WHITTLEY DESIGN STUDIO TEASES THE INDUSTRY WITH ITS FIRST WALK-THROUGH WINDSCREEN DESIGN CONCEPT FOR A NEW MODEL HARD-TOP CABIN BOAT
Friday 4 October 2024
WHITTLEY DESIGN STUDIO TEASES THE INDUSTRY WITH ITS FIRST WALK-THROUGH WINDSCREEN DESIGN CONCEPT FOR A NEW MODEL HARD-TOP CABIN BOAT
Whittley Marine Group, Australia's largest fibreglass trailer boat builder, released teaser images of Australia's first cabin trailer boat model to feature an innovative new walk-through side windscreen design, known as the "Whittley mid-saloon walk-through design concept." However, the design team remains tight-lipped about the announcement of the new model boat on which the innovative design feature will be featured.
The industry's new concept allows for the removal of traditional walk-around side decks on a boat model, creating more usable space inside the saloon/cockpit area. Consumers will be able to access the front deck via the mid-cabin saloon area of the boat, a feature previously only seen in much larger in-water boats. In practice, this new concept seamlessly blends the rear cockpit and saloon area to the foredeck, creating an ideal space while connecting these two areas of the boat.
Alan Whittley, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Whittley Marine Group, said this about the industry's first walk-through windscreen design in this class. "No other local or imported trailer boat brand has been able to incorporate or develop this concept, which is unique to this new model Whittley Boat. It's new and different, and you will really be able to notice the difference with the extra space and safety attributes it brings every time you walk through the centre of the boat for access to the new lifestyle area of the bow. The change is noticeable to the whole boat design and layout and will give you a big in-water boat feel without all the mooring costs in a maxi trailer boat cruiser. It's changing the game for live aboard trailer boating!"
The Whittley mid-saloon walk-through design concept brings innovation. Inside the saloon and mid-cockpit area of the new model Whittley Boat, there are easily accessible steps that enable direct access through the opening windscreen. This provides a uniquely designed companionway on the port side of the boat. The Whittley design studio team developed the new design concept over two years, with components being sourced globally and engineering input from around the world. The new design combines the rear cockpit saloon area with free and easy passage to the front bow area, which hasn't been seen in a trailer boat anywhere in the world.
Mr. Whittley explained that the new design concept stemmed from customer feedback. “Owners of our traditional model boats didn't like walking around the side decks, so we removed them and discovered that it created much more usable space in the boat. Consumers wanted maximum room inside the rear saloon of the boat while still staying under the maximum legal towing width of 2.5 meters on Australian roads. The design team also raised the floor height of the boat, allowing for uninterrupted views from the windows which was previously unimaginable. Mr. Whittley extensively explored the model using the latest VR and AI technology, and was able to step up the steps through the windscreen to experience how easy it is and also the extra room in the boat. With these key changes and innovations, it honestly feels like a much larger and wider boat. Only Whittley, with our seventy-plus years of Australian boating knowledge, can bring such innovative ideas to the market and to our next-generation model boat range”.
"The new model, currently under development, will be the most advanced fibreglass trailer boat ever built in Australia. It will feature a lithium battery electrical system, eliminating the need for generators. The new model's outboard-only design will create a large rear area and as details of the new model are revealed, it's going to be an exciting time. These advancements in the boat's design will enhance consumers' on-board experience by incorporating cutting-edge technology and design, aiming to provide an unparalleled boating experience every time you set out on the water. This sets a new standard in the industry for design and the way a trailer boat can be enjoyed on the water," Mr. Whittley said.
The Whittley Marine Group operates within a manufacturing facility in Melbourne, housing the Whittley Design Studio and R&D facilities. This team is responsible for developing new products and consists of leading boat designers and engineers in Australia. They diligently incorporate local market feedback to design boats tailored to the Australian boating lifestyle, which then go into production. The group is renowned for designing, building, and selling Australia’s most popular fibreglass trailer boats, establishing itself as a true industry innovator. As a result, Whittley is an excellent choice for Australian boating families.
Mr. Whittley also announced an upcoming event called the New Model VR in Dealership Experience. Interested parties can schedule a VR tour of the new model boat with a Whittley sales expert during this event. This experience will be exclusive to the Whittley brand and has never been seen before in the Australian marine industry. Thanks to this industry-leading technology, Customers will be able to navigate the new boat model in real-time. The company has pre-sold the first three production builds for this new model boat. They encourage others to explore, get excited, and secure their production slot for the summer. More information on this exciting new CR model from the Whittley Marine Group will be announced in the coming months.
For more information on the upcoming release of new models or to arrange a private VR tour of the "Whittley mid-saloon walk-through design concept" in a Whittley Factory Owned Dealership, please call 03 8339 1800 or visit dealership locations in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast.
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