Whittley plant begins production
WILLACOOCHIE, Ga. – The first shipment of new Whittley Cruisers from the company’s newly renovated Willacoochie, Ga. factory leaves this week, the company reported in a statement today.
Their destination is Snug Harbor Marine in Buford, Ga., Whittley’s first U.S.-appointed dealership, which will be responsible for sales in the Atlanta area.
The company plans to use MRAA’s program for dealer relations to the greatest extent possible, according to managing director Neville Whittley. This includes use of the MRAA dealer agreement, participation in the “Bow to Stern” warranty plan, payment of full retail labor rates for dealer warranty work, and 3 year contracts for those dealers who fulfill their part of the bargain.
The initial Whittley line consists of 4 models, including the 25-foot Whittley sterndrive 2590, Australia’s “Boat of the Year” for 2003. The others are also small cruisers between 20 and 24 feet in length, both outboards and I/O’s, according to the boat builder.
Whittley’s plan for developing a national U.S. dealer organization is built around the current lack of availability of a small cruiser line, the company reported. Whittley vessels are designed to appeal to both the first time buyer and the outdoor-oriented, experienced boating enthusiast who wants all the comforts of home available for far-ranging boating experiences.
Each Whittley dealer will develop his own chapter of the Whittley owners club, with reciprocal cruises developed with Australian chapters, according to the boat builder.
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