Weekend getaway

Whittley’s new CR 2600 model – the second-largest in the company’s Cruiser range, is an ideal vessel for a quick, spur-of-the-moment weekend escape.

Whittley’s CR2600 is ideal for a spur-of-the-moment escape for couples or families.

Released in Australia late last year, this boat is the first CR 2600 sold in New Zealand, supplied to a Blenheim couple by Whittley dealer Bensemann Marine in Auckland. Bensemann is awaiting the arrival of a second, pre-sold CR 2600, with more on order. A trailerable family cruiser, the CR 2600 is generouslyequipped and surprisingly spacious inside, thanks to its tall, curvaceous forward cabin. This is a hardtop model with toughened glass windscreens, sliding side windows and drop-covers that completely enclose the cockpit for cosy overnighting. Only the black canvas and clear-plastic side covers were fitted for our run in the boat.

With overnighting in mind, the double berth forward can be supplemented by a large berth in the cockpit, which converts from the rear lounger with the addition of in-fill panels and squabs. Whittley asserts the rear berth will sleep up to four, which would be okay for the kids; it’s certainly a generouslysized double.

During the day, the cockpit is a comfortable, sociable space with a versatile U-shaped seating arrangement that includes an aft-facing lounger and a fold-out seat on the starboard side. The engine extends mostly under the transom, impacting minimally on cockpit space.

There’s good storage space throughout the boat, including the cockpit: side-shelves with built-in drinkholders; deep, carpeted locker/bins under the seats; space for a chilly bin under the passenger seat and an underfloor locker that extends below the helm seat position for long items like water-skis or poles. A moulded drinks cabinet adds a touch of luxury.