2018 European powerboat: 5 entry-level models

The Parker 690 DC

The category of boats under 25 feet for the European Powerboat of the Year 2018 title presents models considered as "entry-level". To make its choice, the jury based its decision on essential criteria which are the quality/price ratio, driving ease, safety aspect, but also ease of transport on the road. The winner will be announced on the opening night of the Boot Düsseldorf on 20 January.

Bella 620 Cabin

This 6.35 m model is the 3 e and smallest model in the Cabin Cruiser range from the Finnish brand Bella Boats. Versatile, it is suitable for both family outings and fishing and is functional and safe to use.

With its large, well-protected cockpit and bright wheelhouse, it can accommodate 7 people on board. It is easy to move around on board, both thanks to the starboard front deck and the two sliding doors that connect the front and rear cockpits via the wheelhouse. It is equipped with an outboard engine from 115 to 200 hp. The interior layout is simple, but functional with many seats.

Jeanneau CC 7.5 BR

The Leader 7.5 BR is the 3rd model in the bowrider range launched by Jeanneau in September 2016. This 7.5 m model follows the hull of Leader 7.5 and is characterized by a sporty silhouette. Travel on board is easy thanks to the central opening of its wrap-around windscreen. There are several living areas on board. A U-shaped saloon in the forward cockpit, a pilot area with two consoles (pilot to starboard and toilet to port) and an L-shaped bench seat in the cockpit aft with a small galley.

A versatile model, suitable for relaxation, fishing or water sports (optional wake tour), but above all it benefits from the transportable European gauge.

Parker 690 DC

The 690 Day Cruiser is a small 6.45 m sundeck with a sporty and modern design. Designed for a day trip or a weekend at sea, it can accommodate up to 7 people on board. Very well equipped, it offers all the necessary comfort for a good time on the water: an L-shaped bench seat in the rear that acts as a dinette or sunbathing area, beautiful bathing platforms, a driving position on starboard, a small outdoor kitchenette, a cabin (with port entrance) sufficient to accommodate two people to sleep and marine toilets (optional), or an easily accessible front deck. Powerful, it reaches speeds in excess of 45 knots with 250 hp.

Heyday WT2

The WT2 is a wakesurf boat developed specifically to create its wake wave. Modern, design, with a specially designed wave-shaped hull, it is positioned as a sports boat for the younger generations and therefore, at an affordable price. The operation is simple: these boats are equipped with ballasts - operated by the pilot from the helm - to create a wave on one side or the other. Its specially designed V-shaped hull for water sports with a 117° transom angle creates a high wave shape without the use of flaps.

Its length of less than 23 feet (5.94 m) and its comfortable layout allow it to accommodate 12 people on board. We will also note these two types of "undulating" deckchairs that allow you to sit both forward and backward.

Bayliner VR5 Cuddy

The Cuddy VR5 takes the distinctive style of the VR series and maximizes space on board. Indeed, under the foredeck is a small cabin for two people to sleep in, whose door with molded steps allows easy access to the deck (with an additional sunbathing area) through the central opening of the windshield.

In the cockpit, this 6.23 model offers many seats and clever arrangements to combine space. There is a large sunbathing area on the engine block or an L-shaped bench seat with a removable backrest that extends the space or serves as a co-pilot backrest. At the stern, the bathing platform makes access to the sea easy, while the starboard side passage can be filled with an additional cushion to enlarge the sunbathing area and serve as a backrest in different positions.

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