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.
Laurie Jackson, sales manager at Whittley Gold Coast Sales, says, “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 minimise 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 seats 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, says, “The new Whittley CR 2600 OB combines the award-winning 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.”
Making boat ownership 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 Australia. Under the partnership, customers can access competitive finance options via Yamaha Financial Services, YMF, and YMI.
Mr Jackson continues, “The CR 2600 OB ticks many of the boxes that families want in an all-round weekender package. The removable rear clears enable maximised airflow for those hot days, and the lockable cabin door midship means valuables can be kept safe while the boat is docked. Being under the legal towing beam of 2.5m, customers can trailer their boat nearly anywhere, anytime, with a suitable tow vehicle, making trips to unique locations a reality. With every new boat sold, we even sign up new customers to Club Whittley QLD, where they will have the opportunity to explore new boating locations with the confidence of a friendly and knowledgeable owners’ group.”
Interested parties can now 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 website and unique ‘build a boat’ feature. The CR 2600 OB will be available for customers to view onsite at the Whittley Gold Coast Sales showroom in Coomera. Mr. Whittley concludes, “Whittley Boats and the new dealership Whittley Gold Coast Sales will be running introductory show specials on this new model. Consumers can expect the same deals originally offered at the boat show.”
The Whittley CR 2600 OB is on display at the Whittley Gold Coast Sales showroom. Customers can view details of the package online via whittleyboats.com.au.
