Caravelle vs. Rinker

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dave9663

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Sep 4, 2004
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I am thinking about purchasing a new boat and wanted to get any opinions regarding brands<br />I like the Caravelle and Rinker based on Web Site analysis.<br />I am not familiar with either brand<br />I also considered StingRays, but the reviews I saw labeled StingRay as a "Cheap" boat.<br /><br />I want a durable long lasting boat.<br />The last boat I had was a 1988 ArrowGlass<br />The floor rotted and the 135hp Mariner OB is loud and slow.<br /><br />My favorite is<br /> http://www.caravelleboats.com/Boats/BowRiders/207_BR.htm <br /><br />also<br /><br /> http://www.rinkerboats.com/runabout-192.shtml <br /><br />Opinions welcome<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Dave
 
K

KCook

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Jan 24, 2002
Messages
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Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

Both Caravelle and Rinker are nice value boats. Stingray is at the same market level, so calling one "cheap" but not the others is a puzzler. Of course "cheap" can be a relative term. To a Cobalt or Sea Ray fan most boats are cheap.<br /><br />Linered cockpit should eliminate floor rot. Caravelle and Rinker both have this. I believe the newest Stingrays do too?<br /><br />Between the Caravelle and Rinker is mostly personal preference. I don't think one has much of an edge over the other. Let test drives decide it. Here are some more threads that may help -<br /><br /> Caravelle 207 <br /><br /> Rinker Boats <br /><br />Kelly Cook
 
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dave9663

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Sep 4, 2004
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Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

Thanks for the reply Kelly, the link was very helpful.
 
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Dave S3948

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Sep 3, 2004
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Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

Here are some JD Power stats you might want to look at. The Rinker and Stingray are on there but the Caravelle isn't. http://www.jdpower.com/cc/boats/jdpa_ratings/BoatRatings.jsp <br /><br />I know I am biased owning a Sea Ray, but if you could afford a Sea Ray you will be getting a top quality boat that has an EXCELLENT resale value. For example, I can sell my 2002 24 footer today for the same price I paid for it.
 
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KCook

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Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

$ difference between these and a Sea Ray 200 Select is only about $10,000. Small change for all of us, I'm sure :rolleyes:
 
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dave9663

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Sep 4, 2004
Messages
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Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

Went and looked at a Chaparral 204 SSI (2004) today. Think I might be sold !!! $28 - $30 k. Seems much better built than any others I have looked at.<br />Engine is a question though. It has a Volvo Penta 5.0L (GXI MPI) engine. I have always seen mostly mercrusers, but the Volvo has a 5 year warranty.<br /><br />OPINIONS ????
 
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dave9663

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Sep 4, 2004
Messages
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Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

Thanks again Kelly,<br /><br />Seems like quite a big debate.<br />I just see the warrenties and the Volvo seems to back theirs much better<br />Merc - 1 Year<br />Volvo- 6 year<br /><br />This will be my first I/O, I have always had outboards before<br /><br />1) Palo Alto - SideWinder (14') - 135 Merc<br />2) ArrowGlass (17.5') - 135 Mariner<br /><br />Maybe 3rd is a charm ??<br />I just hope I end up with a reliable boat that handles well.
 
K

KCook

Lieutenant Commander
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Jan 24, 2002
Messages
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Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

The standard Volvo warranty is for 2 years, not 6 years. The 6 year is an extended warranty. Merc also offers an extended warranty. Volvo wins on standard warranty, but if you compare the extended warranties they are pretty even.<br /><br />Kelly
 
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crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,499
Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

You may want to search out a soap opera,I mean post from a member called "suds" It went on for pages ,he had a major problem with Chaparrel.Charlie by the way did you look at the Regals????
 
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NYMINUTE

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
3,298
Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

I was crossed between Sea Ray, Rinker, and Four Winns in the 21' bow rider entry. Rinker gave me more bang for the buck. All the options I wanted for a bit less. 3 years old, runs excellent, handles real well, we are really pleased with it. Strongly looking at their 270 Fiesta Vee in a few years. :)
 
R

reference123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
118
Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

We looked at all of the brands when we bought including Cobalt, Crownline, Rinker, Regal, Caravelle, Larson, Ebbtide, Sea Ray, Glastron, Reinel and a couple more. We ended up with a Rinker due to the value of the boat. It was thousands cheaper than a comparable one at our local dealer. Much like the Sea Ray, we can resell ours out of state for the same price we paid (in state we have to compete with new ones from the local dealer who discounts heavily).<br /><br />Great boat other than we have a number of gel coat cracks around the windshield and engine compartment hinge and spider cracking around the ski hook (boat is now 2 years old). Kind of frustrating but the rest of the boat has been solid and performs well.<br /><br />I have been watching boats on ebay recently as we were considering some other boating options, there are some really good deals there on almost all major brands.
 
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dave9663

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2004
Messages
10
Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

Well as long as this hurricane does not hose up the weekend (NC), I will pick-up the boat on Sun (9/19)<br />It's my wifes birthday, so hopefully thats a good thing ??<br /><br />Looking forward to having a new boat after 16 years with the old one !!!!<br /> http://www.venomisstoad.com/boat.htm <br /><br />Thanks for all the feedback, I'll update next week after getting the new boat
 
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dave9663

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2004
Messages
10
Re: Caravelle vs. Rinker

Picked up the new boat Sun (9/19).<br />Chaparral 204 SSI (2004)<br />Weather cleared up but cold (70) & windy.<br /><br />Boat handled great in the rough water.<br />Good pulling power & turning.<br /><br />It's really nice to have a new boat.<br />Thanks for everyones feedback
 
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