On Board Review

Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer Review (2024 Edition)

Quarken first showed off the 35 Cabin at Boot Düsseldorf 2024, so let's see how the new flagship model measures up to its rivals in the competitive Cabin Cruiser class

Having debuted at Boot Düsseldorf 2024 priced at €365,000, the 35 Cabin appears to be pretty good value, taking its place as the new flagship of the Quarken lineup.

There is also a T-top version in the 35 range the cabin models tend to be the big sellers given how easy they are to live with and the year-round usability. So, how does it compare to a formidable set of rivals such as the Saxdor 400 GTC, the Nimbus C11, and the Axopar 37 Cross Cabin? Read on to find out. 

Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer Key Facts

Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer illustration
  • LOA 10.68m
  • Model Year 2024
  • Cabins 1
  • Max Speed 50 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Sportsboat
  • Use Type Dayboating

Review Video

Design & Build

This Finnish-designed boat sticks to a philosophy that prioritises usability, flexibility, and practicality. It’s a cleverly thought-out vessel that takes its predecessor's punchy performance and innovative design elements, the Quarken 27, and puts them into a bigger, more versatile package.

The Quarken 35 has an incredibly well-organised interior, and the cockpit's flexibility is a prime example, offering options for a wet bar, a clear deck, or a bench with a table. This versatility ensures that whether you're entertaining or prepping for watersports, the Quarken 35 can adapt to your needs.

The asymmetry in the deck design is another clever touch, providing a spacious starboard side deck that enhances onboard movement and safety, leading to the foredeck.

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The twin-stepped hull provides fast, efficient performance
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There's easily accessed storage beneath the bench seats

The Quarken 35 doesn't shy away from showing off its distinctive design features. For instance, the terraces on each side add an open and inviting feel to the cockpit. The pop-up window integrates the wheelhouse with the outdoor space, and there is also an option for a roof-mounted rack system so you can carry the must-have adventure accessories such as paddleboards, fishing equipment and mountain bikes. 

It's asymmetry sits much more comfortably than the smaller 27, which looks a little odd with its boxy wheelhouse set so obviously to one side. Not the case with the 35, whose length greatly improves the overall aesthetic to the point where you don't even notice the offset decks. 

The Quarken 35 boasts options for twin outboards, either 300hp or 350hp Yamaha engines. Opting for the smaller engines, you'll find yourself cruising comfortably at 45 knots. But, if you're someone who likes to push along with a bit more oomph, the 350hp options will propel you over 50 knots — performance is not an issue.

Interior Accommodation

The dinette features an expandable table that folds up and can be electrically lowered into position, converting it into an additional double berth complete with infill cushions. It's not the private of spaces but the bed is a good size and it's a useful occasional extra sleeping space.

Sitting at the dinette, you're treated to lovely sightlines, thanks to the generous use of glass and the strategic door placement. It's very bright, too, with the option to have fixed glass or a Webasto sunroof, which we'd definitely opt for as it significantly improves ventilation, though the side doors help with this too. 

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The saloon set up in dining mode...
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...and converted into a decent double berth

Directly opposite the dinette, you have the galley. You have the choice between a diesel or an electric stove, hidden away to maximise counter space — keeping the area looking uncluttered. Additionally, the inclusion of a sink and a fridge integrated neatly into the galley ensures that everything you need is at hand. None of it is that large but it's useable.

What really sets the Quarken 35 apart, though, is its innovative door arrangement. The extra wide side door, located next to the twin helm bench, and the sliding door aft by the dinette table, offer excellent access and ventilation options. This setup, similar to the Quarken 27, allows for natural ventilation and multiple entry points, making the interior feel more spacious and connected to the outside and means that passengers don't have to pass through one set of doors. 

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A window on the port side would be a good addition

Downstairs, you're greeted by a nice big double bed, and hidden beneath this is more clever storage. With just a lift of a panel, supported by gas rams, an enormous storage space is uncovered, perfect for stashing away shoes, bags, and all that bulky gear you'd rather keep out of sight. 

Yes, the headroom over the bed is a bit on the snug side, but what the berth lacks in vertical space, it makes up for in width — lovely to stretch out after a long day. The Quarken 35 also has a versatile sofa that transforms into a secondary berth. A few simple adjustments — sliding the sofa down, moving the table aside — and voila, you've got a bed that's perfectly usable for kids. It's brilliant for a small family looking to enjoy a night or two away from the dock.

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The double berth is wide and comfortable

The separate bathroom doesn't offer standing headroom, and, as mentioned, even in the cabin, someone of my height (6ft) will find themselves stooping a bit. But, it's a small compromise for having these facilities at your disposal on a boat of this size. 

Helm Station

Starting with the navigator seat, this area offers a cosy spot for a companion to keep an eye on the journey, and the addition of a handhold and a bit of storage right in front amplifies the usability of this space. The sightlines are also superb, ensuring clear visibility for both the driver and the navigator.

A standout feature is the versatile flip design of the forward-facing seat, transitioning between driving and dining. The twin helm bench, with its easy access and split bolster, is well-designed because one passenger can sit and the other can lean if they prefer. 

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The helm design is simply and effective
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It's a good setup for the navigator, too

The entire bench’s ability to slide forward and back is especially convenient, making the glare-free dashboard in perfect reach for any skipper, and it’s these small, detailed considerations that make the helm station so highly functional.

