The boundary between sports fishing boat and weekend cruiser is a very blurred one in the Polish built Parker 800 Weekend. The boat has been designed with cruising credentials to a point where you can easily forget the fishing capabilities, and view them almost as an out and out cruiser.
The 800 Weekend is very economical to run and maintain as it’s powered by a Mercury 300hp four stroke outboard.
As a weekend cruiser the accommodation is, perhaps, the most important aspect and the 800 packs a lot into its 26 foot length. There is a separate bow cabin offering a unique privacy for this length of boat. The cabin has ample sitting headroom and beneath the bed there is lots of open bilge storage.
Moving aft, on the starboard side, is the toilet compartment and a compact crawl-in double berth which is ideal for the kids.
The helm comprises a single sliding helm seat with lifting bolster. The helm is well thought out with all switches easy to reach, and all instruments easy to read. Alongside the helm there is an opening sliding window, and above an opening sunshine roof.
Opposite the helm is the forward dinette seat with a flippable backrest to enable it to provide a second forward facing seat. When not underway this seat forms part of the dinette, which is set around a lovely teak table. Here you can comfortably seat three or four people for dinner and, at night, this area can be converted into a third sleeping area.
Behind the helm, on the starboard side, you will find the galley. This compact unit delivers the basics for a weekend afloat including a small sink, a double burner hob, a fridge and a useful amount of cupboard space and storage.
The 800 can reach speeds of over 30 knots, capable of getting you to where you are going quickly. The boat turns sharply and precisely, the steering is well balanced and overall the drive is smooth and with the patio doors closed, quiet. When the going gets rough and you are in a boat of this length, details like this matter.
Parker boats are making waves in Australia as they offer great value for money while deliver a mix of cruising and fishing capabilities. They are practical and easy to own and offer little design features and levels of equipment that you don’t always find on their rivals. You can have one of these 8 metre, four plus berth family cruising boats on the water for a tad under $140,000. www.nautilusaustralia.com.au
