HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

[KCook]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

05GlastronSX - On the 205 I looked at the steering wheel shaft was mounted with a wood block inside the helm console. Which is very common practice for many builders. Even on very high priced boats. Didn't really examine the entire boat to see if there were any other wood pieces.<br /><br />scubatrooper - Caravelle has had the advanced fiberglass layup for some years now. Not really that novel, except to see this at a price level as low as Caravelle. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for other builders to copy this. Most builders stick with the layup they are already comfortable with.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[newguy62]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

THANKS TO ALL<br /><br />Well, it took a while, but I finally did it. After carefully weighing all factors I bought a Caravelle 187 LS with the 4.3 MPI Merc from the dealer that is nearest my cottage lake. As such we don't need a trailer (we have a 4 bay boathouse there) so saved a bit. In the end, the MPI was only about US $1200 more than the carb, and we figured it would be nicer to the environment (slightly) and more pleasant to use. <br /><br />Got extended warranty to 5 years on the engine/drive thrown in, so feel comfortable with the Merc rather than my inital preferred Volvo, whose feel I still prefer. <br /><br />Must say it is a beautifully made boat, with the pop up cleats and the quality finishes. <br /><br />I'll have it on the water this weekend.<br /><br /><br />Thanks to all of you for your very helpful input.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Newguy62:<br /><br />Congratulations on your new boat! I'm sure you will enjoy your new Caravelle. I own the 187LS with all the options except fuel injection. I haven't had any problems so far with a little over 10 hours on the clock. I followed the Mercruiser break in guidelines religiously and now I'm ready to hit the water tomorrow and have some real fun with some tubes and skis.<br /><br />The extended warranty is nice and peace of mind too. I really don’t think you will be unhappy with the Mercruiser over the Volvo Penta. If there is much of a difference I don’t think you would know it while on the water. If you get some pictures be sure to post them here for us to see. Have a great time and a safe boating summer!<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Steve

 

[craze1cars]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Congrats! I feel you made a GREAT choice in opting for the MPI, and Caravelles are obviously great boats. And please report back on how you like your setup as it appears you purchased something VERY close to what I'd like to own for my next boat. The only thing I might change is striving for the Volvo outdrive, but as you learned, it's all give & take and I'm sure you'll love it as equipped. It doesn't by chance have a Bravo, does it? As I like them about as well as the Volvo...but I presume you got an Alpha with your 4.3 as that's how most are equipped. Nonetheless I'd LOVE to hear your honest opinion on the attributes of the 4.3 MPI after you get some hours on it, so please share your experience.<br /><br />Have a blast!

 

[newguy62]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Love it. It is an incredibly smooth riding boat and very fast (53-55 mph with 2 people in it). It also feels amazingly spacious. I had a friend in who has a 20 footer and he thought I has more room in this 18 footer than he has.<br /><br />Not sure if the MPI is all it is supposed to be, as it sometimes takes a coule of cranks to start it, but it has always started. Otherwise it is smooth in accelerating, not too loud and absolutely no gasoline odours in the cab. <br /><br />I love it and would recommend highly to anyone so inclined. The Caravelle is really well-made and everything works exactly as promised.<br /><br /><br />Thanks again for all you input.