When Daniel Painter from Auckland-based dealer Your Marine assured us that the boat would be “interesting,” I put it down to mere marketing hyperbole. After all, how different could a 27-foot, outboard-powered cabin boat weighing approximately 2.7 tonnes and with a beam of 8.5 feet (2.59m), truly be? Having reviewed numerous boats in this size range and with a boating companion who once owned a similar vessel, I felt I had a clear idea of what to expect in terms of dimensions, performance, handling and fuel efficiency.
This size is notably popular in New Zealand, being small enough to be trailered, yet spacious enough for a comfortable overnight stay. While each boat in this category boasts unique features and, it must be noted, some disadvantages, most adhere to similar characteristics.
However, my perception underwent a significant shift when I arrived at Westhaven Marina and stepped aboard the Quarken 27. Quarken was founded in 2021 by some of the most renowned Finnish designers. Drawing inspiration
