New guy here. I just inherited a 1998 21ft Caravelle 209 from my FIL. Alpha One Gen2, 5.0 Merc 2bbl, 200 hours. Always trailered. I know it's an oddball. Boat needed a good rotary buffing, and little things fixed- Tach, limit switch etc... I repaired everything, did fluids and gave it a full detail. Looks brand friggin new.
We typically use Lake George in NY because we live 30min away. Before taking ownership and becoming the boat's caretaker, we have taken it to a few different marinas for launching. Now that I control the boat I'd like to use it more and have been inquiring about trailer launching memberships at various marinas. The one I like the most said they have a strict no boats older than 2005 policy in their trailer launch or dock program. It was explained that they do not have parts available for the older boats in case we break down or they winterize it. Huh?
1) The alpha is still current 2) A lot of parts are universal and are spec'd to multiple engine/outdrive combos 3) If you don't have alpha merc parts I'm not sure you can service anything.
Has anybody even heard of such a policy anywhere? It seems completely ignorant and they are just trying to pander to big money boats.
