Finding out about Parker boats

[Stork]

Okay here is the story...
I have to be honest and say that I never even knew Parker boats existed until I read the June 2012 Boating magazine (page 56 to 59) where they did a comparison and highlighted the 28. Living in south Florida I have had my share of rides on many a boat and one thing I learned is that simple is alway better. I have a few friends with big boats and man do they complain about maintenance, fuel cost, etc. (I used to own a 1952 23 foot Chris craft so I know maintenance! and feel their pain but I am sure either way we all complain about fuel cost!)
One of my friends has a Boston Whaler walk around and he now wants to move to an open fisherman because he wants simplicity.
I like the cabin, but ridding on his boat I could see where the headaches could start creeping up. So I started looking for a boat that fits my wants and to be honest the only one that I found was the Bertram 31. I am sure everyone here knows the 31's are getting up there in price! But what bothered me was that it had inboards. Personally I like outboards best since the cockpit is sooo much bigger! Anyway, I walked away and told myself that it would have to be an open fisherman like all my other friends. But with three kids I kindoff was a bit disappointed that the boat would just be a day boat. No overnight fishing/camping with the boys (7,6, and 4).
But then I saw the article and I started surfing the web (I could not find any reviews except what I have read on this forum) to find out all I could about Parker. From my chair I have come to realize that this is the boat for me! The 28 would be nice but a 25 with the deep V and twins for those weekend trips to Bimini fits the bill.
I was wondering (since the boat shows are a ways off) if there is anyone in the South Miami (or anywhere around) area that has a 25 that I could look and touch. Are there any dealers down here that have these boats? I really want to get to know this boat and any issues to look for when buying. I will most likely buy used since new are a bit out of my range. I have been reading the posts to get to know the boat and its quirks, but first hand and talking to owners is the best type of knowledge anyone can get. I am glad that I found Parker boats but I am happier to know there are you guys out there that can teach and help with questions.
Glad to be here!
Robert

 

[Bryan 2530]

Sounds like you need a 2530 with twin engines. 8)

 

[Megabyte]

Welcome aboard Robert!

Lots of good info here, a 'for sale' area, and friendly folks.
Hopefully we can get you that ride you are looking for.

(and yes... Bryan's 2530 is very nice )

 

[Stork]

Yep, Bryan she is nice. (I will not tell you that it is my favorite so far cause I know I am not going to buy right now so I don't want to be a tease!) I found one in Miami that I am going to use to climb around an get a good general feel about the boat and how to move around in it. I am a bit anal so I like to do my research before I jump into anything. I will be heading up north with the family this summer so once I have the dates I will be going to the factory and spending sometime talking to the folks and seeing the construction process, (and taking a bunch of pictures to add to the Factory tour thread!)
Prices seem to hover between 30K to 70K used and I am baffled when I see a 25 with a single going for more that a 25 with twins of the same year! But as always anything looks good in pictures from 10 feet away... But it seems to me that Parkers are solid build so there is nothing serious body wise. As for the engines after many years I have come to the conclusion that Yamaha makes one damn good engine and I believe the folks at Parker know this as well thus all their boats have them.
I am also used to Twins. I was also a pilot before my wife scared me out of flying, and one thing I never did was fly over water in a single. That theory has translated to boats especially since Bimini is a destination that we go to half a dozen times a year.
Then there is the 21 and 23 PH which might be interesting to get into to get a feel for the boat and then move up. But again I am 6'2 210 so I need to "work" in the space to see how I fit. Then I throw in 3 of my friends and have them all bump around. This is one (of many) reasons I like the Parker, it's spacious.
The next thing is the ride. When I go out with the family I don't do anything over 4 and I hear that the DV slices nicely through 2 to 3 at speed. So a test drive will tell me almost everything I want to know.
I tend to ramble... anyway have a good weekend!

 

[Megabyte]

Besides being easier to maintain, I think one of the best features is the amount of cockpit room.
Whether fishing, or relaxing in a raft-up, this is what makes me smile.

 

[Stork]

That looks like it was a nice day! I looked at the Parker site and did not see the open PH. Was this a mod you did or does the factory provide this. Now that I am on the subject where can I find the options list for the Parker boats? What other type of interior options do they have? I see a small galley with fridge. I have also seen a bench seat. Do they have dining setup like the 25PH in this thread? but factory produced (Nice job by the way!) If not I would think it would be a popular option especially on cold and or rainy days!
I can't seem to connect a link... anyway its the Parker 25PH major overhaul in the projects thread by Goodchance...

 

[Bryan 2530]

Mine has the factory dinette, you can see parts of it here.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=11656

I'll have to get a better pic, didn't realize I failed to include that in the for sale thread.

And, I'm 6'3" 250 lbs and fit fine in the 2530.

 

[Megabyte]

I looked at the Parker site and did not see the open PH. Was this a mod you did or does the factory provide this.

It is a no-cost factory option, but it is rather rare.

Now that I am on the subject where can I find the options list for the Parker boats?

Right here:
http://www.parkerboats.net/pages/boat_lineup/index.jsp
Select the model you are interested in, and it will show you the specs, standard features, and options.

What other type of interior options do they have? I see a small galley with fridge. I have also seen a bench seat. Do they have dining setup like the 25PH in this thread?

When you go to the link above, look at the photos of the XL and Extended Cabin models.
There would not be room in a standard 2520 like mine for a dinette unless it was custom built.
However, DaleH and others here have done exactly that in their boats. They custom fabricated their own.

That is another cool thing about a Parker (and this forum), almost anything is possible. :wink:

 

[Stork]

Thanks Megabyte! Man I must have beer goggles and did not even see the big bold lettering that says Available options... like they say, if it was a snake it would have bitten me!
Big Q:
I see a bunch of single 23's and 25's. How difficult is it to upgrade to a twin in the future? Is the transom built to hold the weight. Is the boat pre plumed to fit twins or are we talking about a major project and just ignore it and find the best twin I can afford?

And I saw this which is kind off funky:

http://www.proboat.com/bolt-on-diesel-power.html

 

[Bryan 2530]

The brackets are made for twins or single. So you would have to change the bracket also. Not impossible but not real economical.

 

[Megabyte]

The transom can carry the weight, but as Bryan said... it's not a simple task to go from a single to twins.
Find one with twins and you'll be happy.

FWIW... I have been to hell and back with my single motor.
I have tow insurance, and I maintain the motor meticulously.
Personally... with todays motors as good as they are, I think the attraction to twins is over-rated.

Just my opinion.

 

[Stork]

Perfect, just what I needed to know... Possible but not economically viable... As for the single or twin yes I also know a few folks that tell me a single is fine especially with all the help out there. And boats have been running on single propulsion long before any of us where around. But I had a single engine that quit on me... After about 30 minutes I figured out it was an electrical issue and fixed it but the damage was done in my wife's eyes... So as we all know we must choose our battles!
For me inland boating and say going out 10 miles I have no issue with the single cause I know if anything where to happen help is close by. if I am alone or with another buddy that knows engines (two brains are better than one) then I have no issue crossing to Bimini or further. But with the wife and kids I feel much better with the twins... In the end the key is proper maintenance and keeping to the maintenance schedules. If you take care of your boat the boat will take care of you!

To add another option could be to add a kicker (something that will get one home, but slowly)

(man my spelling is awful! now corrected)

 

[Megabyte]

To add another option could be to add a kicker (something that will get one home, but slowly)

True. Many here have added a kicker and it is an option.
Most boats with twins will not plane on one engine, so your ride home on one motor will still be a slow one.
Something to consider.

 

[Surface Interval]

Stork,

I'm in South Florida just let me know if you want to come and see her.