Whittley AL 1480 SC 2025 Review

Whittley has expanded its Australian-made boat range with a new line of aluminium models. Six new models have launched, from tiller-steer and runabout variants through to the flagship 1740 Centre Console.

Having tested several of the new Whittley models, we can vouch for their solid build, practical design, and great value.

Here, we review the third model from a recent test day on the Gold Coast — the 1480 SC side console, fitted with a Honda 60hp four-stroke outboard engine.

One of the most fishing-focused boats in Whittley’s alloy range, the 1480 SC boasts a spacious layout and large, elevated front fishing deck.

Modest in size, it measures 4.5m overall with a 2.04m beam and approximately 880kg towing weight, including a Dunbier single-axle galvanised steel trailer with alloy wheels, spare wheel and mechanical brakes.

It's made with pressed aluminium with a 3mm hull bottom and topsides, an external keel and an internal cross-rib strengthening structure.

Priced at $46,990 with a Honda 60hp outboard, the 1480 SC is sold as a complete boat/motor/trailer package. A similarly powered Mercury engine is optional — though 60hp is the max rated output.

It’s well equipped straight out of the box, missing only a fish finder/GPS — which Whittley deliberately leaves for buyers to select according to preference.

Key features on the 1480 SC are:

A traditional vee-bow, high-sided alloy monohull, the 1480 SC is ideal for mixed inshore use.

The deep centre cockpit and high topsides make it safe for kids while allowing adults to fish comfortably from both sides braced against the inner side deck coamings.

It features a 1.12m x 1.77m front casting deck raised 240mm above the deck, plus a short rear deck and deep flat central floor.

The broad helm console is offset to starboard, snug against the 200mm-wide side coaming.

Two pedestal seats serve skipper and co-pilot, with additional seat bases located on the port floor and forward deck. One of the aft seats can be moved forward for fishing or operating an electric trolling motor.

The front deck includes a carpeted false floor and a large storage space accessible via two deck hatches, ideal for storing safety gear and trolling motor batteries.

Further forward is a formed anchorwell built into the reinforced tread-plate front deck with surrounding side rails.

The side console is arguably larger than usual for a boat of this size, offering plenty of dash space for a multi-function display, a sports steering wheel, engine instruments and switches.

It includes a short acrylic windshield with alloy grab rail, a storage shelf, and legroom below. The side-mounted Honda throttle is placed comfortably within reach and is easy to use.

Overhead, the folding bimini offers excellent coverage. At the rear, a raised deck houses the battery on the starboard side and a small, plumbed bait tank on the other side with enough space to house half a dozen live yellowtail sized baits.

Other handy features include a subfloor fish box located alongside the console, elevated cockpit side pockets, a ski-pole/bait board combination and a Railblaza accessory track built into the side coamings.

With a moderate vee hull, the 1480 SC handles mixed inshore choppy waters confidently. Through the corners, the hull sits very flat with minimal banking and with lots of grip in the water through the middle of the turn.

At speed and through slalom manoeuvres, there is plenty of feedback through the mechanical steering and from the hull. The 1480 SC is pleasant to drive and reacts well to steering, trim and throttle inputs.

It rides through short bay chop cleanly, deflecting spray away from the interior and passengers.

Being lightweight, it’s sensitive to load distribution so having crew and gear spread evenly across the boat from bow to stern is key for optimum performance.

Rated for a maximum of 60hp and 120kg of engine weight on the transom, the Honda 60hp proved ideal, delivering 31.5 knots at 6300rpm with two adults onboard on the Gold Coast Broadwater.

Range on 95% of the 50L fuel supply at 4,500rpm: 102.8nm

For a mix of bay, harbour and impoundment fishing and boating, the Whittley AL 1480 SC is a terrific little jigger with a sub $50k purchase price. It is a boat you can handle by yourself or take out with a couple of mates.

This open side console boat has plenty of storage space and walkabout room, and the Honda 60hp outboard delivers excellent performance and great fuel economy.

Model: Whittley AL 1480 SC
Length overall: 4.5m
Beam: 2.06m
Hull weight: 440kg (approx.)
Towing weight: 880kg (approx.)
Bottom & transom alloy: 3mm
Max power: 60hp (longshaft 20")
Max engine weight: 120kg
Engine tested: Honda 60hp four-stroke
Fuel capacity: 50L
Passengers: 5
Price as tested: $46,990 with a Honda 60hp four-stroke longshaft (20”) outboard motor, and a Dunbier deluxe single-axle braked trailer with alloy wheels.
Supplier: whittleyboats.com.au