The helm display is a bit plain but no-nonsense. The driving position is nicely bolstered and throttles and major controls are easily within reach, eliminating any unnecessary stretch. This is a good ergonomic layout, coupled with the smooth handling characteristics of the twin Yamaha engines and the option to integrate a joystick system (bolstered by an optional bow thruster).

On Deck

Exploring the Quarken 35, it’s immediately evident that its Finnish DNA has informed its practical and flexible design — traits that are brilliantly shown on deck. The exterior cockpit can cater to the varying needs with options ranging from a wet bar complete with the usual grill, fridge, and sink, to a more open arrangement allowing for an uncluttered deck space. Modular little tables can be popped up wherever you fancy — be it near the bench or on the bow — and can be tucked away neatly when they aren't needed. 

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The cockpit can also be left open or fitted with a wet bar
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The table can be removed for clear deck space
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The balconies on either side create useful additional seating space

Storage solutions are incredibly thoughtful, with fender slots and a cavernous locker beneath the bench ready to swallow a hefty amount of gear, plus additional space under the floor panels. The standout feature has to be the large pop-up window, integrating the wheelhouse with the cockpit, bolstered by terraces on either side that drop down, adding an extra perch that’s pretty handy for lounging or using the table. Safety is a primary focus too, with handholds placed absolutely everywhere to ensure a secure environment as you navigate the space.

The Quarken 35's asymmetric deck layout also allows for easy deck traversal, with the starboard side deck providing a substantial, well-protected pathway thanks to high bulwarks and sturdy guardrails. The only thing that could make it better would be a boarding gate directly from the helm side door. The port side deck is high and narrower but still useable if you do need to moor port side to. 

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The small cockpit tables can also be locked in place on the foredeck

The foredeck is a handy extra living space. The sun pads are optional, but a no-brainer really, as the area is pretty useless without them. But the option to also add pop-up lighting, a canvas cover and one of the small tables from the cockpit make this a comfortable area where you can stretch out in the sun. Sunbathing doesn't come into the equation in the cockpit so this is the space to do it and, with the asymmetric deck, it's easy to get to as well. Being a Finnish product, there is the option of a bow ladder, too, and access to the anchor locker.

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The 35 will crack 50 knots with the twin Yamaha 350s

Our Verdict

The 35's layout is highly versatile, offering various cockpit configurations and a convertible dinette. The helm station is straightforward, and its asymmetrical deck design prioritizes safety and ease of movement. Furthermore, the foredeck provides additional outdoor space, while below deck, the focus is on storage and flexible sleeping arrangements.

The Quarken 35 Cabin is a practical and versatile option within its category, delivering solid performance. Its flexible layout and ample storage are standout features, though limited headroom might be a concern for some. Ultimately, its appeal compared to competitors will depend on the buyer's priorities, but it remains a strong choice for those seeking a boat that balances speed and utility.

Reasons to Buy

  • Sleeping space for 6
  • Clever wheelhouse design
  • Top speed of 50 knots
  • Lots of storage

Things to Consider

  • No boarding gate on the side deck
  • Limited lower deck headroom
  • Optional foredeck sunbathing adds to cost

Looking to own a Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!

Rivals to Consider

Axopar set the standard for the type of boat and the Axopar 37 is, in our opinion, the best boat in a talented range. The cabin version has a full walkaround deck so the wheelhouse feels narrower than the Quarken but it does have the option of an aft cabin so it's possible to sleep four adults in private comfort. The deck spaces are modular with the option to have an open aft deck, storage, a sun pad or a wet bar and the famous gull-wing doors, forward, improve access to and ventilation in the cabin. With a handful of twin Mercury engine options, performance is similar to the Quarken.

The Quarken competes with the Saxdor 400 but it's probably the Saxdor 340 GTWA that most closely aligns with what the 35 Cabin offers. The 400 has no side decks and a full-width wheelhouse but the 340 GTWA is more like the Axopar, with symmetrical decks. It's a clever boat with the ability to transform its deck and interior spaces like no other. It has side terraces similar to the Quarken's but it can also be specified with an aft sun pads that hides another double cabin, so it's possible to sleep four. 

The Wellcraft 355 is a bigger, heavier boat and it's powered by triple 300hp outboards. This provides incredibly punchy acceleration and a solid feeling in the water that its twin-engine rivals can't match. It's expensive but it's nicely put together and that extra freeboard means you can stand up fully in the forward cabin, though there isn't an aft cabin option. It shares an asymmetric deck layout with the Quarken, which favours the starboard side and makes crewing and access to the foredeck nice and easy. It's an acquired taste but a well-executed package and a new direction for this famous marque. 

Considering a new boat? Explore Quarken's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Length Overall 10.68m
  • Beam 3.48m
  • Hull Fibreglass
  • Cabins 1
  • Berths 5
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 700 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 120 Litres
  • Engine Model 2x Yamaha V6 4.2L 300HP
  • Engine economic speed 22.8 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 198 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer Layout

  • Standard main deck layout

    Main Deck Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer

    The asymmetric deck arrangement creates a large, safe side deck on the starboard side 

  • Optional main deck layout

    Main Deck Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer

    The saloon dinette can convert to a double berth as an option 

  • Lower Deck Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer

    The double berth is a good size and the occasional single berth is a handy addition, though headroom is tight 

View All Layout Options