Cruiser2800

New Cruiser 2800

Whittley released the new Cruiser 2800 (CR2800) in May 2007 which completed the rollout of the new look for the cruiser range, and a change in designation of all models from metric to imperial. The entire fleet (Cruiser, Sea Legend and Clearwater) is now well endowed with models of high quality, family resemblence (style) and consistent designation (click here for details).

At close to 9m length overall and 7.5m centreline length and requiring an aluminium trailer to be under the 3.5 tonne towing weight target, it is the largest cruiser from the Campbellfield factory and brings to market the latest in marine technology and innovation.

This boat is all new - hull, deck and a new internal layout using new materials (honeycomb sandwich) in its construction to reduce weight, increase strength (particularly in deck, bulkheads and floors) and allow a much bigger boat to be built.

The CR2800 carries over a host of styling cues from the popular Cruiser 630 (or should I say CR2380 as it is now):

	the highly desirable club lounge, but now with a tilting sun lounge section in the return at the Nav seat end;
	a cockpit table that forms the base for a second double bed in concert with the club lounge - big improvement is that the cockpit table and most of its cushions are neatly stored in an overhead locker underside of the hard-top - yes, this baby sleeps 4 adults in comfort, or 2 adults and 3 children.;
	sliding wooden cabin door - lockable for privacy and security;
	wet-well in the transom under the backrest - handy for those beach towels, snorkels etc;
	step through transom door that forms the step into the cockpit, but on the starboard side;
	mid-rail on the huge marlin board with 3 rod holders - optional fit-out are full rails;

New features introduced on the CR2800 include storage Areas and Drink Holders everywhere:

	an under floor hold for fenders and stern anchor etc in the huge integrated marlin board;
	wet-well in the transom and another large, long well in the cockpit floor suitable for ski's, fishing rods etc.;
	under club lounge storage bins and more under the Nav seat and Nav's feet;
	cocktail cabinet with a slight change - the door opens right down (no more broken hinges after the kids sit on it) and the glass and bottle racks slide out for access - very neat;
	a wardrobe in the cabin to hang that black-tie suit before strutting out at the yacht club's formal;
	vanity unit in the head/shower cubicle;
	heaps of storage under the v-berth and in the galley;

NSM launch photos below

The galley is more like a dream kitchen with two burner metho stove and exhaust fan above, high mounted micro-wave, crockery and cutlery specifically designed by Sea-Level, rollout wire basket draws for storage, a tea-towel rack and waste bin!

To keep things cool there's a 75 litre Waeco Fridge/Freezer unit in the galley, a 40 litre removable esky under the Nav seat base, and a huge ice box under the Helm's feet which can be turned into a freezer unit with the addition of the optional compressor.

The cabin dining table folds down and extends to form the base of a huge double bed, and beside the table is the optional DVD player (standard fit is CD/MP3) connected to a 20" Flat screen LCD TV and surround sound mounded on the forward bulk head.

Other creature comforts (as if there weren't enough already) include:

	a reinforced flat foredeck for the optional sun lounge pad to be clipped in place for those seeking a tan
	electric sun-roof in the hard-top and rails are ready for your inflatable to sit neatly on top;
	three batteries and a standard 4amp Solar Panel (additonal 4amp panel is an option) backed by a 30amp smart-charger;
	head is located in the roomy shower cubicle - standard fit is a port-a-pottie, but options include cartridge vacu-flush or a sanitation treatment unit that processes the waste and the treated water can be pumped out anywhere;
	Air-conditioning in the cabin is optional.

The new dash layout is quite trendy with carbon fibre look combined with brushed aluminium and "unique to Whittley" Faria multi-function guages linked to the Smartcraft Mercruiser system. Helm postition is great with good visibility everywhere and good ventillation through the sunroof and sliding side windows. Options for the Sounder/GPS unit include the single large split-screen model, but you can fit separate GPS and Sounder units if desired.

Equipped as standard with the Mercruiser 350MAG MPI Horizon and Bravo-3 leg this baby really gets up and moves (so I'm told) - 45mph loaded. Bow thruster is optional and at present being taken-up by around 50% of buyers.

Orders for the new Cruiser 2800 have been very strong - and it is not surprising when you see this boat - or should that be floating resort apartment! Even at around $150K with DVD/TV option and large sounder/GPS unit (Trailer additional $20K), the sheer physical size & space, equipment levels, fit & finish and practical easy-living design really raises the bar a notch or two in the trailerable cruiser market.

Photos below are from the Launch at Northside Marine on 14th August 2007 attended by over 100 people (well done Greg and staff, another fantastic event) and special guest Neville Whittley who was only too happy to personally show people through the new model.

Click on photos for a larger image.

Submitted by: Ian Ashley.

Send mail to web@clubwhittleyqld.org.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004 - 2007 Club Whittley Queensland Inc.
Website Design and Maintenance by Ian Ashley
Last modified: August 15, 2007

Send mail to web@clubwhittleyqld.org.au with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2004 - 2007 Club Whittley Queensland Inc. Website Design and Maintenance by Ian Ashley Last modified: August 15, 2007

Send mail to web@clubwhittleyqld.org.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004 - 2007 Club Whittley Queensland Inc.
Website Design and Maintenance by Ian Ashley
Last modified: August 15, 2007