Whittley launching into NZ trailerboat market

Whittley trailerboats from Melbourne are about to make a big splash in New Zealand, with the full range of new models said to be on display at the 2016 Auckland On Water Boat Show from September 29 to October 2.

The Whittley line-up, which ranges from 16ft all-rounders to deep-vee offshore fishing boats and trailerable cruisers up to 28ft in length, owes at least some of its heritage to Kiwi hull designs from a past boat-building agreement.

Unsurprisingly, Whittley is touting performance among its key attributes for the Kiwi market, which is very much a rough-water one.

"The Auckland On Water Boat Show is the perfect opportunity to see the range — and experience the superior glass ride that Whittley glass hulls offer. Even our popular cruising models have exceptional offshore performance," said Whittley director of sales and marketing Alan Whittley.

Of course, the Whittley range is designed appeal to family and fishers. There are both outboard and sterndrive configurations, with the former available on more and more models such as the Whittley Cruiser 2080 Outboard we recently tested.

Bu the new alloy-block Volvo Penta petrol sterndrives and common-rail diesels are traditionally the most popular powerplants in Whittleys. The compact inboard engines are touted with creating a low centre of gravity, punchy performance and good fuel consumption.

The local dealer, Bensemann Boating Centre, held high hopes for Whittley on the local market, especially as the Kiwi economy is strong and boating remains buoyant.

"New Zealand boat owners will love Whittley boats. They are modern-looking, great-riding glass hulls, with a wide range of models available for family fishermen all the way through to serious offshore fishermen and cruising couples. And all Whittley boats are under the legal towing width for our roads," said Graeme Bensemann from Bensemann Boating Centre.

Whittley boats are now distributed by Graham and Rose Bensemann from Bensemann Boating Centre, a second-generation family business with 40 years in the NZ marine industry. Other NZ dealers will be announced in coming months, Whittley says. More at www.whittleymarinegroup.com.au.