Whittley returns to Volvo Penta

Whittley Marine, which has been building acclaimed boats since 1953, has renewed its partnership with engine maker Volvo Penta after a break of 20 years.

Volvo Penta petrol and diesel engines will be installed on the full range of Whittley Cruisers, Sea Legend and Clearwater models. Sterndrives will offer petrol power ranging from the 3.0GL up to the big block 8.1 litre V8, paired with Volvo single or duo prop drives. Diesel power will be an option on all boats.

Jim Whittley, who founded the company in 1953, used Volvo Penta engines in the 1960s and 1970s after he was impressed by the sterndrive petrol and diesel engines Volvo Penta pioneered in 1959.

Volvo Penta general manager Auke Bruinsma welcomed the renewed relationship with Whittley, now owned by Jim Whittley's sons Neville and Steven. "Volvo Penta is very pleased to be the preferred supplier of sterndrive units to an Australian icon brand like Whittley," Bruinsma says.

Whittley managing director Neville Whittley says the move back to Volvo Penta was "a natural" because both companies shared a commitment to the highest quality, the latest technology and outstanding performance.

"Volvo Penta stern drive systems are smoother, quieter and better performing than anything else available," Whittley says, "They are ideally suited to our style of boat."

For more details on the Whittley Marine range, check out its website.