Spinning Reel
Active member
This year's show had the 2320 SL, 2520 XLD, 2300 CC, 23 SE, 21 SE and an 1801. All 2014 model year and the 1801 is the last 1801 in the classic color.
I went to the show to see the new white hulls. I wanted to not like it but the color isn't as white as I thought it would be. I think the problem I have with the hull is the shiny silver Parker logo and striping. Also, the lettering is a raised material. It's not soft but I would think it would problematic on dock rubs and such. And more expensive to replace than normal vinyl stickers.
The dealer said the female and younger market was reacting favorably to the color change. The feedback that prompted the change was the traditional color seemed too utilitarian and they looked like marine services boats.
. So the white is an attempt to freshen the look and to attract a market that was buying shinier and more colorful boats.
The dealer told me that they would be ordering standard from the factory 1) white rub rails (because the black broke the boat into two halves visually) 2) the floor color will be a light gray to contrast the white sides, console and hatch colors. 3) the center consoles will come standard with two seats (a leaning post is optional and additional, you keep the seats anyway). The seat bases attached to the livewell will be standard for either setup. The leaning post will have two sleeves that slide over the seat posts allowing you to swap the seating arrangement at your whim. 4) two-tone seat cover material. Same gray color as the floor.
Rub Rails (White on 21SE and Black on 23SE). Not good pictures since the silver rub rail insert is so shiny.
21SE
23SE
Gray floor color (23 SE, the contrast is really seen against the hatch cover)
Speaking of seats, a picture below of a prototype they are testing with a drop down pad to mimic a leaning post while still having a seat. Supposedly the only one in existence so far. I'm not a fan.
Picture of standard base.
Prototype seat/leaning pad.
Overall, I liked the white hull color more than I thought I would. I'd replace the silver colored logo and striping with something non-metallic in appearance. I think they had the 1801 there in the traditional color to showcase the fresher look of the white hulls because it really stuck out surrounded by the white ones.
I spent all of my time looking at the center consoles. I don't know much about the feature/likes/dislikes of the sport cabins so I can't speak to what changed on them.
As of Saturday afternoon, the dealer had several deposits so business was decent. Good for Parker.
I went to the show to see the new white hulls. I wanted to not like it but the color isn't as white as I thought it would be. I think the problem I have with the hull is the shiny silver Parker logo and striping. Also, the lettering is a raised material. It's not soft but I would think it would problematic on dock rubs and such. And more expensive to replace than normal vinyl stickers.
The dealer said the female and younger market was reacting favorably to the color change. The feedback that prompted the change was the traditional color seemed too utilitarian and they looked like marine services boats.
. So the white is an attempt to freshen the look and to attract a market that was buying shinier and more colorful boats. The dealer told me that they would be ordering standard from the factory 1) white rub rails (because the black broke the boat into two halves visually) 2) the floor color will be a light gray to contrast the white sides, console and hatch colors. 3) the center consoles will come standard with two seats (a leaning post is optional and additional, you keep the seats anyway). The seat bases attached to the livewell will be standard for either setup. The leaning post will have two sleeves that slide over the seat posts allowing you to swap the seating arrangement at your whim. 4) two-tone seat cover material. Same gray color as the floor.
Rub Rails (White on 21SE and Black on 23SE). Not good pictures since the silver rub rail insert is so shiny.
21SE
23SE
Gray floor color (23 SE, the contrast is really seen against the hatch cover)
Speaking of seats, a picture below of a prototype they are testing with a drop down pad to mimic a leaning post while still having a seat. Supposedly the only one in existence so far. I'm not a fan.
Picture of standard base.
Prototype seat/leaning pad.
Overall, I liked the white hull color more than I thought I would. I'd replace the silver colored logo and striping with something non-metallic in appearance. I think they had the 1801 there in the traditional color to showcase the fresher look of the white hulls because it really stuck out surrounded by the white ones.
I spent all of my time looking at the center consoles. I don't know much about the feature/likes/dislikes of the sport cabins so I can't speak to what changed on them.
As of Saturday afternoon, the dealer had several deposits so business was decent. Good for Parker.
