How old is my boat?

Originally posted in "Caravelle Boats" but there isn't a whole lot of action over there.

I bought this Caravelle 17 footer in 1977 from a co-worker who had money problems. He claimed it was a 1970 and that the 115 HP Mercury OB was a 1973. I have since learned that according to the serial number the outboard is a 1970 that someone took great pains to disguise as a newer model (blue trim,etc.) Or maybe not. I don't really care. It's either 40 years old or close to it and still runs well. But I would really like to pin down the age of the boat. The hull ID is on an aluminum tag at the helm station and reads "Caravelle Boats, Jacksonville Arkansas, Model CX173, Serial NO. A27023. Thanks for any help.

Re: How old is my boat?

why don't you try calling caravelle cust. service?

Re: How old is my boat?

I'm not sure about your model or age of boat, just going to give input on what I do know...

The HIN (hull identification number) should be found on the transom, back of the boat, and maybe 11-13 or so characters long... Having the entire string should tell you year, model and a few useless tid-bits.

The following is an advertisement for someone selling a 2006 Caravelle; I'm including this to give you a heads up on your possible HIN:
The featured boat is a 2006 Caravelle 187 LS Bowrider (HIN #VCN19148C606) with a MerCruiser 4.3L Inboard (serial #0W625461), Alpha One Outdrive (serial #0W844671) along with all options and equipment shown including a Matching Single Axle Trailer (serial#1TPSR231961062098)! ONLY 23 HOURS!

You can see your HIN probably starts with VCN and may end in 70 (as in 1970)

Come back with anything you find and we'll help with deciphering the HIN.

If I am off base with your boat type, someone else will correct me quickly

Good Luck!

Re: How old is my boat?

Your boat was built before the industry change to the current system of the last two digets of the serial number is the model year. Also, this manufacturer is out of business.

Re: How old is my boat?

The Hull Identification Number system was started in 73 (ish) and some companies started as early as 72 but most were on-line with it by 74.

Re: How old is my boat?

There is nothing on the stern such as in newer boats. The numbers I posted are it as far as identification.

Re: How old is my boat?

my 1957 LoneStar was listed as a 1964 cuz it had a 1964 motor on it--
other than your own curiousity it makes little differnce either way

Re: How old is my boat?

I guess I'll have to settle for "early '70's"