Merry Fisher 695 and Parker 660 Weekend.

[wipe_out]

Looked at these at the Poole boat show today.. Unfortunately didn't get to climb over the Merry Fisher because it was pretty busy but the layout is nearly exactly the same as the Parker 660 so internally and functionally they are pretty much the same..

I know the Merry Fishers are pretty popular but has anyone go any experience of the Parker 660?
Wondering what the hulls are like on these boats in choppy conditions, seems the Parker has a deeper V that the Merry Fisher but can't find any specs?
What is the performance like of these types of boats with the 150hp engine option?

 

[Spi D]

No experience. Saw the Parker at SIBS and found it at bit 'Polish' in the level of finish.
Since the weight is 1500 kg dry and without engine I'd expect 150 hp to push it up to 25-27 knots laden, ready to go with ½ tanks and crew of two.


Ofcourse MF series are made by French Jeanneau, presumbly by their Polish subcontractors, so the difference in finish might be academic :nonchalance:

Design however is French vs. Polish.

 

[freddy the frog]

No experience. Saw the Parker at SIBS and found it at bit 'Polish' in the level of finish.
Since the weight is 1500 kg dry and without engine I'd expect 150 hp to push it up to 25-27 knots laden, ready to go with ½ tanks and crew of two.


Ofcourse MF series are made by French Jeanneau, presumbly by their Polish subcontractors, so the difference in finish might be academic :nonchalance:

Design however is French vs. Polish.

most of the plastic moulds are from poland on the majority of imports. i think the merry fisher quality is not that brilliant i thought the parker was the better boat. certainly the mf wood is very MFI

 

[LadyJ]

The advice I got that has proved worthwhile is to look at your dealer network, particularly if buying new. In my humble opinion these boats in the price range are all fairly similar and the differences will be more down to personal preference in layout rather than quality therefore the after sales service will be more key than if a Parker is better/worse than the Jeanneau. Just my thoughts but I went with MF due to dealer presence in marina and it has been worth its weight in gold even for the early advise let alone any teething issues.
Lastly my 175hp (essentially the same engine block as the 150) pushes to 34 knots (WOT) with two on board but for a serious reduction on fuel burn cruising at 4800/5000 pushes you along at c. 24/26 knots and handles the chop much more comfortably at this speed.

 

[freddy the frog]

The advice I got that has proved worthwhile is to look at your dealer network, particularly if buying new. In my humble opinion these boats in the price range are all fairly similar and the differences will be more down to personal preference in layout rather than quality therefore the after sales service will be more key than if a Parker is better/worse than the Jeanneau. Just my thoughts but I went with MF due to dealer presence in marina and it has been worth its weight in gold even for the early advise let alone any teething issues.
Lastly my 175hp (essentially the same engine block as the 150) pushes to 34 knots (WOT) with two on board but for a serious reduction on fuel burn cruising at 4800/5000 pushes you along at c. 24/26 knots and handles the chop much more comfortably at this speed.

I think when you get above 8mtrs the Merry fisher /antares etc the interior quality improves below that size and it feels very cheap try looking at some of the other imports leidi for instance stunning quality.

 

[Poledark]

I would consider resale value, is the Parker that much cheaper? enough to warrant the lower resale price? the Jeanneau is the better known make. Personally i would go inboard diesel if you want good sea keeping ability unfortunately it would have to be second hand as they don't make them in an inboard version below 8m anymore. There are some nice MF 655 out there and the Beneteau Antares 6 both have inboard and a proper separate marine heads.