The Parker 850 Voyager is the latest addition to the Polish shipyard Parker Boat. This 8.30 m Day-Cruiser is the largest of the 4 models in the Day-Cruiser range. " We are continuing to develop the Cruiser range, which is already made up of 3 models: the 630, the 690 and the 750. These are models that we have sold well, whose sporty and modern design is very attractive and, above all, which have very good seakeeping qualities" explains Olivier Kaczmarek, Sales Manager. The 850 Voyager has the same design as the 750 Voyager "The concept is similar, but with this model we gain 1 m in length and 30 cm in width (2.50 m for the 750 and 2.80 m on the 850). Customers wanted more space on board and therefore a wider boat" details Olivier.
The boat's centre of gravity has been lowered for better performance, but as a result the cabin and mid-cabin are slightly reduced. The width has also been reduced to match the road gauge. "There's everything you need for a short cruise: shower, queen-size bed, mid-cabin." adds Olivier. And it's true that on board, you don't feel cramped, the boat is bright and the finishes are of good quality.
The 850 Voyager has an infusion hull, already found on the 750, with double steps. "We changed it last year, and the same hull can be found on the Parker Monaco too, our biggest model. With this new hull, the 850 Voyager consumes 10% less fuel than the 750 Voyager, gains 2 to 3 knots in speed and on the highest revolutions, we reduce consumption by almost 20%." adds Olivier.
Access to the boat is via a beautiful bathing platform that frames the 300 hp outboard motor. (350 hp max.) You can move easily from one platform to another thanks to the central platform and thus access the water easily. The starboard side passage closes with a small door to secure the cockpit. On the port side, the L-shaped cockpit saloon has a removable backrest to enlarge the saloon space or, on the contrary, transform the bench seat into a large copilot's bench seat. The backrest of the aft bench seat is also removable to transform the bench seat facing the sea. " We've pushed modularity to the max. We couldn't do this so easily before." explains Olivier. The saloon table folds out and lowers, transforming the space into a very large sunbathing area.
The galley used to be on the port bow, but this was not practical. It is now located on the starboard side, facing the saloon. The cockpit can be fully protected by a camping awning, both forward and aft. There is a fridge under the port bench seat. The seadeck on the floor is an option, but allows to absorb the heat of the sun.
The starboard cockpit has a simple and rather attractively designed dashboard with accessible controls and a bolster-type seat that can be raised for sit-up driving. It rotates on itself to add an extra seat in the cockpit. A large windshield with a central opening surrounds the cockpit and protects the driver from spray. Access to the foredeck is via 3 steps with handles on the windshield, for additional sunbathing.
Below deck, the forepeak receives a real bed, but at the stern, the mid-cabin is not very high, even though the yard has been able to gain headroom at the bow. "We have a real bed on the 850 Voyager. Cabin is larger, taller and brighter than the 750. There are opening portholes, two deck windows for ventilation and light." details Olivier. The fittings are completed by a bathroom with shower, which was not found on the previous model.
The Parker 850 Voyager is designed locally in Poland and is available in single colour. The stainless steel is also made in Poland, as is the joinery. "We carry out an important quality control on our boats," concludes Olivier. It is true that the 850 Voyager is a simple but well equipped boat, with all the facilities and comfort necessary to have a good time on the water. The quality is there and apparently the performance as well.
