Obituary: Jim Whittley
By IBI Magazine
One of Australia's leading boating industry figures, Jim Whittley, passed away last week after a short illness.
Jim founded trailerable boat manufacturer Whittley Marine in the 1950s, having built his first boat at the age of 21 alongside brother Ossie Whittley.
In the 1980s, Jim and his wife Aileen sold the business to their two sons, Neville and Steven, who expanded the company to become an internationally respected manufacturer of open water fishing and family cruising boats with operations in the US, Asia and Australia.
"Dad only ever set out to create and build the best boats possible with the best materials available, and in doing so he created the trailerable cruising recreational boat market in Australia," says Steve Whittley.
"His most popular models were the Cherokee, Puma, Impala, Monterey, Voyager and Cruisemaster — all recognised for their classic style, performance and quality."
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Whittley Marine is said to be the country's largest builder of trailerable fibreglass boats, with a production capacity of more than 1,600 boats per year. IBI sends its condolences.
(18 March 2010)
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