Arvor 700 Weekender Brilliant economical day boat/weekender

I was keen to assist in the sale of the Arvor Weekender as they have always peaked my interest. Economical shaft drive diesel engine with a protective keel. Sounds like the perfect combination for someone trying to boat cost effectively.

Recently I took this vessel for a run along the coast off Australind. What a beautiful part of our coastline. On the day we were blessed with light winds and 40 degree temperatures. The ten minute jaunt from the canal front home to open ocean gave me a great chance to really get to know this gorgeous little boat. I was intrigued by her quiet 150HP diesel engine.

Here's a detailed review by John Ford from his 2019 Tradaboat article.

'Arvor Weekender 700
The Weekender has been part of the Arvor boats line-up for some time and is still the company's best-selling current model; probably because it is offered as a turn-key proposition with all the help that makes boating easy. Features include accommodation that sleeps five, an enclosed head, cooking and refrigeration, a bowthruster, windlass, trim tabs and shorepower/battery charger, and plenty of room to spread out.

Rather than the flat windscreen on other models, the Arvor Weekender 700 sports a well-raked version, while extending the cabin farther back gives a nicely balanced look. The roof seems to float above the cabin as a separate entity and lifts at the rear in an incongruous spoiler-like effect that extends past the cockpit for weather protection over the sliding doors. Our test boat included an optional bimini over the entire cockpit, and while it did a great job of keeping the sun off I'm not convinced it adds to the looks.

Layout
Boarding is easiest across the wide swimplatform and through a central entryway with a slip in door. The platform has a swimladder that sits on the deck but could be quickly dropped into the water to make more room when sitting out there. Four fender holders moulded into the transom are a practical solution to their storage and a timber outboard mount satisfies the boat's EU certification but seems a little unnecessary.

The cockpit is laid out asymmetrically to suit the small movable dining table, with seating on a moulded bench to port and smaller ones either side of the aft walkthough, leaving a passageway to starboard when the setting is in place. Clip-in backrests and cushions make things more comfortable and faux teak laminate on all cockpit hatches adds a nautical quality.

Given the size and nature of the cockpit it's a neat trick to include a raised sunpad that is constructed from elements stored in the lazarette and side bench. It runs full-width and includes rolled cushions for a fully relaxing experience, adding yet another dimension to the Weekender's appeal. A cold freshwater shower will wash you down after a swim, with hot available as a sensible option for overnighting in cooler weather.

It's probably no surprise that the saloon too has innovative ways of converting itself into a comfortable place to cruise, eat, sleep and relax in a relatively confined space; we're talking a 7m boat after all. The first thing noticeable on entering the cabin is the big moonroof which gives the space a very open feel and, with the wraparound windows, almost unlimited views and light.

An L-shaped lounge to port is both a comfortable place for the crew to keep the skipper company when travelling, and, with table in place, a perfect dining area. Drop the table and it converts into a double bed with cushions in dedicated storage under the bunk. Another double lives in the forward cabin and there's also a good-sized quarter berth running back under the cockpit bench for a total of five berths. A galley runs along the starboard side starting with a stainless steel sink under the flip-up captain's chair, a metho cooktop with servery lid and, farther back, a bench with Waeco fridge below.

150 hp Mercury Diesel
Power on the Arvor Weekender 700 is from a 150hp Mercury Diesel mounted amidships and with limited access for maintenance through a hatch under the rear lounge in the saloon. The torquey engine had the semiplaning hull out of the hole at around 12kts, and once out feels like it will run smoothly all day between 3000 to 3500rpm and up to 17kts. Pushed hard the 700 Weekender will hit 4200rpm and 23kts but it's noisy enough in this range to encourage the skipper to back off to a more sensible speed.

Despite those beefy bows the ride over harbour chop was smooth and quiet and it's only in bigger swells offshore that it gets a bit harsh, but forever dry when carrying higher speeds. The big chines keep the hull flat into turns and handling is predictable if not overly sporty.

The reality is that diesel Arvor bots are not about screaming around at full noise. While it's good to know the boat has the speed and handling to get home quickly if the weather turns bad, the enjoyment of the Weekender is in simply cruising slowly, saving fuel and taking in the fresh air and sunshine.

The shaftdrive's easy maintenance and the self-draining deck makes the Arvor Weekender 700 an ideal proposition for leaving on a harbourside jetty or a mooring, and while there is a $16,000 trailer available the beamy outfit would require a travelling permit and a big tow-rig. '

Thanks John for such a great description review!!!

Included in this package is a Dunbier tandem trailer. The vessel spends about one month in the water annually and is then stored under cover in a factory unit. Her owner has etup an engine fresh water flushing system so know doubt her engine is in great condition inside and out. At just ver 107 hours she is barely run in!

I love this style of boat, cheap to run and surprisingly very volumous inside. Perfect for a self-funded retiree. While not a retiree myself I can envisage towing her up to Shark Bay or Ningaloo for a fishing trip and having her double as a caravan along the way.

I'm amazed at the clever design of the Arvor and just how comfortable they are. There is a lot they have packed into this 7m boat however she does not feel at all cluttered.

Her current owners have enjoyed crusing around the Bunbury region over the last 10 years however most of her life she has resided under cover in storage out of the water.

Highlights:
* LOA 7.65m or 25ft 1"
* Skylight with large hatch for capturing the breeze
* Large seamless front winsdcreen with no mullions blocking your view
* Opening side windows fro excellent cross ventilation
* Remarkably stable at rest
* Keel to protect the running gear
* Trailable
* Excellent accommodation in just 7m of boat
* Large 2.78m beam
* Bimini cover over rear deck
* Self draining deck
* Remote electric windlass
* Economical and low maintenance shaft drive diesel engine

Read another review with more images on Boatsales by the late David Lockwood from back in 2012
https://www. Boatsales. Com. Au/editorial/details/arvor-weekender-2 8565/

She comes with a licensed tandem trailer which she lives on for approximately ten months of the year under cover inside a factory unit.

Contact:
Brendon Grieve Call Seller
Peter Milner Call Seller
Renee Noack Call Seller

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