View Full Version : Caribbean 26' sportsfisherman owners advice
jeffmorris
20-03-2006, 08:49 AM
Hi, I'm presently looking at purchasing a Caribbean 26' flybridge cruiser 2003 model. I would greatly appreciate some advice from anyone who owns or has owned one in the past.
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# # 1. # I currently own a boat with a #2 stroke outboard and have not experienced a #4.3L # # #mercruiser sterndrives. Are they good reliable motors.
# # #
# # 2. #What are the advantages and disadvantages of these boats?
# # 3. #Any other information you may think I would learn from.
Would love to hear from some experienced Caribbean owners.
Thankyou.
Jeff Morris
Grand_Marlin
22-03-2006, 07:40 PM
G'day Jeff,
The Caribbean 26 is a very nice boat. I assume it is fitted with the twin 4.3 mercruisers. (220hp ?)
Excellent sea boat
Very good fishing boat, but has limited space in corners for game fishing.
Good roomy boat ... 6 people in comfort.
Has enough facilities to overnight, but lacks separate toilet cubicle and has no shower.
Doesnt have self draining deck.... any major water that may come aboard ends up in engine well or cabin well.
Plenty of speed, but do use a bit of fuel (cant remember figures)
Mercruisers are fine, just keep the maintenance up to them.
All sterndrive legs dont like to be left in the water ... ongoing maintenance issues.
Fit plenty of bilge pumps, just in case.
Fit gas detector / fume sniffer in engine well.
Fit bow sprit protector so anchor doesnt smash it.
Fit sound deadening sheeting to inside of engine cover box.
Good luck pulling cables through to flybridge from downstairs >:(
Esky can easily fit isotherm refrigeration unit / plate
Very solidly built boat ... all over
Here is a pic of one I fitted out for a client.
Cheers
Pete
jeffmorris
24-03-2006, 02:10 PM
Pete,
Thankyou very much for your reply and the invaluable information. I have taken all on board but a further question if I may, relative to your comment on the legs. The boat i'm looking at is a 2001 model, with 2x 220hp mercruisers as you assumed, and 230 hrs on clock. It has spent most of it's life in dry storage, I intend to place it in a wet berth on Port Phillip Bay for about 11 months of the year but with annual motor servicing. Do you see that as a problem for the legs?
Thanking you
Jeff
Grand_Marlin
24-03-2006, 07:00 PM
G'day Jeff,
Anything that is stored in salt water is going to deteriorate faster than if it were dry stored.
In saying that, there must be a trillion boats with sterndrive legs in wet berths in Australia, so just get a good reputable mechanic to look after you on a yearly basis.
Ask him what checks you can do on a regular basis before using the boat - ie checking for water in the leg oil.
You will be fine
Cheers
Pete
jeffmorris
25-03-2006, 07:44 AM
pete,
Thankyou for your reply and thanks again for the original reply
Regards Jeff
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