Quarken 27 Cabin Review (2023 Edition)

Around the Marina

Quarken has opted for a straightforward single engine: a Yamaha V8 giving 300hp. This simplicity translates to easy and intuitive handling at low speeds, allowing you to simply swing the outboard from side to side, the fly-by-wire steering making fast adjustments smooth and easy.

The bow thruster is worth having, though. It may be a small boat but that upright wheelhouse creates a fair bit of windage so being able to control the bow at slow speed is crucial.

Not that wind was much of an issue on our test day. The waters were very calm, and the 27 Cabin turned very nicely indeed. What's particularly appealing is the positive lock mechanism for shifting in and out of neutral to ensure the fly-by-wire throttle can't be inadvertently knocked out of gear. 

Considering its fly-by-wire, the throttle isn't overly light at speed either, which is valuable if you're navigating through rough seas and don't want the throttle jumping around in your hand. 

At Sea

The conditions on the test day were unbelievably calm, a lovely day but not great for challenging the 27's hull dynamics. There was a bit of stiffness to the throttle, but hammer it home and the boat picked up quite nicely. Passing 20 knots felt effortless. With a manual trim on the outboard, a slight adjustment was required and then we were comfortably cruising at 30 knots. In the calm conditions, 30 knots felt like a walking pace, but it's an incredibly comfortable way to cover ground and the boat feels happier at these higher speeds where the stepped hull is really in its stride.

The Quarken 27 is fitted with traditional trim tabs that have an auto-trim feature, which allows the boat to settle down into a level-running attitude without much fuss. The 300hp Yamaha has a distinctive howl and is noisier at speed than the equivalent Mercury, especially if you're sitting in the cockpit. But from the insulated helm position inside the wheelhouse, the sound levels are perfectly acceptable.

Cruising at 35 knots was comfortable, and fuel consumption was about 1.5 litres per nautical mile — very efficient given the speed at which you're covering ground. The Quarken 27 performs well, and while it can reach 45 knots, the sweet spot is definitely in the 30-35 knot range. Fully enclosed, protected, and safe; this is a very good way to travel.

Handling

In the calm of our test day, the 27 was an absolute joy to drive. Despite the steps in the hull, the boat's grip on the water is relentless and there's a lovely amount of feel through the steering wheel as you dial in hard lock. The weight of the steering and throttle is one of the most rewarding aspects of the driving experience and you feel as though you have outstanding control of the boat at high speeds. 

It may be a little odd looking but the hull cuts through the water beautifully, and though we only had the wake of other boats to contend with the boat rode through the waves solidly and with confidence. It's a very rewarding boat to be behind the helm of. 

Quarken may be a relatively new name, being established in 2021, but the people behind it are seasoned experts, having honed their skills at Finnmaster, Husky, and Grandezza. This wealth of experience is evident in the Quarken 27 Cabin’s design and build.

The Quarken 27 Cabin has a clever internal layout and asymmetrical decks. Unlike the Axopar 28 or the Saxdor with their full walk-around designs, the Quarken 27 Cabin has an asymmetric wheelhouse. This design choice provides a spacious wheelhouse on one side and a generously sunken side deck on the port side. It may not be the prettiest, but it's very practical.

The wheelhouse is glass-packed with seating arrangements that adapt to travel, dining, or leisure. Below decks on the boat we tested, there is a small but sensibly arranged open-plan double berth and a toilet with a sink, which can be curtained off for privacy.

Soft decking throughout the boat is another highlight. It stays cool and grippy, providing secure footing even when wet, and it feels good underfoot.

Quarken offers four different add-on packages:

• The Convenience Package includes wireless phone charging, a bow thruster, trim tabs, and a Garmin 12” plotter with a sonar sensor, with a Fusion audio system with six speakers. 
• The Premium Package has four hull windows, deck lights, a second Garmin 12” plotter, and a glass panel for a twin plotter installation. 
• For those planning extended stays, there is the Weekend Package. It features a 50L fridge, shore power, an electric toilet, a freshwater system, a curtain for the toilet, and a transom shower. Everything you need for a comfy weekend on the water.
• Lastly, the Mooring Package ensures you’re well-equipped for docking, with four fenders, complete with ropes and socks, alongside four mooring ropes. 

The wheelhouse is accessible via a rear entrance or through the side door on the 27 Cabin. The design prioritises natural ventilation because of a large floor-to-ceiling door, a manual sunroof, and a hatch by the driver. 

One of the wheelhouse's standout features is the flexible seating arrangement. The cockpit door slides both ways, locking securely in place to allow the two-way bench to face outside. If you've set up the table in the cockpit, two people can comfortably sit inside on the bench, facing two more seated opposite. For travel mode, a mechanism allows an additional seat to be attached to the end of the bench with its own footrest and grab handle.

Both helm seats swivel right around to face the bench, allowing more people to sit around an interior table if it's installed. Beneath this seating area, you'll find a neatly integrated mini-galley, which features a sink and cooktop — just for basic meal prep. 

Below Deck

Heading below deck on the Quarken 27 Cabin, there's a surprisingly well-thought-out space. While compact, this cabin could suit short stays, with reasonable comfort for the odd night aboard.

There is a bathroom, but instead of enclosing it and making it feel cramped, there's a privacy curtain. This avoids claustrophobia below deck and still provides the essentials — a hidden toilet, a small sink, and some storage. 

The driving position is very good on the 27, with a seat you can slide to exactly where you need to be. It also has a bolster, so you can stand and drive if you prefer. It's lovely to sit back with everything close at hand, and the adjustable wheel makes sure you can find the perfect position, whether sitting or standing.

No screens are standard but there's the option to have one screen or two. Navigating in the Finnish archipelago - as we were on this test - is made easier with a wider view of the archipelago and a separate closer view for route-following. The screen in the middle provides essential engine information, and you can switch up the display to show other useful data.

Visibility from the helm is very good. Glass panels across the ceiling and on the port side, along with a door and window behind and the sunroof is particularly handy as you can see the horizon clearly. The throttle's stiffness might make fine adjustments a bit tricky, but the button on the throttle neck lets you tweak the speed in 50rpm increments, making this less of an issue.

For storage at the helm, you'll find two deep cup holders, a fabric wallet for slipping in bits and bobs, and a large bin for items like the screen covers for the MFDs.

Starting at the bow, you'll find a telescopic ladder that neatly pops out and up on the bow itself, there's the option to install a table, which can drop down to extend the sun pad with some infill cushions. 

When going along the side decks, you'll notice there aren’t railings, but the tall sides of the boat make you feel well-protected. If you need additional support, you can easily hook your hand under the lip above the windows as you walk forward. As you approach the aft deck, however, a well-placed rail provides extra security. Under a panel aft, you’ll find easy access to the battery bank and there are good-sized cleats amidships, and at either end.

The side door doesn’t match the helm as it does on the Axopar, making it slightly less convenient for the skipper to assist with crewing. However, it’s straightforward enough to cross the wheelhouse and step onto the side deck — a small step is well-located to help you get up onto the pontoon.

Aft Deck

Underneath a seat unit, there's a deep storage locker for stowing away fenders and lines. Although it lacks support, it leans back enough so it probably won’t slam down unexpectedly. Directly beneath your feet, there’s another spacious storage void for bags and other kit.

There's also an option to install a table here, which can be moved into the cabin for a dining or lounging setup. The split bathing platform around the single outboard engine includes a bathing ladder. This model is equipped with an A-frame and a ski tow-eye, alongside a stern anchor — a feature not often seen in the UK but quite popular in Finland. A deck shower is also located here for rinsing off with fresh water after a swim.