Whittley Makes Splash

Newcastle Herald

Friday May 6, 2005

Boating, Mark Rothfield

IF you've got it, flaunt it, must be the new motto of Australia's Whittley Cruisers after it released a new range of trailable family boats from its American offshoot.

The Victorian company bought a large manufacturing plant in Willacoochie, Georgia, last year and, for good measure, the previous owner threw in all the fibreglass moulds.

After establishing production of four Whittley models in the new facility, attention turned to the newly acquired moulds and the new "Clearwater by Whittley" range was born.

It's arguably the best of both worlds US design expertise coupled with good ol' Aussie construction integrity although the style is radically different to Whittley's more traditional offerings.

Managing director Neville Whittley says key personnel from the Whittley plant in Victoria had been relocated to ensure quality standards were maintained.

The Clearwater name is well established in the US and Neville is confident it will quickly take off in Australia. Pricing, he says, will be significantly cheaper than comparable cruisers already available on the domestic market.

"Being fully imported, the cost benefits associated with overseas production are passed along."

Clearwaters arrive in Australia as fully featured "turn-key" packages. Four models from the comprehensive range of bowriders, fishing boats and family cruisers are now available through Whittley's dealer network.

Further models will be added as production at the Willacoochie plant gains momentum.

Sunny disposition

IT need not be a winter of discontent for owners of the new Stacer 565 Coral Runner, which offers all-round protection from the elements.

With a raised cabin profile designed to shed water and block wind it will allow you to fish and cruise year round.

It also has ample storage space in the bow, leaving the cockpit area free of clutter.

The Coral Runner has Stacer's EVO hull and Mod Pod transom to ensure a smooth ride, and it's manufactured using advanced press-forming technology to give extra rigidity tough 4 mm bottom sheets and 3 mm topsides further contribute to the strength.

Despite being 5.9 metres overall and 2.4 metres across the beam, the boat is easily trailable with a family sedan or 4WD.

It's designed to carry six people and all the camping gear, diving equipment and fishing tackle they could want.

High (1.37-metre) topsides give added peace of mind for those travelling with children.

Maximum horsepower rating is 140, while the minimum is 115, which attests to the efficiency of the EVO hull.

The buoyant Mod Pod transom allows four-stroke outboards to be considered, however the Coral Runner is packaged as a "Ready 2 Go" rig with a 115 hp Mariner two-stroke.

Included are a Stacer tandem-braked trailer, bimini and front clears, cabin cushions, compass, Eagle Fish 2 Sounder, GX294 marine radio, rear lounge and backrest, rear ladder, Relax anchor bow roller, safety equipment and registrations.

Stacer says the boat/motor/trailer combination works so well there is no confusion for the customer, and prices are clearly stated in the brochure, making it especially enticing for novice boaties.

Cup legends' reunion

THOSE old America's Cup scoundrels, Conner and Bondy, are reuniting for a black tie dinner in Sydney on May 17. Tickets are $295 and selling fast.

Money raised from the dinner will go to maintaining some of the Sydney Heritage Fleet's grand old vessels, including the 1874 square-rigger James Craig, 1902 steam tug Waratah, 1902 steam launch Lady Hopetoun, and the 1903 gentleman's schooner Boomerang.

Restoration of the 1927 steam-driven buoy tender John Oxley and the 1912 inner-harbour ferry Kanangra is ongoing.

Other celebrated sailors attending include Colin Beashel, Ian Kiernan and Iain Murray. America's Cup legend Ted Turner has sent a painting to be auctioned, Sir James Hardy has thrown in two magnums of champagne and there is an original painting and limited-edition screen prints by David Boyd and James Coburn. To book, phone (02) 9699 2722 or see www.austfleet.com.