Desperate help with purchase!!!!!

[jlmestres]

Hello everyone. My partner and I are in the process of buying our very first boat. We have looked at many as you all can imagine. We are looking for a 19-21' open fisherman. The boat will be used for fishing, diving, etc. We will use it in both open and bay ocean waters here in South Florida. We live in an Island in Miami Beach with ocean access behind our house. Therefore, we do not need a trailer. I was wondering if anyone has heard of a manufacture by the name of "Caravelle"; they make powerboats. We saw their 2002, 21' open fisherman. Real nice, has all amneties with an outboard Yamaha 150, fuel injection. They are asking about $22,000. Does anyone have any thoughts, experience or heard of anything on this boat, price, make, etc. I have never heard of it. The price is our range and the boat is what are looking for. We will probably keep it for about 3 years and then upgrade. Plan to put about 5K down and finance rest for about 5 years. Please help. Any objective advice or recomendation could be used!!! I will truly appreciate and beleive me that you will be helping someone in need. Thanks, Joey from Miami Beach

 

[495v]

Re: Desperate help with purchase!!!!!

I see you've never owned a boat before. Did you ever consider a used boat for a year or so and then upgrade? The only reason I say this is because you are bound to make mistakes with your first boat. It's just like your first car. I would hate to see you spend that kind of money and learn the expensive way. Just a thought. You may want to visit the NEWBIE thread under nothing to do with boats. Don't take everything to heart because I'm sure your not an inconsiderate manic on the water but consider safety courses.

 

[jlmestres]

Re: Desperate help with purchase!!!!!

Thanks so much for advise. Yes I am also looking at used boats. I grew up is South FLorida and my dad had a boat which I drove and used since I was a kid. I just never owned one myself. I know the bay and the keys like the back of my hand and as far as boating with 17-21 footers, open fisherman, no problem. In the summers when I had no responsibilities, I used to spend a whole month on 42 Bertram, in the Bahamas Island hopping. It had 15 foot Boston Whaler as thier dingy which I used the whole time. I know plenty about actually boating and safety. I am just not familiar with some of the boats out there and what should we buy. But I am definatly looking at used boats too. Do you know where I might find boat review or commentaries on boats. Thanks, Joey

 

[495v]

Re: Desperate help with purchase!!!!!

Try this site for reviews web page<br />also, try a search on this forum because I'm pretty sure I've seen the "Carevelle" around here before.

 

[KCook]

Re: Desperate help with purchase!!!!!

Caravelle is a rather small builder. So you can't expect to find a lot of posts about them. For comparison purposes, some other economy boats are Angler, Cape Horn, May-Craft, and Sea Hunt. When shopping I would also take the local dealer into account. No point in spending good money with a lame dealer.<br /><br />Lots of FL guys post over on www.floridasportsman.com and www.thehulltruth.com <br /><br />Good luck,<br />Kelly Cook

 

[jlmestres]

Re: Desperate help with purchase!!!!!

Thanks again for the info. The actual deales about 5 minutes away from my house. The dealer sells Bayliners and Caravelle. From the brochure on the Caravelle, it has been around for about 35 years. Their hull uses NidaCore alightwieght synthetic honeycomb fiberglass material. They also spray a UV gelcoat to prevent fading and coloring. They stainless steel products througout the boat. Their specs are: beam 8'6",engine 225 Yamaha, 100 fuel gall.,deadrise 18 degrees,wieght 3500 lbs, outboard shaft 25" and great features and options. However, if I were to compare it to lets say a Wellcraft, Trophy, Mako, Boston Whaler. What is the difference, besides some of these being $20K to $40K more.