Learn about Caravelle Boats, the manufacturer of many Late Classic boats.
This sleek 1979 Caravelle 17.5’ Late Classic boat, powered by a Mercruiser 165 hp I/O is owned by Mike & Denese Yancey who are members of the Heartland Classics Chapter of ACBS. In fact, Mike is the president of the chapter and was also named the ACBS 2016 winner of the Rover Award for planning and leading the Arkansas River Odyssey.
Caravelle Boats began in 1966 and at the time were manufactured in Conway AR by Centark Industries which went out of business in 1982. However, the brand was resurrected, but financial issues resulted in another change in ownership in 2010, moving the company to Americus, GA where Caravelle boats are still being manufactured and sold today.
This Caravelle Stingray model 17-1/2 foot fiberglass boat, manufactured in October 1979 with Serial Number CNH04434M79C equipped with a 165 HP Mercruiser I/O was purchased in 1986.
I used the boat regularly and in the spring of 1991, discovered a leak in the transom where the outdrive was mounted. Upon further analysis, discovered the flooring was getting spongy, so it was time to do a major renovation. Removed everything and disconnected the top deck from the hull and set it to the side. Then removed the flooring, ground out the plywood stringers, using what was left as a pattern for new ones. Then had a local fiberglass fabricator make a new plywood transom and glass everything back together. I then had all the upholstery recovered and installed flooring and carpet. Effectively back to new condition.
Have used the boat regularly for the following 25+ years, keeping it in a garage or carport and out of the weather. Original gelcoat still shines, however it may be time for another minor renovation soon as the upholstery is showing 25 plus years of wear.
The engine is all original, having never been rebuilt. With no hour meter, it is hard to say how many hours of use it has on it but still runs perfect. Both of my kids learned to water ski behind this boat, and are still doing so today as it is still the best water skiing boat in our fleet.
Tell us the story of your boat. Or share experiences at the latest boating event. It’s easy to submit to this website or email to kathyparker@acbs.org