Whittley teases industry first walk thru windscreen design concept for new model hardtop cabin boat
by Alan Whittley 11 Sep 2024 22:37 BST
Whittley Mid Saloon Walk Thru design concept © Alan Whittley
Whittley Marine Group, Australia's largest fiberglass trailer boat builder releases teaser images of the industry's first trailer boat model to feature innovative new walk thru side windscreen design, known as the Whittley Mid Saloon Walk Thru design concept.
However, the design team remains tight lipped as to the announcement of what new model boat the innovative design feature will be on.
The new concept enables the removal of traditional walk around side decks to a boat model, leaving more useable space inside the saloon cockpit area. Consumers will be able to access the front deck, via the mid cabin saloon area of the boat, only previously seen in much larger in water boats. In practice the new concept seamlessly blends the rear cockpit and saloon area to the foredeck and enables the ideals of space to exists whilst connecting these key two areas of the boat.
Alan Whittley, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Whittley Marine Group had this to say about the innovative new design concept release.
"No other local or imported trailer boat brand, has been able to incorporate or develop this concept. This is completely unique to this new model Whittley Boat. It's new and its different and the user is going to really be able to notice the difference with the extra space and safety attributes it brings every time they walk thru the center of the boat for access to the new lifestyle area of the bow. The change is really noticeable to the whole boat design and layout, and it enables you to have a big in water boat feel, without all the mooring costs in a maxi trailer boat cruiser. It really changes the game for live aboard trailer boating!"
Thru the innovation that the Whittley Mid Saloon Walk Thru design concept brings. Inside the saloon and mid cockpit area of the new model Whittley Boat, is a series of easily accessible steps which enable direct access up and thru the opening windscreen. Providing a uniquely designed companionway on the port side of the boat. The new design concept has been developed over two years by the Whittley design studio team, with components being sourced globally and engineering input from around the world. Under the new design it combines the rear cockpit saloon area with free and easy passage to the front bow area, this isn't seen in a trailer boat anywhere in the world.
Mr. Whittley continued to say that. "The new design concept was born from customer feedback. Our owners didn't enjoy walking around the side decks of our traditional model boats and when we removed them, we found how much extra usable space could be in a boat. We found consumers area asking for as much room inside the rear saloon of the boat as possible, whilst staying under the maximum legal towing width on Australian roads of two point five meters. The design team have also raised the floor height of the boat, enabling uninterrupted views from the boat's windows previously unimaginable. I have explored the new model extensively using the latest VR and AI technology and have been able to step up the steps thru the windscreen and experienced how easy it is and the extra room created in the boat, via VR headsets. It honestly feels like a much larger and wider boat with these key changes and innovations. Only Whittley through our seventy plus years of Australian boating knowledge can bring such innovative ideas to the market and to our next generation boat model range."
Although the release of these images and new concept was not the introduction of the new model, Whittley's Design Studio team did gave away some further insights into the models new features including; a lockable sliding cabin door option mid ship, available only with outboard power in both single and twin engine capacities, be under the maximum legal towing width of 2.5 meters for Australian roads and feature Brunswick E-Fathom power system along with the innovative new Sea Keeper Ride trim tab system. The new model boat will also feature a newly designed full-length sunroof offering the welcoming of the elements when favorable thru summer and the ability to simply close the roof electrically from the helm when using the cabin at night or thru out winter. As well as improve side window air flow access for the driver and passenger.
"The new model, which is under development, will be the most advanced fiberglass trailer boat ever built in Australia. From its lithium battery electrical system, removing the need for generators. To the new model's large rear area due to its outboard only design. It's going to be an exciting time as the new model details are revealed. These advancements in the boats design elevate consumers on board experience by catalyzing cutting edge technology and design to make an unsurpassed boating experience every time you set out on the water. Thereby setting a new standard in the industry for design and the way a maxi trailer boat can be enjoyed out on the water." Mr. Whittley said.
Operating within the Whittley Marine Group's manufacturing facility in Melbourne, the Whittley Design Studio and R&D facilities are responsible for all new product development and feature some of the country's leading boat designers and engineers. The Group's team work tirelessly to local market feedback, to design boats which are unique to the Australian boating lifestyle, which then go into production. The Group prides itself on designing, building and selling Australia's most popular fiberglass trailer boats and is considered a true industry innovator. That's why Whittley makes sense for Australian boating families!
Mr. Whittley finished by saying that. "Into the coming months, we will announce the New Model VR in Dealership Experience. Whereby interested parties can make an appointment to have a VR tour of the new model boat with a Whittley sales expert, in a Whittley Factory Owned Dealership location across the country. This experience will also be unique to the Whittley brand and unseen previously in the Australian marine industry. Allowing customers to move thru the new boat model in real time. It is an exciting time as we bring this new model to market and this industry leading technology. The company has already pre-sold the first three production builds for this new model boat and we encourage others to explore, get excited and secure up your production slot for summer!"
For more information on the new models upcoming release, or to arrange a private VR tour of the Whittley Mid Saloon Walk Thru design concept in a Whittley Factory Owned Dealership please phone 03 8339 1800 or visit dealership locations in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and the Gold Coast. More information on this exciting new CR model from the Whittley Marine Group will be announced into the coming months.