Bull 7000 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Bull 7000 traces back to Greg Young's innovative work in 1988, particularly his pioneering use of a modern pivoting bowsprit on a 6.5-meter trailer yacht. The design for the Bull 7000 itself gained significant traction after an article in a European boating magazine in 1992 generated widespread interest and numerous inquiries for Young's concept. Parker Yachts, a builder with a strong legacy in robust construction and clever designs, particularly known for their emphasis on shallow-draft capabilities through lifting keels, acquired the tooling for the Bull 7000 and commenced its production.

Parker Yachts, initially G. W. Parker & Son, evolved from a family business with deep roots in craftsmanship to a prominent name in performance dinghies like the International 505 and later innovative lifting-keel yachts. This background instilled a focus on quality and performance in their production, which seamlessly extended to the Bull 7000. The Bull 7000, with its fiberglass hull and deck, notably features a lifting keel, aligning with Parker's signature design philosophy of offering enhanced versatility and access to shallower waters 2, 8, Builder Article. A defining characteristic of its sail plan is the fractional sloop rig without a backstay, which allows for an efficient, moderately roached mainsail with full-length battens, contributing to its performance characteristics. Eighty units of the Bull 7000 were built, cementing its place in the market.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bull 7000 is widely regarded as a fantastic boat to sail, offering quick reactions and full control that make it a joy on the water. Despite its compact size, it delivers performance typical of a sportsboat, making it ideal for exhilarating day sails. A key innovation contributing to its sailing dynamics is the unique "Bull" sprit system, designed to enhance downwind performance and ease of handling.

Owners consistently praise the Bull 7000's manageability, noting that it is very easy to handle, even for single-handed sailing, including the setting and dousing of its spinnaker. It is also considered safely handled by a crew of just two, underscoring its accessible performance. Its responsive nature allows for precise maneuvering, making it suitable for both competitive racing and more relaxed cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 24.61 feet, the Bull 7000 boasts a remarkably efficient and well-thought-out interior layout. Designed with the primary goal of being a cruising yacht capable of accommodating two adults and two children, the interior maximizes the available space.

The layout is praised by owners for its accessibility, with everything reportedly easy to reach and fully accessible. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design prioritizes livability for its size class. Typical interior arrangements would include a forward V-berth, a compact galley area, and a basic salon, optimized for short-term cruising or weekend trips. Features such as new interior upholstery and carpet have been noted in some well-maintained examples on the used market, suggesting a focus on comfort within its compact dimensions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bull 7000 consistently laud its performance and ease of handling, highlighting its suitability for both racing and cruising. Many appreciate its responsive nature and the fun it offers on the water, with some finding it particularly well-suited for single-handed or double-handed sailing. Its ability to "turn heads" is frequently mentioned, pointing to its distinctive and appealing design. The high quality of its construction is also a noted strength.

While generally well-received, some owners have noted specific points. Raising the lifting keel, for instance, has been described by one owner as "quite a mission" when using the cabin top winch. Additionally, some discussions touch upon the original trailering design, which required the boat to be floated onto the trailer, a system not preferred by all. However, these are generally minor points within a broader consensus of satisfaction, with the Bull 7000 maintaining a dedicated following among those who value a high-performance, easily managed, and versatile small cruiser.