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Whittley CR 3100 OB to debut at 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

Whittley Marine Group will present the new CR 3100 OB at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, marking the public debut of the company’s latest trailerable sports cruiser.

The model has been developed as a 31-foot outboard-powered cruiser designed to combine overnight accommodation, trailerable practicality and extended cruising capability within Australia’s 2.5-metre maximum width regulations.

Managing Director of the Whittley Marine Group, Neville Whittley, said the launch represented an important new model for the company.

“The new CR 3100 model represents Australia’s most advanced trailer boat. The factory has been busy completing the first customer-sold CR 3100 OB boats. This year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will mark the first opportunity for the public to experience the CR 3100 OB at its global launch, with display stock available to inspect. The all-new CR 3100 OB has been designed and built by Australian families, for Australian families and our unique boating lifestyle.”

Designed for extended time on the water

The CR 3100 OB has been developed for owners seeking the flexibility of a trailer boat with the comfort and facilities more commonly associated with larger cruisers. The design focus is on weekending, coastal cruising and the ability to tow the boat to different waterways without relying on permanent marina storage.

Below deck, the cabin includes a queen-sized island bed with walk-around access, bedside tables and an innerspring mattress. The boat also includes a fully enclosed bathroom, providing additional comfort and privacy for overnight stays.

A key design feature is the walk-through windscreen, which removes the need for traditional side decks and allows central access to the bow. According to Whittley, this approach has created additional internal space while improving movement through the boat.

Neville Whittley added: “The CR 3100 OB delivers something rarely seen in this class — genuine overnight luxury without sacrificing the freedom of the trailer boat lifestyle. You immediately notice the incredible sense of space created by removing the walk-around side decks, while still enjoying the safety and convenience of central bow access through the walk thru folding windscreen.”

Layout and onboard features

The CR 3100 OB has been developed using CAD modelling and virtual reality review during the design process, allowing the layout to be assessed before construction began.

The cockpit includes a self-draining deck, storage areas and a sliding aft lounge. The lounge can be moved forward to provide more fishing or water access space, or moved aft to create a larger entertaining area while cruising. A floor hatch provides access to a lazarette for storing gear such as water toys, dive equipment or cruising supplies.

Bifold glass doors separate the cockpit from the saloon, allowing the boat to be opened up in fine weather or enclosed in cooler conditions. The saloon includes opposing lounges and a drop-leaf dining table, which can convert into additional sleeping accommodation if required.

“Enjoy maximum entertaining space by sliding the rear lounge aft or move it forward to maximise fishing room and water access. Combined with the unique bifold rear doors, the boat can completely open up in good weather or be enclosed during cooler conditions. It’s another industry-first feature for a trailer boat and for the Whittley brand based on customer feedback. When using the boat, it brings a new meaning to alfresco boating!” Mr. Whittley said.

The CR 3100 OB also features a 48-volt electrical system designed to power selected onboard equipment, including an optional electric grill and air-conditioning system, without requiring an onboard generator.

Mr. Whittley continued: “This is a boat designed to explore Australian waterways — for a full off grid weekend on the water. It offers the ultimate overnight boating experience, with the freedom of your own private waterfront apartment wherever you choose to anchor.”

At the helm, the boat includes a two-person helm bench, a separate bucket seat to port, twin Raymarine multifunction displays and a gloss-black dashboard layout.

Power and performance

The CR 3100 OB is available with twin Honda BF250 V6 outboards. A single Honda BF350 V8 configuration is also available, while a fully electric Naut E 3100 power option will also be offered.

Twin-engine installations can be paired with Whittley’s optional 360-degree joystick control, while single-engine models feature electric steering as standard.

The hull features wide chines, a 19-degree deadrise, sharp bow entry and full-length strakes. Whittley advises the boat cruises at approximately 29 knots and is capable of speeds approaching 46 knots, depending on configuration and conditions. Humphree automatic trim systems are fitted as standard.

“By combining serious cruising comfort with true trailerability, the CR 3100 OB creates an entirely new category of Australian sports cruiser. It represents a new generation of style, innovation and performance from Whittley, for a new generation of Whittley owner, whilst remaining true to the companies core boat design values.” Mr. Whittley finished by saying.

Sanctuary Cove display

The CR 3100 OB will be displayed at the Whittley Boating Centre Gold Coast stand, SLF 3.8, during the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from Thursday 21 May to Sunday 24 May.

The display will also include the CR 2600, CR 2380 and SL 27 models, all powered by Honda four-stroke outboards. Visitors will also be able to speak with the Whittley Repower Division team about Honda outboard show offers available during the event.

The public unveiling of the CR 3100 OB will take place on Thursday 21 May at 9:30am on stand SLF 3.8, when the boat’s red cover will be removed.

Pricing for the CR 3100 OB starts from approximately $462,000 including trailer, with highly optioned models approaching $550,000.

Watch the walk-through video of the all-new Whittley CR 3100 OB: