Parker, a Polish manufacturer, but of English origin, has created the Pilothouse line of multipurpose walk-around fishers. With their lowered wheelhouse to lower the floor level, these helmsmen do not offer too much wind resistance, which reinforces their marine qualities.
If the Parker 700 tested today is the smallest of the range, we find, always motorized with outboards a 760, 790, 800 and 920. These indications determine the length of the hull in meters, not integrating the appendages, whether it is the outboard or the engine. This model is emblematic for the shipyard, as it replaces the 690, the model that inaugurated the Pilothouse range for this manufacturer, which at the time only built RIBs.
A wheelhouse offset to port
On its smallest walk-around fishing boat, Parker has chosen to offset the wheelhouse. It is offset to port. However, there is still a gangway on the port side. It is very narrow and will only be used for a docking maneuver. To access the foredeck, with a comfortable seating area, we use the starboard gangway which has the advantage of being protected by a good sized bulwark. On this foredeck, there is access to a good-sized anchor locker that can also accommodate an electric windlass.
At the rear, the cockpit is large enough to accommodate passengers, especially if they are fishermen. Note the side seats that fold into the bulwark. In addition, there are two seats that can be installed on the passageway to the rear decks. Four rod holders complete the fishing facilities. A livewell, available as an option, is located just in front of the engine compartment. It can be fed by a seawater pump.
A lowered floor
You enter the cabin by descending a step of 22 cm. It is this step that avoids having a too imposing wheelhouse. As a result, the silhouette of the Parker 700 Pilothouse is quite modern, reinforced by trawler-type vertical windshields.
Light and ventilation
This wheelhouse is ventilated by 2 sliding windows on each edge of 30 x 30 cm, and especially by a translucent sunroof bringing light and ventilation. Driver and co-driver are comfortably seated in adjustable bucket seats.
The finish of the fittings is succinct. There is nothing too much and especially not a piece of wood. We note the possibility of installing a plotter in front of the helmsman, but not a very large model, 12 inches maximum. The VHF is deported on the top of the deckhouse. A small kitchenette with a stove and a drawer fridge will give the illusion of being able to prepare a meal. Simply heating a coffee seems more realistic.
Under the front deck, a front triangle with cushions will be welcome for a nap, but will be used more often to store the day's belongings.
But let's stop talking, let's cast off and go to sea to see how the machine behaves once at sea.
