Whittley 2015 S.U.R.F. cruiser 24-7 concept launches 12.06.2015
Thursday 11 June 2015
63 Years ago, a young Aussie bloke by the name of Jim Whittley dared to challenge the notion of what family boating could be. Almost seven decades on, Whittley is set to make waves again.
When engine partner, Volvo Penta, first revealed details of its revolutionary surf-focussed FORWARD DRIVE, we were really intrigued by the possibilities. Here was a unique propulsion system conceived for the tow sport market that harnessed the capability of IPS and the versatility of a sterndrive. We were hooked.
But before we set about designing a platform to harness the potential of the new drive, we had to first establish who our target market was and what their needs were. We could have just followed established wake boat architecture and grafted it onto a bowrider, but that’s not the Whittley way. And besides, there are loads of really good dedicated wake surf boats on the market already, so why would we want to enter this crowded space. And as cool as they are, open bowriders are summertime boats that spend more time on their trailers than they do on the water.
So we took a good long look at what Forward Drive really gave us – “surf”. When we explored “surf” and the surfing culture, we knew we were onto something. SURF quickly became an acronym for the four key values that formed the foundation of this concept: Social, Universal, Radical, Free. SURF!
So what if we not only thought outside the box, but redefined what that box could be? What if we harnessed the potential of Volvo Penta’s latest developments but wrapped it up in a family friendly sports boat that isn’t afraid of a little bad weather?
What if we conceived a trailerable, live-aboard wake-surf boat that sleeps a family of five and is totally self-sufficient yet connects to the outside world in a way that no other boat does? It’s a unique idea that capitalises on our experience crafting compact yet spacious sports cruisers, but also incorporates lessons learned while honing our award winning range of ski and wake craft under the “Spy Boats” banner.
What if we created…the S.U.R.F.cruiser 24-7?
As its name implies, the S.U.R.F.cruiser 24-7 is a World First concept that’s ready for action 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. It employs the latest technological developments blended with seven decades of boat building experience and Volvo Penta’s revolutionary FORWARD DRIVE with IPS-derived forward facing Duoprops is what makes it all a reality. A sterndrive, surf-focussed wake maker when you want it wild and a refined sporty cruiser when you prefer it mild …the stuff of dreams.
Volvo Penta’s proven V8-300 provides the motivation for the S.U.R.F.cruiser 24-7, but as new engines come on stream, we reserve the right to explore their potential. Fusion’s long awaited Signature series provides the soundtrack for your boating adventures and integrates with Volvo Penta’s 8” full-colour touch enabled Glass Cockpit. Fly by wire throttle integrates seamlessly and puts control of all the boats vital functions: Cruise Control, Power Trim Assistant and Tow Mode right at your fingertips.
An aggressive forward-facing Big Air “Cuda” tower with speaker and light bar signals its intent, yet the inviting interior with all the luxuries and amenities you expect from a Whittley invite you to linger longer. There is a fully equipped galley with cooktop, sink and refrigerator capped with carbon fibre-look lids. The carbon fibre treatment continues on the curved sliding cabin door. Gliding the door behind the gloss black helm reveals the custom vinyl-trimmed Crash Pad with bunks that convert to an expansive double bed with discrete toilet. Ideal to use as a change room or overnight accommodation, the cabin provides a sanctuary away from the crazy world outside.
At the rear, a generous boarding platform with utility bar creates a great preparation space for boarders and features lighting and a flush-mounted shower. Quality Craft installed the integrated convertible bimini that enhances the boats curvaceous lines and also incorporates a removable rear awning and camper back for extended adventures afloat. And to top it all off, the drama is enhanced with a custom wrap from John Evans and the team at Racepaint.
Come and visit us on the Whittley Stand (D4) at the Melbourne Boat Show and experience the ride of your life.
S.U.R.F.cruiser 24-7 is not just about the wave…it defines a lifestyle.
About Whittley Marine
Whittley Marine is a third-generation Australian boat builder based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. It is a family owned and operated company that that has focussed its resources on providing high quality boats to boating families since 1953. An innovator within the industry, Whittley’s award winning range of family cruisers and fishing boats reflect its desire to offer versatile solutions that can be enjoyed all year round – A Boat for All Seasons.
For further information on Whittley Marine’s S.U.R.F.cruiser 24-7 and Volvo Penta’s FORWARD DRIVE, please contact:
Angelo San Giorgio
Director of Operations and Strategy
Whittley Marine Group
P: 0427 717 953
E: angelo@whittley.com.au
W: www.whittley.com.au
Back to News