Whittley releases new outboard powered legally trailerable CR 2600 OB

by Alan Whittley 2 Apr 2020 06:03 UTC

Longstanding Australian fiberglass boat builder, Whittley Boats, are set to release their new CR 2600 OB (Outboard) online instead of at this year's Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, a sign of the current times.

The Group's new CR 2600 OB is a purpose built, legally trailerable outboard powered sports cruiser that's designed for the unique Australian boating lifestyle.

The CR 2600 OB was created with the Queensland boater in mind. The outboard motor enables beach and shallow water access from the rear with ease. More storage at the rear of the boat is made available where the sterndrive once went without compromising large areas of the swim platform space. The leg and prop can also be tilted up out of the water, lowering maintenance during mooring.

Whittley CR 2600 OB - photo © Whittley Boats

Laurie Jackson, Sales Manager at Whittley Gold Coast Sales, had this to say about the exciting new model announcement. "Since we opened our new showroom at The Boat Works on the Gold Coast, consumers have been regularly asking for Yamaha outboard powered packages for our larger Cruiser models. The Research and Development team at the Whittley Factory have worked closely with feedback from customers, to design outboard versions of our popular CR models. The key was to be able to trim the engine up, as well as minimize the room lost on the large rear swim platform. Consumers can also enjoy a weight reduction in this new OB model over the traditional sterndrive model, which makes the package lighter to tow behind a suitable vehicle. This boat was built for the Queensland market based on their feedback and input."

Eye catching and spacious, the tightly drawn lines and subtle curves hint at something special and stepping on-board only confirms your first impression. Making the most of its 2.49m beam, the CR 2600 is both spacious and innovative. An elegant helm console with twin seat provides the captain and first mate a commanding view through the panoramic windscreen. Ergonomics have been well considered and everything falls easily to hand. The sliding curved solid cabin door reflects the detail Whittley is renowned for.

Neville Whittley, Managing Director at Whittley Boats, has this to say about the exciting new model release. "The new Whittley CR 2600 OB combines the awardwinning quality of the sterndrive version, with the widely known benefits of outboard power. The outboard version offers additional storage and cabin space, whilst still providing a wraparound swim platform at the rear of the boat. Customers can enjoy increased reliability and lower service costs from an outboard engine; one of the many reasons why we have seen outboard powered packages continue to increase in popularity. We certainly look forward to showing customers our latest outboard powered cruiser model online and in store when restrictions permit it."

Whittley CR 2600 OB - photo © Whittley Boats

Making owning a boat a reality has become even easier via Yamaha's industry leading financial services, another unique feature to purchasing a Yamaha powered Whittley. Whittley enjoys a long term OEM supply partnership with Yamaha Motor's Australia. Under the partnership customers can access competitive finance options via Yamaha Financial Services, YMF and YMI.

Mr Jackson continued to say, "The CR 2600 OB ticks many of the boxes that Australian families want in an all-round weekender package. The removable rear clears enable maximised airflow for those hot days, and the lockable cabin door mid ship means valuables can be kept safe while the boat is docked. Being under the legal towing beam of 2.5m means that customers can trailer their boat, nearly anywhere, anytime, with a suitable tow vehicle. Making trips to the Whitsundays and other unique locations a reality. With every new boat sold, we even sign up every new customer into Club Whittley QLD. Where they will have the opportunity to explore new boating locations with the confidence of a friendly and knowledgeable owner's group."

As a sign of the times, the new boat model was set for release to the public at this year's Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May. With the show being postponed, interested parties can view detailed videos on the new model online and even take a virtual on-screen tour of the boat from the privacy and convenience of their homes. Quoting of the new model can also be done by consumers via the Whittley web-site and unique 'build a boat' feature. In time, the CR 2600 OB will be available for customers to view at the Whittley Gold Coast Sales showroom in Coomera.

Mr. Whittley finished by saying. "Whittley Boats and new dealership Whittley Gold Coast Sales, will be running introductory show specials on this new model, even know the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has been postponed this year. Consumers can expect the same deals offered at the show as an incentive to purchase a new Whittley thru April & May, from our Gold Coast dealership."

The new Whittley CR 2600 OB is now on display at the Whittley Gold Coast Sales showroom where customers can view details on the package online via www.whittleyboats.com.au. Please contact Alan Whittley direct on 0421 170 192 or Laurie Jackson 0409 830 078 for more information or visit Whittley Gold Coast Sales in the future.

Whittley CR 2600 OB Specifications: