Parker owners - any ideas for larger console access door?

[capt_matt]

I have been considering Parker's 23 SE or DVCC as a possible next boat. I am not happy with that tiny little door on the starboard side of the console. The inside of the console is huge yet that door is tiny! Access to the underside of the helm is really tough. The tiny door also restricts use of all that storage space inside the console. Why? Does not seem to make sense.

Has anyone come up with a custom modification that gives better console access? I am thinking of a door that is larger and extends down further toward the deck. I realize that the clamshell design of the console would make a custom modification difficult since the side of the console is not flat.

Any ideas? Any comments from owners on functionality of that little door as designed?

[paxfish]

You could do it, but it's definitely not worth the effort for me. I access the underside of the dash about once a year tops. Not worth major surgery to enlarge the door.

I don't keep anything I use regularly in the console anyway. I probably pull something from the console once per trip - maybe my Goretex or something.

Parkers are spartan from a storage standpoint, and I like it that way. I carry 1/3 of the crap I used to carry in the old boat when I had all those lockers....

[captsuperfly]

My buddy just bought this boat and rigged it to the balls. Radar, sat weather, E120 display, Furuno sounder and when we looked at the console we had the same comment. Especially since he opted to install a starboard panel on the helm so he could flushmount his electronics. What we did was have the rigger install a large pie plate on the side of the helm. Now, it's really easy for him to reach in back of his display and get to the wires etc.

Access to large items in the console has to be from the front, under the seat. I'd suggest using duffles to hold stuff so you can grab it from that seat.

[goinsfishin]

I epoxied some Bungie Buddies (motorcycle hardware) to the inside of the console and then use a cargo net to keep things separated. Works great and the hatch was never a problem. Upgraded to a 25 last year so the CC is gone. Could probably replace with a larger hatch but you would probably have to get it custom made, not sure if it's worth the effort/expense.

[capt_matt]

captsuperfly - 8/31/2007 8:28 AM
Access to large items in the console has to be from the front, under the seat. I'd suggest using duffles to hold stuff so you can grab it from that seat.

I have a friend with an 18' Parker and this is what he does as well. In my current boat I use plastic containers to store and organize everything in the console space.

The big problem is, what happens on a Parker when you get a cooler insert for that front seat? Then access to the console storage is ONLY through that little door. If the 23SE lacks a cooler insert for the seat, then you don't have a cooler since there is a livewell under the leaning post. That livewell could serve as a cooler for me since I very seldom use live bait. But there again I see a problem because of that tiny little cheap plastic door that covers the livewell.

The 23 DVCC has some cooler space in the transom, but I am more likely to go with a 23SE as it is easier for me to trailer and store.

I like much about Parkers and I am looking for a "no nonsense" boat. I like these boats overall. However, some of the layout choices and options seem to be problematic for my anticipated use.

I guess I just prefer large openings for compartments!

[captsuperfly]

capt_matt - 8/31/2007 4:49 PM

The big problem is, what happens on a Parker when you get a cooler insert for that front seat? Then access to the console storage is ONLY through that little door. If the 23SE lacks a cooler insert for the seat, then you don't have a cooler since there is a livewell under the leaning post. That livewell could serve as a cooler for me since I very seldom use live bait. But there again I see a problem because of that tiny little cheap plastic door that covers the livewell.

My buddy planned ahead and (at additional expense, of course) deleted the factory livewell option and instead ordered the boat with no seat, and ordered a kick-ass Birdsall leaning post. Now, he can fit a cooler under the leaning post, or swap it out for a livewell (we rigged a quick connect to plumb it) when he needs to fish live bait. THe Birdsall is such a HUGE improvement over the factory setup i think it was worth the extra bucks. You could throw a soft cooler for drinks under the seat, that's what I'd do if I didn't have the after market leaning post option.

Also, FWIW the foreward area on the 23SE is HUGE and I'll bet you could chock a cooler there with flush mount chocks and put a cushion on it (I've seen people do it like a coffin box). Great for storing fish or anything else and you can take it out if you don't want it.

[Uncle Matt]

My 23SE has been a great boat. But I don't use the livewell and I agree the hatch door stinks. Storage on these boats are minimal at best. If I was going to keep the boat for any length of time, I'd have a round cornered 60+ inch coffin box permanently installed on the deck area in the bow. One with drains that would allow melted ice to drain out onto the deck. I would of also replaced the leaning post with a custom job with large tackle drawers etc.

[atlanticbeach]

You can give me a call and I can hook you up with the vendor that makes them for Parker as he is a friend of mine. I have an 18 Parker that my son and I are reworking and we got a new console plug from Parker just so we could customize the door configuration on the console. We have a large door on the front, and two large doors on the side. You can have them made any size that you can dream up within restrictions of the console. I am out of town til Monday but will try to send you some pics of the console withoutthe doors installed so you can see how large we made ours. We also built polyboard shelving in the console that fits right at the door openings and it removable to gain access to the batteries below. I also have the radio box that is used on the 18 and 21 and we customized that opening as well to maximize flush mounts. PM me with your info and I will give my info back and you can call me and I will give you the info.

[capt_matt]

atlanticbeach,

Information on that supplier would be fantastic. Pictures of your boat would be great as well. I would be happy to make mods to a Parker to customize the boat to my needs. With just a few changes I think a Parker would be ideal for my needs.

PM sent.

[mrpj]

any photos>

[B-Faithful]

Parker is coming out with a head in the console on the 23's and up. check out http://www.classicparker.com