleration and it sat quickly and effortlessly on the plane. For a 7.3m boat the Sea Legend displayed superb high-speed manoeuvrability, with tight turns a breeze aided by Hydrive Hydraulic steering and a deep 23° deadrise.

While doing some speed to rev comparisons it was soon evident that the outboards needed bigger props. At 4000 revs the Sea Legend was cruising at 24kt, while 5000 revs saw the GPS register 30kt. At full throttle the outboards were clearly overrevving, reaching 6000 revs at which time boat speed was 36kt.

The boat backed up well, with responsive handling in reverse. No water entered the cockpit while backing up, although we weren't in a couple of metres of swell and sea either. One minor problem that arose while in reverse was the throttle hit the helmseat when extra revs were applied.

Doing away with sterndrive power and installing outboards means the cockpit is cleared and now provides good fishing space. The outboards are mounted on an integrated pod and boarding platform. A stainless boarding ladder is located on the starboard-side of the platform, which allows easy access from the water.

On the port-side of the boarding platform is a Sopac hatch, which opens to reveal a good-sized livewell. The livewell features a viewing panel in the transom bulkhead so you can make sure your slimies are swimming in the right direction. There is also a freshwater transom shower for rinsing off bodies and tackle.

Cut out sections in the transom bulkhead means the step from boarding platform to cockpit is minimised. I'm not a huge fan of these transom cut outs from a fisherman's point of view they prevent you from tucking into the corners while fighting or wiring a fish. I also noted there were no toe rails around the cockpit, so I wouldn't be rushing in to wire a monster out of this boat... Not without a safety line attached anyway.

A large section of the cockpit sole is hinged and lifts up to provide good access to the bilge, batteries, oil reservoirs, fuel filters, etc.

This is a good idea, although I'm not convinced about the Sopac hatches in the cockpit sole. These hatches are pretty strong, but I'm concerned that a big bloke could put his foot through one if a quick one-two was required in rough conditions.

Sidepockets are padded and carpeted, although a little on the short side for gaffs and tagpoles. Other features of the cockpit include recessed grabrails, thru-bolted stainless cleats and six flush-mounted rodholders.

The cockpit is self-draining overboard via non-return scuppers.

Fuel is underfloor. At just 230lt capacity is marginal for a big day on the water especially running twins.

YOU'RE A LEGEND
The hardtop is beautifully finished and really adds to the stylish look of the Sea Legend. It's solid and provides a good base for the combined grabrails and six-pot rocket launcher as well as radio aerials, etc.

The hardtop features a small bimini extending aft which does provide additional shade, although most keen fishos would probably leave it off. The rocket launcher is accessed via a zip out section in the bimini.

Seating for four adults is provided under the hardtop, with the two aft-facing passenger seats being hinged which allows access to huge storage compartments. (Ed: Rayglass boast that the NZ version of the 7.3 can swallow a mountain of gear including an outboard-powered inflatable. By the looks of the compartments we don't doubt it.)

The helmsman and one other passenger are provided with pedestal bucket seats. The pedestal seats do swivel, although not 360°. A big person would find the pedestal seats a little small. I'm not exactly huge and I found them a little squeezy.

Moulded footrests are provided for both helmsman and passenger, as are grabrails.

The dash has been very well laid out, with all gauges and electronics in good view and close to hand. A sports steering wheel has been 'reversed' to provide the helmsman with a little more space, while the binnacle controls are slightly recessed into the starboard bulkhead.

The testboat featured a flush-mounted Lowrance X85 sounder and Globalmap 1600 chartplotter which complemented the standard instruments nicely. Other inclusions on the dash are waterproof switch panelling, windlass control, speedo, tachos, fuel, water, voltage and trim gauges. A 27MHz radio is mounted overhead.

Good protection from the elements is provided to the vessel's occupants thanks to a big wraparound glass windscreen and heavy-duty clears A windscreen wiper ensures vision forward remains clear.

Though there's nothing wrong with the current set-up, we can't help but think Whittley would be well served to adopt the full glass screen and sliding sidelights of its counterparts across the Tasman. If the Rayglasses we've seen are anything to go by, the extra expense would be justified.

As you'd expect from Whittley, the cabin is extremely well appointed and features inclusions that enable the Sea Legend to be regarded as a true overnighter. On the portside is a small galley featuring a sink and freshwater faucet, 12V Engel refrigerator, metho stove and small storage cabinet. Overhead lighting is also provided.

Opposite the galley is a teak door which opens to a fully-enclosed head with chemical toilet, freshwater shower and privacy curtains. While the head is small, it's big enough to encourage the fairer sex out fishing.

The rest of the cabin is taken up by a good-sized double berth which gets even bigger when the drop-down table and fill-in cushion are applied.

Padded sidepockets provide additional cabin storage, with pleasant upholstery providing a classy touch, while a hatch overhead provides natural light and ventilation (although is too far aft to access ground tackle).

Note that the testboat was fitted with an optional windlass, so the foredeck would be rarely visited.

Whittley describe the 7.3m Sea Legend as 'The Family Gamefishing Boat', which I think is an apt description. I don't think hard-core gamefishermen will be racing out and selling their Black Watchs and Grady Whites in order to purchase one. Nonetheless, Whittley has indeed produced a boat that will appeal to a distinct sector of the market.