Australia’s leading trailerable fibreglass boat builder and retailer, Whittley Marine Group, is unveiling its highly anticipated Sea Legend model after a decade-long hiatus. The launch of the SL 27 HT model coincides with the Whittley Family’s 70th year of boat building in Melbourne, a legacy marked by generations of quality Australian-made boats.
Steve Whittley, Director of Design at Whittley Marine Group, spoke about the new SL 27 HT’s significance. He highlighted how the in-house Research and Development team in Melbourne meticulously crafted the model based on comprehensive market research and feedback from Whittley owners. Recognizing the need for enhanced boating flexibility for Australian families, the SL 27 HT offers various versatile cockpit layouts, dedicated galley, toilet, and shower facilities, a spacious rear fishing area, and convenient access to water activities through a side door. This multifunctional design strikes a balance between crossover features and family-friendly usability.
Replacing the SL 26 HT model, the newly released SL 27 HT is the largest Sea Legend model to date. It caters to Australia’s distinctive boating lifestyle with an entirely new hull shape and layout that promise both a captivating appearance and a superior offshore ride.
The boat’s interior and dashboard layout exude a fresh style, accommodating up to a 19” Simrad multi-function screen and Brunswick’s Fathom full boat integration system option. Ergonomics are prioritized, offering a sleek and practical design inside and out. The V180W windscreen design enhances strength, visibility, and airflow, while the innovative WB180A electric rear sun awning adds an element of comfort.
Steve Whittley emphasized the revolutionary nature of the SL 27 HT, setting new standards in locally made fibreglass trailer boats. Its flexibility allows basic packages to be towed under 3,500 kg, remaining within the legal towing width of 2.5m for Australian roads. The boat stands out with a plethora of innovative features:
- A new V180W windscreen design, enhancing visibility and strength, accompanied by sliding side windows.
- An ergonomically designed sports dashboard to accommodate up to a 19” Simrad multifunction screen and advanced switching system.
- An 18% increase in usable workspace and fishing cockpit area, with various storage options.
- Enhanced fishing amenities like a moulded live bait tank, freshwater rear sink, and sliding electric rear WB180A awning.
- Increased access through a standard starboard side door and optional rear side door ladder.
- Versatile seating options mid-ship, including stainless steel u-bar seats, back-to-back fibreglass molded base seats, or a combination of both.
- Foam-filled hull and WBGRID timber-free stringer construction for a quiet ride, longevity, and strength.
- Optional innovative lithium battery system with Brunswick’s Fathom technology.
- Deep-vee hull with a 23-degree deadrise design for superior offshore performance.
- Enhanced cabin space, galley amenities, and sleeping accommodations.
- A newly designed sports hard top with twin folding hatches and an innovative pack rack system.
- Increased fuel and water capacity, with the OB model featuring a standard 480-litre fuel tank.
- Standard automated boat leveling technique through Zip Wake Trim Tabs
Despite being designed as a family boat, the SL 27 HT retains its appeal for serious anglers, with a foam-filled, timber-free subfloor and a spacious rear fishing work area. Its deep-vee 23-degree deadrise hull ensures a smooth offshore experience. The boat’s adaptability allows it to be configured as an offshore fishing vessel, bay cruiser, or extended weekender. Two factory optional packages, Coast Tourer Edition and Marlin Broadbill Edition, offer customization based on users’ boating style. The Sea Keeper on-board stabilizer option and the factory-supplied Relion Lithium Battery cater to specific needs.
The SL 27 HT enhances front cabin volume, offering more space in the overnight facilities. The folding rear lounge, a standard feature for the first time in a Sea Legend model, provides additional seating that can be conveniently folded away for fishing.
The SL 27 HT package includes a high-quality Australian made Mackay Trailer and can be powered by a Mercury Outboard or Volvo Penta Stern Drive. Each boat, motor, and trailer package is meticulously crafted at the Whittley Marine Group’s Melbourne factory. Orders for the new SL 27 HT model can be placed through Whittley Factory Owned Dealerships across the country.
To learn more, interested parties can contact Laurie Jackson at the Coomera Boat Works Showroom at 0409 830 809.
Published in print October-December 2023
