Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer Review (2024 Edition)

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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).

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. 

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. 

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.