HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

[newguy62]

Please help me re-enter the world of boating. I have done way too much research to settle on 2 possibilities for a new boat for freshwater lake exploring and watersports.<br /><br />Choices are Caravelle 187 LS with Volvo 4.3 carb and Rinker 192 with Volvo 4.3 carb or GXI. Volvo is choice because said to be more durable, local engine shop is Volvo, and has longer warranties.<br /><br />Both are roomy, with Rinker perhaps more so in the main section (L-shaped seats) and Caravelle in the bow (or am I incorrect?). Caravelle seems to have slight edge in performance, but GXI on Rinker seems to make up for that.<br /><br />Both have high-quality finishing, but as Rinker is better-known, some have said it will have better resale value (not a big issue, but who knows?).<br /><br />Price is such that the Caravelle 4.3 carb is about the same as the Rinker 4.3 GXI.<br /><br />One last point, Caravelle has a reasonably local dealer (though can't buy there as they only have Merc.) and Rinker does not. Is this an issue or is the engine service much more critical?<br /><br />PLEASE HELP ME WITH YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE OR PERSPECTIVE. It would be most appreciated.<br />

 

[KCook]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Some Caravelle fans would argue that their Caravelles are a little higher quality than Rinker. Though my view is that we are splitting hairs at that point, both have their fans. The Fish&Ski model of the Caravelle is especially appealing, if fishing is your thing. But otherwise the Rinker is really a little bigger boat. So should get a slightly higher price. For skiing I would lean toward the Rinker. Now a Rinker 192 vs Caravelle Interceptor 192 would be a really interesting matchup . Assuming your lake isn't terribly rough, you can't go wrong with either though.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[newguy62]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Thanks for your reply!<br /><br />There is actually a good price on a 2004 leftover fish and ski model, which I really like, escept that it doesn't have the new comfy seats with flip-up bolsters.<br /><br />Also, would the 4.3 GXI engine not get a little better fuel economy than the regular 4.3?

 

[KCook]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

I would expect a little better fuel economy with the EFI motor than the carb, but mostly at lower RPM. These boats are small enough that the economy difference probably isn't worth the extra $$. Main reason to buy the EFI is a more modern design with advantages like easier cold starts and automatic altitude adjustment. On the other hand, carb fans will argue that the old carb is less fussy in a primitive situation, especially where it's difficult to keep the battery up. I see fuel economy as a very minor difference.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

I have a Rinker 212, bought new in 01. I am completely satisfied with it. Quick (5.0) planes well, and a lot of extras. Caravelle is a solid choice to. Mmmmm Decisions?

 

[KCook]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

NYMINUTE's post reminded me of something. You can likely get a 220HP 5L in the Rinker for the same $$ as the 220HP 4.3L. But for skiing my money would be on the 5L.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[newguy62]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Decisions is right, although other engine options are not really part of it. The Rinkers available, except for one, all have the 4.3 GXI, and many seem to believe that a boat of that size should have the GXI power going for it. <br /><br />Would a V8 also not use quite a bit more fuel?<br /><br />thanks

 

[KCook]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Too bad the Rinker dealer cannot order one with the 5L. The V8 uses slightly more fuel, not quite a bit more. And that is mostly because the 220HP version of the V8 has a carb instead of EFI. For absolute minimum fuel burn get a 4-stroke or E-TEC outboard boat instead of I/O.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[craze1cars]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

I'm a Rinker owner, but not brand loyal. Caravelles are great boats. Here's another consideration here I'll throw out...isn't the 4.3 carb rated at 190hp and the 4.3 GXI rated at 220? 30 horse is quite a lot and nothing to sneeze at. Over 15% more power with likely better fuel economy. And I feel it's important to mention that you DEFINITELY will be helping the environment...EFI always burns cleaner than even a perfectly tuned carb, and before long I'm sure EPA regulations will force all boats into EFI anyway. Why not get ahead of the curve now? I'd give serious consideration to the fuel injection if it were my money and I could get a comparable boat for the same price with the upgraded motor. Either boat brand is going to be built of sufficient quality to last a LONG time if you take good care of it. As for the V8 recommendations, I tend to disagree because I can't see much reason to get a 5.0 carbed 220hp V8 instead of a 4.3 EFI 220hp V6. They have the same HP. Granted, the V8 is probably has a bit more torque at low RPMS, but also more weight to lug around. Likely a wash. Again, I'd lean toward the better technology of EFI.<br /><br />Either way, congrats on your new boat! I'm jealous.

