Boat test by Lisa Greig
After owning the larger CR 2600 for over 5 years, I expected to step onto the midsize CR 2380 and be more aware of swell and sensitive handling. It was completely not the case, which can be attributed to the 20-degree deadrise and reverse chine responsible for throwing the water away from the boat. This is why I was enjoying a smooth, soft and dry ride. I could feel the boat gripping the water, especially through turns, which meant we were stable. Add these features to the high-quality fitout and you have the perfect boat for cruising.
Even though the CR 2380 is classified as a family cruiser, I felt like I was in a sports car when at the helm. Sitting in the comfy leather captain’s chair, everything is to hand. The dash with Simrad navigation and Mercury gauges monitoring the performance of the motor is right in front of you. The steering is responsive and the throttle is positioned easily by your side.
There is no need to be thrashing these boats at top speed. If, however, you had to make a quick dash, the standard Mercury 150 EXLPT does not ignore the call to perform. The boat handles like a pocket rocket. At 50km/h, she sits beautifully up on the plane while the motor hums. At a cruising speed of 30km/hr, the CR 2380 is happiest in fuel consumption, stability and comfort. She is the perfect entry-level family cruiser, ideally aimed at family weekends exploring Queensland’s magnificent waterways.
The windscreen and wiper (the same quality as that of the CR 2600) is installed, providing protection and great visibility. It is just as easy to stand up and drive the boat with adjustable tilt position steering making looking out over the windscreen a breeze. This area can also be enclosed to keep the boat cosy and insect-free.
Lisa went on to say “Not surprisingly, the CR 2380 OB is Whittley’s top-selling family cruiser. Described as the big little cruiser, with many of the larger CR 2600 features packed into a true midsize weekender.”
Most things on the CR 2600 are also on the CR 2380, but positioned differently due to the boat being slightly smaller at 7.6m and with a soft top canopy as opposed to the hardtop of its bigger brother model.
Access into the boat is easy whether you are docked beside a jetty or have the boat beached. There are several grab rails for support and a good-sized swim platform where you can set up a couple of deck chairs and fish in comfort and also has rubber decking to eliminate slipping. There is a shower housed on the swim platform, great for keeping the rest of your boat nice and dry.
Stepping into the cockpit you will be surprised by the amount of space that is fitted out with high-quality upholstery and marine carpet. As with the CR 2600, the cockpit area comes with full camper covers so you can enclose the space and be protected from mozzies and sandflies. Clears also provide additional protection and warmth from rain and dew; it is a cosy additional cabin.
Under the large U-shaped lounge is plenty of storage that is easy to access and has become available after removing the sterndrive engine freeing up valuable storage room.
Just outside the V-berth is a small but fully functional galley. You can cook meals on the induction cooktop which is beside a pressurised sink. There is also a fridge for the storage of your perishables.
Whittley are magicians when it comes to space. The V-berth that is easily converted into a bed is another great space to lay back and read a book in peace. Inside the cabin is a chemical toilet which has been discreetly positioned. When the door to the V-berth is closed, you have complete privacy.
What I also love about the Whittley brand is that their connection with the buyer does not end when you drive out of the showroom. You are welcomed into their boating community, a member-only space where you have access to a multitude of support, education and a wealth of experience; and not to forget the monthly organised getaways to locations you could only talk about but just never seem to make it to, courtesy of a free 12-month subscription to Whittley Club Queensland with every new boat purchase.
FEATURES I LOVE ABOUT WHITTLEY C2380 AND C2600 BOATS
1. Australian-made by the Whittley family since 1953.
2. Choice of outboard or sterndrive
3. Service division at all Whittley dealerships around the country
4. Outboard easy to service and if tilted, prop and leg are clear from the water
5. Both hold plenty of water (100L) and fuel (200L) for weekend away
6. These boats are legally trailable and can be towed anywhere in Australia using your boat like a caravan for overnight stopovers.
7. Full drive on/off the trailer making the boat easier to retrieve
8. There are several options you can add to your boat.
Whittley is located here on the Gold Coast with an expansive showroom in The Boat Works precinct at Coomera. The boats are manufactured in Melbourne where you are welcome to visit during the build process at any time. Once the boat is delivered, any additions or maintenance can be carried out on the Boat Works site. This means you are out of the water for the least amount of time.
Even if you are just curious about the brand, pop in and see Laurie and Lisa for a casual chat. There are no hard sells in this showroom, but there is a lot of conversation and good memories shared about boating on Whittley. You also get to see the largest display of new fibreglass boats for sale on the Gold Coast.
To find out more, call Laurie Jackson at Whittley Sales QLD
Ph: 0409 830 078 whittleyboats.com.au
Published in print January-March 2024
