Whittley CR 3100 OB set to debut at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
by Alan Whittley 8 May 13:05 PDT
21-24 May 2026
Whittley Marine Group, Australia's leading fibreglass trailer boat manufacturer, retailer and service provider, is proud to announce the global release of the all-new CR 3100 OB at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Representing the most significant new model launch in the Whittley company's history, the CR 3100 OB showcases the Whittley Families continued commitment to Australian boat design, innovation and advanced local manufacturing. Combining the comfort and refinement of a luxury motor yacht with the freedom and practicality of a trailerable sports cruiser, the CR 3100 OB heralds a bold new direction for Australian boating.
Managing Director, at the Whittley Marine Group, Neville Whittley commented on the new model release. "The new CR 3100 model represents Australia's most advanced trailer boat. The factory has been busy completing the first customer-sold CR 3100 OB boats. This year's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will mark the first opportunity for the public to experience the CR 3100 OB at its global launch, with display stock available to inspect. The all-new CR 3100 OB has been designed and built by Australian families, for Australian families and our unique boating lifestyle.
The freedom of luxury
Australia's most ambitious trailerable cruiser brings together genuine overnight comfort, refined engineering and long-range capability in one striking package. For many boat owners, true luxury is not simply measured in size or speed — it is measured in freedom. Freedom to explore distant waterways. Freedom to spend weekends anchored in secluded bays. Freedom to travel, without the expense and restrictions of larger permanent in water boats. This philosophy is at the heart of the Whittley CR 3100 OB.
At first glance, the CR 3100 OB presents a bold and contemporary profile, with sculpted lines, expansive glazing and a commanding on-water presence. Beneath the styling lies a major engineering achievement — a 31-foot flagship cruiser designed to deliver genuine motor yacht comfort while remaining road legal within Australia's 2.5-metre maximum width regulations. The result is a revolutionary new concept in Australian boating: the luxury and comfort of a compact motor yacht combined with the versatility and mobility of a trailer boat.
A cabin designed for living
The innovation of the CR 3100 OB becomes immediately apparent the moment you step below deck.
Replacing the narrow vee berths traditionally found in this boat category is a true queen-sized island bed featuring walk-around access on both sides, bedside tables and a premium innerspring mattress. The result is a private retreat that feels more like a boutique hotel suite than a conventional trailer boat cabin. Another major advancement in the boats design is the unique walk-through windscreen feature, eliminating the need for traditional side decks. This breakthrough in design has created approximately 21% more usable internal space while also improving safety with central step-through access to the bow.
Neville Whittley added: "The CR 3100 OB delivers something rarely seen in this class — genuine overnight luxury without sacrificing the freedom of the trailer boat lifestyle. You immediately notice the incredible sense of space created by removing the walk-around side decks, while still enjoying the safety and convenience of central bow access through the walk thru folding windscreen."
Evenings aboard the CR 3100 OB take on a relaxed, residential feel. Owners can prepare meals in the galley, enjoy a film, or simply unwind in complete comfort after a day exploring Australia's waterways. A fully enclosed bathroom further enhances onboard liveability, delivering the convenience and privacy typically found on much larger cruisers.
Designed with precision
Creating a boat of this scale within trailerable dimensions demanded an exceptionally advanced design process to build Australia's most advanced trailer boat. Throughout development, Whittley engineers analysed previous models, consulted extensively with experienced owners and refined the concept using advanced CAD modelling technology. The entire vessel was then evaluated within a virtual reality environment, allowing designers to walk through and perfect the layout long before construction commenced.
The benefits of this process are evident throughout the boat. The cockpit combines functionality with premium comfort, featuring a self-draining deck, generous scuppers and exceptional storage solutions. A sliding aft lounge can move forward to maximise fishing and water access space, or slide aft to create a relaxed entertaining area while cruising. Beneath the electrically actuated floor hatch lies a cavernous lazarette capable of storing water toys, dive equipment or extended cruising gear. Elegant bifold glass doors separate the cockpit from the saloon, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining space when opened, while also reducing noise and providing secure lock-up protection when closed.
