Caravelle Boats: Worth The Buy?

Caravelle boats are a popular choice for those seeking a well-built and attractively designed vessel. With a reputation for being heavy and sturdy, these boats are often described as entry-level or mid-tier. Offering good value for money, Caravelles are wood-free and built to last, with tough hulls made from quality materials. However, some owners have reported issues with stainless steel screws working loose and poor fiberglass workmanship. Overall, Caravelle boats provide a good option for those seeking a reliable and affordable boat, but they may not offer the same level of finish or performance as higher-end brands.

Caravelle boats are well-built, good-looking, and competitively priced

Caravelle boats are well-built, competitively priced, and good-looking. The Caravelle 207LS, for example, has a strong windshield, a walk-through transom, recessed cleats, bucket seats, and snap-in carpeting. The Bimini and wakeboard tower attach to the rail, which is so sturdy that it doesn't flex under pressure. The fit and finish are excellent, and the boat offers a lot of storage space.

Caravelle boats are also known for their good looks. One owner described their 2005 Caravelle Sea Hawk 21' Walk Around as "heavy [and] great-looking." Another owner of a 1994 Caravelle 1750BR said they "really like the design of their boats." A third owner, this time of a 2004 Caravelle 187LS Bowrider, said: "I love this boat! So far I've had no problems at all."

Caravelle boats are competitively priced. One owner of a 2005 Caravelle Sea Hawk 21' Walk Around said that, despite a few issues, they felt it was a "good boat." They also noted that the boat was only a month old when they posted, so the issues were likely teething problems. Another owner of a 2004 Caravelle 187LS Bowrider said: "Knowing what I now know about my Caravelle boat would I do it all over again? You bet!"

Caravelle boats are also well-built. One owner described their 2004 Caravelle 187LS Bowrider as "peace of mind." Another owner of a 1972 Caravelle 18' tri-hull said: "Good solidly built boat and smooth riding due to the hull design and the weight." A third owner, this time of a 2005 Caravelle, said: "It was pure (bad) luck with timing. [...] It was early in the season and the starter just happened to die while I had it out. The boat was awesome, really liked it."

In summary, Caravelle boats are well-built, competitively priced, and good-looking. They offer excellent value for money and are loved by their owners, who describe them as "peace of mind" and "solidly built."

They are described as entry-level and mid-tier boats

Caravelle boats are described as entry-level and mid-tier vessels. They are well-built, good-looking, and competitively priced. The Caravelle 207LS, for example, has a sturdy windshield, a walk-through transom, recessed cleats, excellent bucket seats, and snap-in carpeting. It is priced at $29,750, plus tax and license. The company also offers the Interceptor 192SS, a go-fast boat with similar features, for $26,998 plus tax and license.

Caravelle boats are constructed without wood, which is seen as a positive feature. They are also known for their strong hulls and good layup and materials. One owner describes their 1994 Caravelle 1750BR as "perfect". Another owner of a 2004 Caravelle 187LS Bowrider says they have had "no problems" with their boat and would "do it all over again".

However, some owners have experienced issues with their Caravelle boats. One owner of a 2005 Caravelle Sea Hawk 21' Walk Around reported several problems, including a speedometer light that didn't work, portholes that couldn't be closed or latched, a loose remote, and several loose screws. Another owner of a 1999 Caravelle Interceptor reported issues with stainless steel screws working loose and having to be replaced.

Overall, Caravelle boats are described as offering good value for money and providing a lot of "bang for your buck". They are seen as entry-level or mid-tier boats that are well-built and offer a good layout for families.

They are not as well-known as other brands, but are comparable in quality to Chaparrals

Caravelle boats are not as well-known as other brands, but they are comparable in quality to Chaparrals. They are well-built, good-looking, and priced at the mid-level range.

Caravelle boats are made of all-fiberglass construction, with no wood in the hull, which is a significant advantage as wood can rot over time. The Caravelle 207LS, for example, has excellent fit and finish, a strong windshield, and plenty of storage. The 192 Interceptor is another popular model known for its speed and performance.

Some owners have reported issues with Caravelle boats, such as loose screws, poor fiberglass workmanship, and problems with gauges and speedometers. However, overall, the brand seems to offer good value for money, and many owners are happy with their purchase.

Caravelle boats are a good option for those looking for a well-built and affordable boat without the frills of more expensive brands. They offer comparable quality to Chaparrals but are less known, which can be seen as a positive for those who want something different.

They are wood-free, which is a positive feature

Caravelle boats are wood-free, which is a positive feature. This means that they are built without any wood in the hull, which can be a significant advantage over other boat brands. Wood-free construction can offer several benefits, including improved durability, reduced maintenance, and increased resistance to rot and water damage.

Being wood-free means that Caravelle boats are less susceptible to the damaging effects of water. Wood is naturally absorbent and can soak up water, leading to issues such as rot, warping, and delamination. With a wood-free construction, Caravelle boats eliminate these concerns, providing owners with peace of mind and potentially lowering maintenance costs.

The absence of wood in Caravelle boats also contributes to their durability. Wood is susceptible to cracking, splitting, and deterioration over time, especially when exposed to the elements. By eliminating wood from their construction, Caravelle boats may offer improved long-term durability and structural integrity. This can be particularly advantageous for those who plan to use their boats in saltwater environments, as saltwater is known to accelerate the deterioration of wood.

In addition, the wood-free feature of Caravelle boats can enhance their performance and handling characteristics. Wood can add unnecessary weight to a boat, affecting its speed, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. Caravelle boats, being wood-free, may offer improved performance due to reduced weight. This weight reduction can also contribute to better handling and manoeuvrability, making Caravelle boats more responsive and agile on the water.

The wood-free construction of Caravelle boats also simplifies the repair process. In traditional wood-built boats, repairing damage often requires specialised skills and techniques to fix or replace wooden components. With Caravelle's wood-free construction, repairs can be more straightforward, potentially lowering repair costs and reducing the time the boat is out of the water.

Lastly, the absence of wood in Caravelle boats can contribute to improved resale value. Boats with wood construction may be perceived as higher-maintenance or more prone to issues, potentially impacting their resale value. Caravelle boats, being wood-free, may be viewed more favourably by prospective buyers, leading to higher resale prices.

Some common issues include loose screws, poor fibreglass workmanship, and minor electrical problems

Caravelle boats are generally well-regarded, with owners reporting that they are well-built, good-looking, and offering good value for money. However, some common issues have been reported with these boats, including:

• Loose screws: This issue has been reported by several owners, particularly in relation to the console, which can be a constant battle to keep secure.
• Poor fibreglass workmanship: Some owners have noted poor fibreglass workmanship, particularly in older models.
• Minor electrical problems: A few owners have experienced minor electrical issues, such as speedometer lights not working and remote controls coming loose.
• Battery switch location: One owner reported that the Perko battery switch was mounted in a difficult-to-access location behind the batteries.
• Inadequate manuals: One owner mentioned that the manual they received was very generic and lacked essential information such as a wiring diagram.
• Poor handling in rough water: A couple of owners have noted that their Caravelle boats did not handle choppy water well, with one describing a "rough ride" and another stating that the boat rode like a smaller vessel.

Frequently asked questions