When you see the Pardo 38 on the water for the first time, it's hard to avoid the statement "That's a real eye-catcher". Her appearance is definitely interesting. It is built in Italy by Cantiere del Pardo. The shipyard describes the boat as a crossover between an exclusive luxury tender and a sporty runabout. And what is it intended for?
The shipyard: "A beach trip with the family to your favourite beach, a quick lap around the bay or a weekend trip to the islands with one or maybe two overnight stays - all in comfort and style, but spontaneously and without hours of preparation"
In Germany, the Pardo is sold by Diamond-Yachts in Laboe. It is therefore not surprising that our test area was the Baltic Sea. On our test day, however, the sea was calm, with the only choppy water coming from large ships. The Pardo copes with these waves without any problems. To ensure that it is as stable as possible and that rolling movements are also dampened, our test boat is fitted with a zip wake system that operates with plates attached vertically to the transom.
Need more information? The test of the Pardo 38 with all technical data, further measurement results and full evaluation can be found in BOOTE issue 9/2020 ( available here ).
The good thing about this is that you don't have to worry about the settings, as the pre-adjusted system does this automatically. This means that in the transition phase from displacement to planing, you simply accelerate and leave the rest to the automatic system. The bow naturally rises, but the view forwards is always maintained. If you get close to 3000 rpm, the trim plates go to zero per cent and you use some power trim from here on. We reached almost 40 knots at full throttle.
Long-distance runners reduce the speed to around 26.5 knots and can then travel around 270 nm plus 15% reserve on one tank of fuel - a value that is quite suitable for this type of boat. At a slower speed of around 6 knots, you can travel 600 nm, but who wants to go for a long crawl with this boat?
The fast manoeuvres: In full circles, the hull lies on its side as normal and performs its manoeuvres safely. When the steering is torn, the stern sets in noticeably, but is still very stable. The steering impresses here with its lightness and precise steering behaviour. You don't actually need the rudder to manoeuvre on our test Pardo, as it is equipped with a joystick system (extra) that makes harbour manoeuvres precise and easy. The smooth engagement and disengagement of the latest generation of Volvo drives (see also BOOTE 9/19).
During all manoeuvres, the rider sits on a firmly upholstered sports seat that offers plenty of lateral support. The gearstick and rudder are within easy reach both when standing and sitting. There is room for two co-pilots on identical sports seats. There is a handrail (running round the side of the driving position) and a handle directly on the driving position to hold on to. The feet are securely placed on a bench and the cockpit floor.
It goes without saying that you will also find the latest display technology on such a stylish boat. This refers to three monitors that are easy to read apart from a few reflections. However, there is also an analogue display: the compass is in full view of the seated driver. A lightly tinted windscreen protects the passengers from wind and weather.
The rest of the crew takes a seat in the large seating area in the stern, where not only the comfortable cushions are impressive, but also the option of converting the entire seating unit into an extravagant sunbathing area. The size and comfort of the sun lounger in the bow is also not to be sneezed at.
There is also a galley in the cockpit, which is equipped with a refrigerator, sink and two-plate hob. Additional options such as further cooling facilities or a grill are also possible. Swimmers can access the bathing platform via two stern entrances (ideally equipped with doors), which has a wide ladder (easy to use from the water) and a stern shower.
A wet room with washbasin, marine toilet and shower can be found in the cabin on the starboard side, opposite storage facilities and the electrical control centre. There is a double berth in the bow, which is equipped with comfortable cushions. Shortcoming: Even if you don't use the boat frequently for longer journeys, we still don't have ventilation underneath. There are two more berths in the underfloor area, which is open at the front. If you want to have these beds, you pay an extra charge of just under 6800 euros.
The engine compartment can be reached via the folded-up centre seat in the cockpit seating area. From there, a hatch and step provide access to the "muggi cabin". With a standing height of 1.10 metres (between the engines), the technician has to make himself quite small for some service work. We particularly liked the fire extinguishing system, diesel filter with electric alarm, fuel shut-off valves and standpipes as additional tank gauges.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Pardo 38 is a fully-fledged day cruiser with plenty of space on deck. The carpool enjoys plenty of comfort and can go on beautiful excursions. It is also possible to stay overnight with two or, for an extra charge, four people. The zip wake and joystick make the boat easy to drive and manoeuvre.