 

[newguy62]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Yes, the Rinker with the GXI would have 30 more hp, but from what I can tell, that would bring its performance to only just about even with the Caravelle 4.3 carb, due to weight and design.<br /><br />Good performance on both, mind you.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Newguy:<br /><br />I went through this same dilemma a few months ago. Both are great boats. I too had a chance at a GREAT deal for a left over 2004 Caravelle 187LS with the 4.3 liter carb. I’ve got approximately nine hours on her so far and have had absolutely no problems with start-up, performance, or fit and finish. I am very happy with my new boat!<br /><br />When it came down to writing the check for a down payment, I went with the Caravelle. The overriding reason for this decision was the boat in entirely wood free. I read some horror stories about stringers, floors, bottom of seats, etc. rotting away. Yes, most could have been prevented with better owner care, but the wood was still there so the possibility of rot would always be there. I have peace of mind with the wood free construction.<br /><br />The other thing that sold me was the method of fiberglass application/construction Caravelle uses (not just the fiberglass cockpit liner). I don’t remember what they call it but it’s supposed to be superior to the traditional methods. The walk-thru transom is also very nice for this size of boat.<br /><br />I’m not trying to sell you a Caravelle but wanted to share my buying experience with the 187LS. Bottom line, if I had to do it all over again and buy another 187LS, I would! <br /><br />Good luck deciding. Let us all know what you end up buying.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Steve

 

[craze1cars]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

I do believe most new boat manufacturers are now "wood free" construction. I'm not positive, but it seems that every new boat brochure I've picked up over the past couple years are throwing that term around. I know Glastron, Caravelle, even the "lesser brands" like Tahoe and Bayliner claim it (don't jump on me for calling them lesser brands...I'd shop them in a heartbeat if I was in the market) I don't have new brochures for the others to compare. Pretty sure Rinker is the same, but someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Craze1cars:<br /><br />No offense, but I think you might be mistaken. When Caravelle says "wood free" that's what they mean. Believe me, I've looked everywhere on my boat to make sure and there is no sign of wood anywhere. Some of the other builders say "wood free" but they might be referring to the transom or the stringers, etc. Not the floor or under the seats, etc. I'm not saying Caravelle is the only builder that's wood free. I do know they place a very high priority on making this claim in all thier advertising and even have a sticker on the boat windshield. I don't remember seeing this same claim in any other boats while shopping. <br /><br />If it's an important issue with Newguy 62 I'd ask the sales guy, then get in in writing. My Caravelle owners manual has the wood free statement in writing. <br /><br />I forgot to mention Caravelle also achieved Mercury Marine Installation Quality Certification Status meaning all new MerCruiser powered Caravelle Powerboats will come standard with a two-year Mercury limited engine warranty. <br /><br />Just my two pennies. have a great night all.<br /><br />Steve

 

[craze1cars]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

No offense taken at all. You may very well be right...I haven't researched it fully by any means. My "knowledge" on this topic consists of nothing more than listening to the advertising and reading the big signs on display at the last few boat shows I attended.<br /><br />However I'd be very curious as to who makes truly wood-free boats. Does anyone here know for sure? Besides, obviously, Caravelle? And even better, when did each manufacturer switch to this superior construction? I have done my fair share of restorations on older fiberglass boats due to wood rot. Never again is my hope, so I'd like to know what to shop for when my time comes to buy my next used boat.<br /><br />Maybe a better topic for a different post...I don't want to hijack.

 

[newguy62]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Again, thanks for all of the input. I will now need to find out if the Rinker is truly "wood-free" and then figure out whether or ot that is important. <br /><br />The way I see it, I can;t go wrong with either boat, frankly. It seems that the Caravelle might cost me a little more, in that it will depreciate more than the Rinker, but it is not as if I expect to sell it - at least not for many years or until such time as its "no wood" construction would be an obvious benefit versus wood containing boats. <br /><br />I will let you all know what I get and give my impressions.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Newguy:<br /><br />Please do! I'm sure we all look forward to hearing what you decide to buy. Again, both are great boats. Do these delaers offer a test drive at a local lake? <br /><br />I'd also start looking at all the little "extras" like the sound system, amount of storage space, quality of trailer and the type of tires on the trailer, boat covers, etc. Does the dealer throw anything in to make the deal a little better like better financing deal, etc.? My dealer got me a reduced APR on financing, threw in a couple PFD's, and paid for my safe boaters course (not required in Nebraska for my age but still a good idea to take from a safety standpoint). Not alot but better than nothing and I was impressed with his attitude with safety and willingness to pay my fee for the class. <br /><br />One last thing. I've heard Mercury parts are cheaper and much easier to come by in most area of the country compared to Volvo. Perhaps Mercury has a more robust distribution system. This is only what I've read on the boards. Something to consider when it comes time for service or if you will be travleing with your new boat.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Steve

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

just to clarify...along with caravelle, glastron and other Genmar owned boat manufactures such as wellcraft and larson use all wood free construction and have a process that almost everyone is pretty familiar with which is known as VEC. Sea Ray and many other big name manufacturers are also trying to copy VEC technology. Glastron and the other manufacturers that use the VEC technology come with a lifetime warrenty on the hull, stringers, transom, deck, and floors. They use 100% all fiberglass and make their boats in a computer controlled closed mold for a near perfect hull everytime vs the tradional haid laid hull with many imperfections. this played an important dicision in me purchasing a new glastron boat and i think it should play a part in your decision as well. if it were me id chose the caravelle which IMO has better looks and styling, is a "better" known name in my opinion, and that they also use wood free constuction which will only help resale value later on when you decide to sell it and will also give you a peace of mind for however long you own it.

 

[KCook]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

Funny, I saw wood in a new VEC Glastron. Not in any of the main structures. But still, don't see how these boats can be called "wood free" when the wood is there. Not that this is uncommon. As said in the other posts, all builders are now moving toward getting the wood out of their hull structure. No more wood cored transoms or stingers. But for a long time Bryant was the only bowrider builder that had a truly wood free boat. Caravelle is now making the same claim. May be true, I haven't looked that close at a new Caravelle. Just be aware that the "wood free" label is being broadly applied by many builders.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

you may be right kcook...maybe glastron isnt a completely "wood-free" boat. What i should have said is that they do not use any wood in any of their major structural components like the hull stringers ect. sorry for the poor choice of words. also out of curiousity..where did you see wood in the new glastron boat?

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: HELP - Rinker 192 or Caravelle 187

KCook:<br /><br />I do believe the Caravelle is entirely wood free! Even the bottom of the seats is made of a composite material. Their catalog states no wood anywhere in the boat. Not the transom, stringers, side panels, subfloors, seats, no where! (right fromt he catalog)<br /><br />In my earlier post I stated I liked the method of fiberglass application/construction Caravelle uses but I couldn't remember the name for it. It's called quad-axial which is a multi-directional technique versus the older bi-axial (woven roving) method.<br /><br />They also use some other pretty high tech stuff to build. They use Nida-core (synthetic honeycomb material) and is used to reinforce the floors and decks instead of balsa or plywood. They use something called TCS 6000 Resin which helps produce high tensile strength in areas carrying high physical stress loads and ArmorGuard, ArmorFlex and Armorcote which put together helps keep the boat looking newer longer by reducing gelcoat blistering, cracks, hazing and fading. No, I do not work for Caravelle or sell them at a dealership! This is all coming from the Caravelle brochure I picked up when I bought mine. From my comparison I think Caravelle has a good thing going here and I hope it catches on with other builders. <br /><br />Have a good night.<br /><br />Steve