Whittley CR2080 now comes in outboard

Despite its strong sterndrive focus, Whittley says some boating families prefer their engines hanging "off the back." To this end, its popular CR2080 Cruiser now comes with outboard power options to cater for that popular market.

The company 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 a Volvo Penta installed inside.

Now that has changed. Paired with four-stroke or direct-injection two-stroke outboards
in the 100-150hp range, the CR2080 OB (outboard) promises reduced
weight and also greater internal cockpit space thanks to the removal of
the sterndrive engine box.

However, there is no longer the option of
incorporating an extended boarding/swim platform. If the additional real
estate afforded by the optional platform is on your family’s agenda,
then the sterndrive variant is the only option, Whittley says.

OUTBOARD MARKET
That said, the Melbourne boatbuilder says outboard-powered CR2080’s feature a unique specification level that allows
potential buyers to customise their own ideal package.

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."

KEEN PACKAGES
Priced from
$58,990 ex-Melbourne (plus freight and dealer delivery), the new CR2080 OB is said to
establish a new benchmark in luxury family boating. The outboard also lowers the
admission price for those wanting to experience Whittley’s premium
offerings.

The above price includes a factory installed Yamaha F115 four-stroke outboard, bimini, chemical toilet with dedicated storage, lined
cabin and much more.

Each CR2080 OB is perched on a custom-fitted
Mackay single axle braked trailer with spare wheel, spare wheel cover
and salt-water-resistant ratchet-strap tie downs.

Standard CR2080 OB packages can also be towed
by a broader range of small SUVs and family sedans courtesy of the
reduced overall towing weight – around 1400kg, depending upon engine and
fit-up level. The single-axle trailer is also easier to manoeuvre
around challenging driveways.

OUTBOARD LIVEABOARD
Whittley’s compact sterndrive-powered CR2080 has been a popular pocket cruiser with both young families and nomadic seniors.

The boat builder says, with excellent sea-keeping qualities and intuitive packaging, the CR2080 continues the legacy of compact liveaboard boating established by the original bondwood Whittley's of the 1950s. More from your dealer and at
www.whittleymarinegroup.com.au.