The new Austin Parker 44, making its U.S. debut at the Lauderdale show, is an eye-catching combination of slightly retro design, with hints of a traditional Down East lobster boat, and an aggressive contemporary styling that says this boat can run with the best of them. The new 44 sedan is part of the revamped Austin Parker fleet that now runs from 37 to 72 feet.
Designed by Fulvio De Simoni (who also drew Pershings), Austin Parkers are made in Italy and are meant to have a global appeal as luxurious, safe and comfortable blue-water cruising boats. They make extensive use of teak on deck, and the planks (taken from a single tree) are laid on the deck using a vacuum system to eliminate any water intrusions. All the internal compartments and decks are built with marine sandwich panels for insulation and soundproofing; doors have a soft all-around gasket to reduce vibrations. Hulls, decks and superstructure are laid up using the vacuum infusion system for light weight and quality control.
A semi-custom boat, the Austin Parker 44 can be ordered as an elegant day boat for a couple, or an overnight cruising boat with an extra cabin. The looks, of course, are the same either way, with the boat’s reverse transom, high freeboard, long (and slightly broken) sheerline, and eye-catching horizontal coach roof. The high bow and freeboard forward protect against head seas while providing standing headroom in the master cabin.
The cockpit, with its teak deck, is large, for entertaining or casual fishing, and the boat is all one level from the swim platform up to the helm station; you won’t stub your toe walking around in a seaway. Power comes from twin 435-hp Volvo diesels paired to IPS pod drives.
Specs.: LOA: 44’0”; Beam: 13’8”; Draft: NA; Disp.: NA; Fuel: 422 gals.; Water 118 gals.; Power: 2×435-hp Volvo IPS 600s.
