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The Caravelle 187 had more big-boat features than any 18-footer we
tested!
Most notable are the companionway entry between swim platform
to the full liner cockpit and complete no-wood composite construction.
To our knowledge, no other boat its size has all these great
features.
Our test boat had a Volvo 190 HP
stern-drive under the hood. Built on GM’s reliable Vortec V-6 (you probably have one in
your car), we found the power a good match for the hull- great performance
rewards for minimum fuel consumption.
Top speed was 50 mph, darned
good for any boat but really good for one priced like the Caravelle 187.
We took the boat into Sarasota Bay to test its handling in chop and
current. Tracking was true
and the ride on this steamy day was very good.
For sharp turns with no blowout, trim the engine in and hang on.
After some quick turns and
throttle-jamming acceleration tests, we were eager to pick apart the view
from the helm. But we found
little to criticize. The
windshield gives a good view below the top rim while seated.
We liked the stainless- steel supports, both for their good looks
and for their strength and corrosion resistance.
Upholstery in the Caravelle
looked great, too. The finish
is rich and supple, stitching straight and sturdy, with no puckers to
detract from the comfortable curves.
The boat glistened in the South
Florida sun as we stepped onto the dock to take the long view down the
starboard side; the gelcoat finish was awesome.
Caravelle uses a three-step gelcoat process from Cook Composites:
Armor Flex prevents cracking.
A moisture barrier called Armor Guard protects from blistering, and
Caravelle is so sure it’s solid they offer a pleasantly surprising
one-year warranty against blistering.
To keep the finish looking bright for years, ArmorCote tops it off.
The system works, the manufacturer says. We tend to agree based on their gelcoat warranty- often not
provided at all on other boats. Overall,
it’s an exciting look for an exciting ride and we haven’t even
discusses the available fish and ski model.
WE ALSO LIKE….1)
Optional package includes bow filler cushions, tilt steering, depth
finder, CD player, Bimini and snap-in carpet.
2) Optional extended swim platform give more water-sports utility.
3) Wood-free construction means no rot.
4) Coaming pads feature an upholstered armrest for the driver.
5) Spacious sun pad and aft bench are comfortable.
6) Liner cockpit drains to the bilge, keeping the deck clean and
dry.
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