Whittley has introduced outboard to its Sea Legend (SL) range. The most affordable of the models is the SL20 OB Coast Tourer with its distinct 2-tone blue sporty hull, making the boat a real head turner.
At 6.2 metres in length, it is not just a “blood and guts” capable fishing boat, it is also a good size family boat that offers everyone onboard sufficient cover from the sun, wind and rain. This boat will get you way offshore in good time, and back home safely even if you are exposed to harsh water conditions. The hull design allows for powerful manoeuvring in this large-volume small boat. It is a super strong, yet a very quiet boat – there is no banging or clanging, because most of the features inside the boat are part of the hull mould. There are no side panels that are screwed in like the cheaper boats in this class.
It is a good-looking and well-equipped boat. Whittley has an impressive high level of fitout, with most options supplied as standard. For example, the bimini and clears are supplied with the new package, so it makes for year-round comfortable boating in our local waters.
The cabin has walk-around side decks to the bow, and the cockpit has non-slip rubber seadeck floors and gunwales making it easily washable with a garden hose and also dries quickly. With a stainless steel boarding ladder, kids will not have a problem getting back into the boat after a swim.
The SL20 has great fishability. Its cockpit is big enough for 3 to 4 anglers. Fishing is part of the Whittley DNA, so for the fishers, there are 6 rod holders on the stainless steel targa, and a cutting board accessible from both sides. The storage in this boat is really maximised. Rods can be stored along the sides of the cockpit. There is a unique side pocket storage for your fishing tackle. There is also a live bait tank on the transom and the high gunwales mean there is good freeboard to lean up against while reeling in your catch.
The standard boat includes a flush mount Garmin fishfinder and chart plotter that looks great on the black colour dash. A handy feature is the flat surfaces on the dash to place your personal belongings. The gauges are positioned neatly and all the dash cabling is accessible via a maintenance hatch. You can also upgrade the helm with a neatly fitted remote control for the anchor winch.
For serviceability, the standard dual batteries, isolation switch, cabling, and plumbing are accessible via a cupboard door on the transom.
The large v-berth cabin is fully lined and the bunks are 1.8m long and come with fill cushions to make a bed. There is also a table that converts the space into a well-sheltered dining area. The cabin is open style,but there is a vinyl screen that closes off the area if you want privacy. Below the bow cushion is an easy lift hatch that unveils the Porta Potti. You can access the bow via the cabin hatch.
Below the plush driver and passenger seats are eskies that double as cushioned passenger seats. The stainless steel grab rail running around the seating areas ensures your stability in rough conditions. The bimini has been designed to ensure full head height.
There is a large holding tank accessible by an easy opening lid at the rear of the cockpit that can be used to keep the fish you catch or as a storage area or cooler.
The package comes standard with hydraulic steering and can be fitted with 130hp or 150hp motors. This is 4-stroke boating at its best – just launch the boat, turn the key and you are away boating. Mercury reliability and warranty means peace of mind and confidence out on the water.
The SL20 O/B is very economical. With a 130hp you can cruise along at about 2km per litre just under 4000rpm. And if you need to get there fast, the boat will travel at up to 33knots or just over 60km per hour. A 210L fuel tank gives you the range for anything you have in mind.
The boat will run nice and flat as it uses self-leveling trim tabs. The high sides of the hull means you have a very dry ride. The short waterline length means it can turn sharply if needed and you can use the trim of the engine to lift the bow so you comfortably power through any rough conditions. The SL20 O/B has one of the deepest V-hulls in its class. With a 23-degree deadrise, it cuts through the water and helps with stability at rest.
The SL20 is sold on a twin axle trailer that is fitted with LED lights. The entire package weighs about 1900kg, so it can be towed by any vehicle rated for 2-tonnes or greater, making it a very safe family boat-motor-trailer package.
The Whittley family business is celebrating its 69th year of building reliable boats in Australia – for Australian conditions. There are Whittley Clubs in every state of Australia, so you are not just buying a boat, you are buying a lifestyle and something in common with an adventurous and friendly community of boat owners.
This turn-key trailerable boat rig has the ride and performance that will not disappoint. To enquire about these iconic Aussie boats, contact Laurie from Whittley QLD at The Boat Works in Coomera Ph: 0409 830 078 whittleyboats.com.au
Published in print October-December 2022
