New Whittley SL 28
The Whittley Marine Group will add a new fibreglass boat to its Whittley Sea Legend range when it introduces boaters to the SL 28 model at this year’s BIA Melbourne Boat Show.
According to Whittley, the SL 28 will be the largest legally trailerable (without permits or daylight restrictions) fibreglass boat on display at this year’s show. The large boat will be one of more than 20 models on display across the Clearwater and Whittley brands; this will be in addition to what is said to be a comprehensive selection of Raymarine electronics, Mackay trailers and Volvo Penta sterndrive motors.
Whittley sales and marketing manager, Alan Whittley said: “We are very excited to announce that Marine Max will feature the largest range of Whittley Boats at the Melbourne Boat Show in over 20 years. The Marine Max stand will also feature the largest single display of one brand at this year’s show, with a complete range of Whittley Boats on display.”
According to Whittley, the SL 28 will suit boaters who want to spend more time on the water in luxury. To that end it has a fully enclosed head, full-length berths, comfortable sitting headroom and a galley with built-in-fridge and stove. The fishing / work area has also been increased by one meter. Other improvements, according to Whittley, include an improved seating position, new upholstered cockpit coaming bolsters and tow kicks.
Alan Whittley added: “After listening to feedback from our customers, we felt there was a market for a new model that was one metre longer than our current SL 26 flagship. So we set our R&D team to the challenge of building the largest SL ever and for it to be completed in time for the 2013 Melbourne Boat Show. The new SL 28 will appeal to game fishermen, who do not want to commit to a larger moored boat, but want the flexibility to target offshore fish and still be able to trailer the boat home while avoiding associated costs of a moored boat.”
The new SL 28 is factory-fitted with a Mackay trailer and powered by a Volvo Penta V8-380 sterndrive. The engine features variable valve timing, a QL Neutra-Salt flushing system, fresh water cooling and counter-rotating stainless steel Duoprops. The engine is Volvo Penta’s largest marine petrol engine although Whittley also offers Volvo diesel power options like the D3 and D4.
The new Whittley SL 28 can be viewed at the Marine Max stand (# E96) at the BIA Melbourne Boat Show. Alternatively, call Marine Max on (03) 8339 1810.
SPECIFICATIONS: WHITTLEY SL 28
Material: GRP
Deadrise: 23°
Hull: Bluewater deep-vee
Length (overall): 8.74m
Beam: 2.46m
People: 8
Sleeping accommodation: 2
Fuel capacity: 250L
Fresh water: 100L
Engine (standard): Volvo Penta V8-380
Max HP: 380
Trailer: Mackay standard