Whittley AL 1700 BR 2025 Review

Long-standing Aussie boat builder Whittley has added a range of aluminium models to its luxury fibreglass trailer boat lineup.

Each of the six new alloy models will be available through Whittley Boating Centres located in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast.

The new Whittley alloy models include the 1150 TS and 1280 TS tiller-steer V-nose boats, the 1480 RA runabout, 1480 SC side console, 1700 BR bowrider, and the 1740 CC centre console.

All models are available with a choice of Honda or Mercury outboard engine power.

For this review, Whittley presented us with the 1700 BR bowrider paired with a Honda 100hp four-stroke outboard engine, and a Dunbier single-axle galvanised steel braked trailer.

The Whittley AL 1700 BR is sold as a complete, drive-away package with everything you need to get out on the water except for a fish finder/GPS.

There are so many variables to multi-function displays with regard to brand, features, quality and so on, that Whittley decided it was best to leave the choice of display up to the individual buyer.

Pretty much everything else though is included for a retail package price of $71,990 when the boat is paired with the Honda 100hp four-stroke longshaft (20-inch) outboard and a deluxe model Dunbier single-axle galvanised steel trailer with mechanical brakes.

If Honda is not your preferred brand of outboard engine, you can option the boat with a Mercury outboard engine.

Some of the key features with the Whittley 1700 BR package include a folding bimini top with travel sock, ski-pole/bait board, stereo with speakers, split bow rails and bowsprit, SeaDek non-slip foam rubber on the rear boarding platforms, premium vinyl upholstery, transom door leading out to a boarding ladder, electric trolling motor plate, folding rear bench seat, dual swivelling and bolstered helm chairs, a centre-opening windshield (with very useful grab rail), and a cushioned bowrider seating compartment.

The 1700 BR is a conventional Aussie aluminium bowrider with a V-shaped seating area forward of a centre-opening curved acrylic windshield.

This model also has a pair of pedestal helm chairs, a large rear cockpit and a bench seat across the transom.

Beneath the bow side seat cushions there are storage compartments with a carpeted false floor to provide a flat surface for maximum space and versatility.

Interestingly, the anchorwell is not located up on the foredeck, but beneath the forward, centre seat cushion. This has allowed the designers to enlarge and stretch the seating area right forward to the bowsprit.

Bolstered backrests and coaming rails surround the front seating area for added comfort and practicality.

Hatch lids are carpeted front and back to protect against mould and mildew.

Also included is an electric trolling motor plate off the port side bow for anglers who may want to convert the boat into a serious inshore fishing machine.

Stepping back through the centre-opening windshield and wind-break panel/separator, we arrive at the helm station.

Like most of its rivals, the Whittley has a pair of removable pedestal bucket helm chairs fronting port and starboard side consoles.

The two front bucket chairs are comfortable and fitted with flip-up front bolsters. However, they do not have sliding bases so I was not able to adjust the seated driving position for my optimum comfort.

Ahead of the skipper there is a low-set dash with ample space to fit your choice of multi-function electronics display, alongside the engine instrumentation.

A welcome inclusion is a sturdy windscreen grab rail for both the skipper and co-pilot.

When seated at the helm I did find that the top of the windscreen frame was in my direct line of vision, so I had to peer over or duck slightly for the best view forward.

That’s just me though. This is unlikely to be an issue for anyone shorter – or taller – than me.

Over on the port side the co-pilot console is fitted with a flat dash with a glovebox, two cup holders and the head unit for the included Fusion stereo system.

Overhead the low-set bimini top provides welcome shelter from the weather.

Behind the helm chairs the carpeted cockpit floor stretches 1.3m back to a full-height (635mm) transom wall.

240mm wide side coamings are situated above full-length side storage pockets with bolster padding for knee/thigh comfort when leaning against the topsides.

There’s also a lower-level side pocket on each side, also elevated off the cockpit floor so anglers can place their feet under them while fishing.

At the transom, there’s a boarding step and an inward-opening transom door to starboard, plus a padded, folding (and removable) three-quarter-width bench seat over to port.

The battery is easily accessible in a cupboard beneath the transom, behind the aft bench seat.

Other features include stern rails and cleats, four plastic rod holders, ski-pole/bait board, aft boarding steps and a starboard side folding ladder.

The Whittley 1700 BR has a moderate-vee pressed alloy hull made from 3mm marine-grade aluminium.

The hull has smooth, high topsides for safety and to keep spray at bay, while the hull bottom has a sharp entry forward to cut through the waves, with a shallow vee aft for stability.

Out on the Gold Coast Broadwater I found the Whittley to be a well-mannered, balanced, safe boat with excellent stability and easy handling.

The boat responds nicely to changes in engine trim and rides quite comfortably across short bay chop.

The test boat was fitted with the optimum size motor in the form of a Honda 100hp four-stroke longshaft (20-inch) outboard.

As noted earlier, Mercury outboard power is optional.

With the Honda though, the Whittley is quick off the mark and responsive through the middle rev range, making this boat suitable for social tow sports.

In mixed, choppy waters on the Gold Coast we recorded a handy top speed of 34.1 knots (63.2km/h).

Range on 95% of the 80L fuel supply at 3500rpm: 183.7nm

The Whittley AL 1700 BR is a capable family sports/day boat and a welcome addition to the broader Whittley Aussie boat range.

The 1700 BR is a versatile, practical trailer boat with excellent Honda performance, along with a spacious interior with ample seating, storage and space to move about.

The Whittley is decent value too, with an Australia-wide drive-away package price of $71,990 with safety gear, anchor/rode, bow tonneau cover, and 12 months’ registrations included.

Model: Whittley AL 1700 BR
Length overall: 5.3m
Beam: 2.4m
Hull weight: 470kg (approx.)
Towing weight: 1140kg (approx.)
Bottom and transom alloy: 3mm
Maximum power: 115hp (longshaft 20-inch)
Engine as tested: Honda 100hp four-stroke
Fuel: 110L
Passengers: 5
Price as tested: $71,990 with a Honda 100hp four-stroke longshaft (20-inch) outboard motor, and a Dunbier deluxe single-axle braked trailer with alloy wheels
Supplied by: Whittley Boats