Whittley Marine Group will unveil an all-new design concept at the Melbourne Boat Show, which opens tomorrow at Docklands. The display will be the first opportunity for the public to see the new model as it nears completion, ahead of its official launch later this year.
Brock Cohen, General Manager of the Whittley Boating Centre Dealership, said the team was looking forward to sharing the new model with visitors.
“For the first time, consumers are invited to come and see the new model concept, before the new models launch later in the year. When completed, this will be the largest Whittley model ever produced, and the most advanced trailer boat designed and built in Australia. The new model’s development sees the Whittley Family invest over three point five million dollars, the largest investment in Australian trailer boat history and shows a strong commitment to building Australia’s finest trailer boats. The new model is bolder, smarter and more future ready than anything produced before it.”
Whittley Marine Group Managing Director, Neville Whittley, will also attend the show, giving visitors the chance to speak directly with a member of the Whittley family about the project and its design features.
The new concept has been developed by Whittley’s Melbourne-based design and engineering team. The company’s in-house facilities are responsible for the development of all new products and work closely with local boaters to design models suited to Australian conditions.
Inside, the new model introduces several changes, including a permanent front cabin bed fitted with a spring mattress, a larger toilet and shower area, and an expanded galley. Two side windows provide additional natural light in the front cabin.
Cohen said the new layout reflects ongoing development in Whittley’s approach to comfort and function.
“From its lithium battery electrical system, potentially removing the need for generators, to the new models’ large rear area due to its outboard-only design, it’s going to be an exciting time as the new model’s details are revealed. These advancements in the boat’s design elevate the consumer’s on-board experience by harnessing cutting-edge technology and design to create an unparalleled boating experience every time you set out on the water, thereby setting a new standard in the industry for design and the way a maxi trailer boat can be enjoyed out on the water.”
One of the model’s key features is a new mid-saloon walk-through concept. By removing traditional side decks, Whittley has created more interior space while still allowing access to the front deck via integrated steps and a port-side passage through the windscreen.
“This new design combines the rear cockpit saloon area with free and easy passage to the front bow area; this isn’t seen in a trailer boat anywhere in the world,” Cohen said. The design was developed over four years with input from international partners, and incorporates an optional single or twin Honda outboard configuration.
The new model measures 10 metres in length, remains within Australia’s legal towing width of 2.5 metres, and can be towed by vehicles with a 4.5-tonne capacity. Cohen said improvements in vehicle towing capacity have allowed Whittley to explore larger trailerable models.
“With the introduction of larger towing capacity vehicles, this has enabled the Whittley Design Team to increase the physical size and weight of its maxi trailer boat model designs. The new model is considerably larger in physical size than the model it replaces, and now means you can have a much larger maxi trailer cruiser from Whittley, for that larger in water feel, with the benefits of trailer boat ownership still. The new model also has larger fuel and water tanks, extending the range of this maxi trailer sports cruiser, opening up even more possibilities on the water.”
Cohen encouraged those attending the show to visit the Whittley display.
“I encourage anyone interested in seeing the next generation of Whittley designs, and the largest maxi trailer cruiser designed and made in Australia, to visit the Whittley Boating Centre Melbourne stand at this year’s Melbourne Boat Show. Over the four days of the show, you will have the opportunity to look at the new models exclusively prior to its launch later in the year. We have already pre-sold the first five production slots for the new Whittley model, which the factory will build in Melbourne. I encourage any interested parties in this new model to make contact, to secure your build slot.”
The Whittley Boating Centre Melbourne display will be located at stands 20/21 and 22 at the 2025 Melbourne Boat Show in Docklands. Other fibreglass and aluminium models from Whittley, along with Honda Marine engines, will also be on display. For more information, visitors can speak with the Whittley team at the show or contact their local Whittley Boating Centre.