"Enjoy maximum entertaining space by sliding the rear lounge aft or move it forward to maximise fishing room and water access. Combined with the unique bifold rear doors, the boat can completely open up in good weather or be enclosed during cooler conditions. It's another industry-first feature for a trailer boat and for the Whittley brand based on customer feedback. When using the boat, it brings a new meaning to alfresco boating!" Mr. Whittley said.
Light, space and modern design
Inside the saloon, the CR 3100 OB feels substantially larger than its trailerable dimensions suggest.
By eliminating traditional side decks and incorporating the walk-through windscreen design, Whittley has created a remarkably open, single-level living space stretching seamlessly from cockpit to helm.
Opposing lounges surround a versatile drop-leaf dining table that can also convert into additional sleeping accommodation when required.
Designed for extended off-grid weekends, the CR 3100 OB features a sophisticated 48-volt electrical system capable of powering an optional electric grill and air-conditioning system without requiring an onboard generator, another first in a trailer boat.
Mr. Whittley continued to say that. "This is a boat designed to explore Australian waterways — for a full off grid weekend on the water. It offers the ultimate overnight boating experience, with the freedom of your own private waterfront apartment wherever you choose to anchor."
Forward of the saloon sits a premium helm station featuring a two-person helm bench, complemented by a separate bucket seat to port. Twin Raymarine multifunction displays are integrated into a gloss-black dashboard, delivering intuitive control and flagship-level sophistication as well as the boats essential controls all one finger push away.
Externally, the CR 3100 OB's styling is equally distinctive, with panoramic dark glazing flowing into a sculpted black roof moulding and sweeping white targa arch — creating a contemporary advanced profile not seen in Australian designed boats.
Efficient, modern power
The CR 3100 OB is available with twin Honda BF250 V6 outboards, delivering strong offshore capability, exceptional reliability and redundancy for long-range cruising. A single Honda BF350 V8 configuration is also available for owners seeking reduced weight and simplified maintenance, while a fully electric Naut E 3100 power option will also be offered.
For effortless manoeuvring, twin-engine installations can be paired with Whittley's optional 360-degree joystick control, allowing the CR 3100 OB to move sideways, rotate on the spot and hold position with remarkable precision. Single-engine models feature electric steering as standard, delivering smooth, automotive-style handling on the water.
Performance beyond the harbour
Despite its luxurious accommodation and high-volume hull, the CR 3100 OB remains an exceptionally capable offshore performer. Wide chines and a 19-degree deadrise hull deliver outstanding stability and ride comfort, while the sharp bow entry and full-length strakes provide confident handling in rougher conditions.
At a relaxed cruising speed of approximately 29 knots, the CR 3100 OB delivers impressive efficiency for a vessel of its size. Advance the throttles, and the boat is capable of speeds approaching 46 knots — performance more commonly associated with sport-focused craft. Humphree automatic trim systems come standard, continually optimising ride attitude and handling.
"By combining serious cruising comfort with true trailerability, the CR 3100 OB creates an entirely new category of Australian sports cruiser. It represents a new generation of style, innovation and performance from Whittley, for a new generation of Whittley owner, whilst remaining true to the companies core boat design values." Mr. Whittley finished by saying.
A cruiser without limits
Ultimately, the appeal of the CR 3100 OB lies in the lifestyle it enables. Owners can tow the boat to distant cruising destinations, explore remote islands and hidden anchorages, then return home — all without the ongoing costs and limitations associated with marina storage. It is a rare combination of luxury, independence and practicality.
Pricing for the CR 3100 OB begins from approximately $462,000 including trailer, with highly optioned models approaching $550,000. For those seeking genuine luxury without sacrificing freedom, the Whittley CR 3100 OB stands in a class of its own.
On display at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
The all-new CR 3100 OB will be on display at the Whittley Boating Centre Gold Coast stand — SLF 3.8 — during the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from Thursday 21 May through to Sunday 24 May.
Joining the CR 3100 OB on display will be the popular CR 2600, CR 2380 and SL 27 models, all powered by Honda's class-leading four-stroke outboards. Visitors can also speak with the Whittley Repower Division team regarding exclusive Honda Outboard Show offers available throughout the event.
The media and public unveil of the new CR 3100 OB model will occur with the large red cover being removed from the boat on Thursday the 21st of May, on stand # SLF 3.8 at 9:30 AM.
Watch the official walk-through video of the all-new Whittley CR 3100 OB: