I got a buddy that really touts the Caravelle 232 Interceptor.  I believe that the Caravelle boats are "wood free".  Anybody know anything in particular about them? 

---

Marshal L. McKellar
2006 202BR ALPHA I
5.0L 260HP MPI

Had a friend at the lake who had one while we had our 225BR.  NO comparison between the Carvelle and Crownline.  Fit and finish aren't the same but the big thing is, the ride.  That 232 is a light boat and it pops around and beats you up.  It has very low freeboard and while it may look kind of sporty, it's not much of a boat in my opinion. 

As for being wood free?  I don't know if that's a great thing yet or not.  Wood in the hull of a boat provides superior dampening and since 1998, Crownline has used XL Marine wood that's warranted for life against rot.  Many of these fully molded composite boats are loud when slapping the water and transfer bumps to the passengers.  I think the wood free technology is getting better and I expect someday, there won't be any wood but wood alone in a boat doesn't scare me.  There are boats out there that are 50 years old with wood in them and they're still structurally sound. 

---

O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

The pricing is way less than a Crownline. I think they have a great marketing PLOY, but the ride is the PLY as in wood :-) . . . . Agree with Mike they don't ride very well at least the one I rode in ( I must admit it was an older model). . . and everyone that does not build their boats around quality will always try to have an "angle" to market their lesser products. 

On the flipside pricewise . . .I wanted to get a new boat from crownline, but could not believe the price difference in engines -  over $20K if I remember correctly.  . I wanted a big block with lots of power . . .  Caravelle's engine prices do not seem as steep as Crownline and they both look to be mercs . .

more info a buddy of mine has a larson, from the outside looking in. Does not seem like a big difference. About third trip out his boat has been staying in storage and for some reason everyone ends up in mine . . .

He told me he can't believe how nice the crown rides. We have lots of chop in the main channel. In calm water he will bring his boat out. He gets slapped around like a "prison b" in the chop. His words not mine . . . but you get his point.

 

---

Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

Both of your opinions are respected and well taken.  I noticed that the weight was a great deal less even though he boat was longer than mine.  They do, however, run like a spotted ape.  This one has a 350MAG MPI with at Bravo I and will get past 60 on the speedo!!  Of course if it beats you to death what good is the 60mph????

---

Marshal L. McKellar
2006 202BR ALPHA I
5.0L 260HP MPI