Anybody got some reasons as to why the Parker Big Bay 23 is head and shoulders above the price tags of some of the other nice boats...Kenner, Pathfinder, Compass, etc....

its a real good boat?

What is the base price tag on that boat?

OK. Just found one on the web listed at $47,146 with a 225 Yamaha. That is definitely high end for its class. Anyone had experience owning a Parker?

J.P.,

Jerry Norris, guide of: The Original Sabine Lake Guide Service uses this boat. I've never spoke w/ him, but can't see how a 23'bay boat could be sooooo expensive????

It must dance on water, play the guitar, clean fish, and drive itself back to the dock all at the same time

Salsa

I don't own one, but a buddy of mine does and I have fished off of it several times. To me it is one hell of a boat, and if I had the money I would buy one without a doubt. It is a very smooth riding dry boat, and for its size and weight it seems to run fairly shallow. We take it down to Port Isabel every year and it will go just about anywhere we need to go. On plane we ran in about a ft. of water, maybe a little less, and we could get up in about a 1.5 - 2 ft.

We have also taken that boat as far as 40 miles offshore with no problems. The roughest we went out in was probably 3-4 ft. seas, and the boat handled it suprisingly well. Overall I think it is a great boat and would buy one with no doubts. It has anything you would need on a boat and could be used in a variety of situations.

for $43K it better come with Hooters chicks , a budweiser sponsorship, and drive on land.

Comparing a Parker to a Kenner is like comparing a Cadillac to a Volkswagon.

If your interested in basic functionality, go with the Kenner, if you are interested in quality, comfort and durability go with the Parker.

Why can you get a fish sandwich at Micky D's for 99 cents and a fish sandwich at Pappadeaux's cost you 9.99?

Bayhawk,

not 43,000....more like $50,000 rigged....

What would a Ranger in the same lenghth with
the same equipment cost?
I have fished out of Capt. Jerrys rig, it is
nice. In most cases, a product that is overpriced
will not stay for long in the free market.
I like my 22ft Blue wave, but will admit that
the 23 Parker is a much bigger, better boat.
You get what you pay for( in most cases).
Take a test drive, if you are interested, if not, let it go.
MO

MO,

$30,590 according to the NADA price guide.

MO,

I agree 100% that you get what you pay for. Buying a NEW Parker 23 Big Bay, you do just that...you get an overpriced, overrated bay boat, and that's just what you're paying for.
Find a used one for 50% less, and you're in the green.
There are MUCH MUCH better boats for the money, in my opinion. If I had my choice, I'd look towards Flatlander, Mowdy, JH Performance, etc...you could buy two of either one of those boats in similar size/power combos for the price of that one parker.

I don't understand why people feel the need to spend that much on a boat.

However, dont get me wrong. They are awesome boats, no doubt. Good craftsmanship, supposedly a great ride, and good customer support and following. But, I just can't see how/why someone would buy that boat over some of the others on the market. I'm honestly suprised that they sell any of them.

I'll take my $5000 boat and go on now , I guess I wouldn't buy one cause I couldn't afford it anyways!

Shawn

If you don't want a Parker, don't buy one is
all I am saying. But why come on the board and bash it ? I will never own one, but it
is a fine boat. It is a bay boat ,built like
an offshore boat. It is not a flats boat by any
means.Some people confuse the two.
Capt. Norris had a lot of good things
to say about the boat, but he may be paid to
say that.
Have you test drove a Boston Whaler recently?
good luck
MO

not ONCE did I ever bash the Parker...re-read it.

In more simple terms, I said that you could get 2ea. boats that are just as capable/comfortable for the price of 1ea. Parker.

Then again, some people buy Ranger Bass boats when they can have two of several other brands..

I looked at 3 of them (all used) when I was looking for a new/used boat, and I was most definitely impressed with the boat, but the prices were all outrageous.

I have never ridden in a Whaler, new or old...why do you ask?

Basically:
If you've got the extra money and you want a boat, buy the Parker.
If you've got the extra money and you want a boat, and a truck, buy a Blue Wave, kenner, etc...

<Stepping off of soap box...>

Shawn

I would not get a Kenner for bay fishing, but that is me. Parker is a darn good boat, but if you are looking for a saltwater boat that you are going to use mostly in saltwater, e-mail me and I will try to help you out. Once you get over 21 feet in any boat, the price goes up a little over 10%.

It is expensive, because of the maker, the length and the motor. See what the price is for the same model in a smaller size with the rec. outboard and then compare.

If you are looking for one for lakes up here, look at Key West, SeaPro, Blue Wave, Champion, Skeeter, etc...

If I was going to get one for saltwater only, it would probably be a Pathfinder with a tunnel