Review: Caribbean 35 MK3 Powerboat

An Oldie but a Goodie

When you consider that the Caribbean 35 began its production run in Australia forty-six years ago, it’s remarkable that it still has lines to impress and a (deserved) reputation for excellent sea manners. Without forcing the history lesson too much, it’s worth remembering that Arch Spooner had been among the first in the world to build from the then revolutionary fibreglass material only a few years previously.

THE BACK STORY

Sylvania Marina in Sydney’s south has been a big part of the Caribbean story for much of the journey, and it too is a family business started by Paul Ghosn in 1978 and now overseen by the second generation, brothers Nathan and Matt. Raised on the Georges River slipway, there’s not much they don’t know about Caribbeans, even remembering many individual boats from the hundreds sold over the years.

The 35 started life as a Bertram in the days when International Marine began building boats under licence to Bertram in America. Imported from the States in 1971, when it was already a few years old, that original mould spawned some 400 progeny before being decommissioned in 1987. 

The Mk2 hull was designed by the local team to overcome criticism of how the original model handled rough conditions. The imported hull was unbeatable in waves, but with its sharp entry it had a tendency to round up in a following sea. The Mk2 hull kept a steep deadrise with added forward volume for legendary sea handling on a broader range of conditions. And with more in the bow, there was space for a second cabin.

THESE DAYS

The current version, Mk3, appeared in 2010, retaining the second-generation hull but with a makeover of the topsides to include a new flybridge and a different layout in the cockpit.  The helm was converted to fit larger modern electronics, and a longer flybridge overhang provided an access hatch that could be locked when the boat was not in use.

Total production of the 35 is now approaching 800 units, making it one of the most popular flybridge models ever built in this country. Quick manoeuvring and a safe ride make it a perfect gameboat, but it’s also an easily handled cruiser with handy performance and room for the family.

On a recent visit to the International Marine factory I witnessed boats being built along traditional lines but with contemporary materials and concentration on quality control through efficient procedures. Factory manager John Barber also pointed out that current construction times can be 40 per cent longer than they were fifteen years ago because so much more is going into the boats and customer expectations of the finish quality are much higher. 

Our review boat was going through final testing at Sylvania Marina before being shipped to its new owner, Bruce McClintock, in Queensland where he plans on cruising the Fraser Coast and bottom bouncing with his young family. Bruce has previously owned many boats between 35 and 57 feet, and is stepping out of a 32-foot cat into the Caribbean.

ON THE INSIDE

As well as a formidable electronics package, the boat comes with the first solid saloon front section fitted to a 35. From experience under the blasting northern sun, Bruce opted for this instead of windows to keep the heat at bay, so while he misses out on some views, it should be a lot cooler inside. 

The 35 is a two-cabin layout with a portside head and one of the largest cockpits in its class. Finished inside with gloss teak joinery and cream upholstery, the design has a traditional air but with an upmarket, modern feel.

To make the most of the space, the bed in the front cabin is located to port and angled across, with the head of the bed to the rear. Access is easy to a big comfortable mattress, and the cabin is nice and airy with a large overhead hatch for ample breeze and light. Store your gear in two drawers under the bed as well as in a small cupboard and side table. There’s a seat to the side and a 24-inch wall mounted TV.

The head has a white moulded liner and lots of light, so it felt clean and well ventilated. The Jabsco toilet has a holding tank, and the separate shower has plenty of room to move.

The owner’s young boys should find themselves at home in the second cabin where bunk beds are a generous size and the over/under layout leaves a jaunty holiday impression.

EASY LIVING

In the saloon, it's a step down to the U-shaped galley with granite benchtops, two-burner electric cooktop, an Engle fridge, microwave, sink and a decent array of pot and storage drawers. 

A large teak table at the rear of saloon will seat four at the U-shaped diner, while opposite, the lounge converts to a pullman berth with a cozy double below. As well as the main electrical switch panel, the forward corner cabinet houses a 55-inch TV, which has a feed from a Raymarine 45STV satellite dome.

Devoid of the fancy fishing equipment seen on many 35s, over nine square meters of carpet-clad cockpit space makes an excellent area for relaxing. There is a fantastic amount of room for bottom bouncing and sports fishing, and I’m sure the rear door to the swim platform will get plenty of use. Because the engines are bedded down well forward, the space under the deck is large enough for storage of water toys, deck chairs and a BBQ.

Seven steps take you to the upper deck with comfortable lounges forward and twin helm chairs at the wide console. The dash overflows with a remarkable array of Raymarine electronics for navigating safely and finding those elusive fish. Both 12- and 16-inch Axiom Pro displays are networked to a 1kW transducer, autopilot and HD colour radar. Additional i70 screens show wind speed and water depth while two Cam220s feed views of the engine room and cockpit. And for travelling after dark, there's a thermal night vision camera.  

Three years ago the boats had an engine update when the Cummins engines were upgraded from the 330hp version to the 6.7L QSB 350 horsepower, but don’t ask for any other brand, because that’s the only one on offer. The boat has been engineered to fit motors with this power and Caribbean only supply what they know will work forever. 

Everything feels immediately right, driving from the flybridge, and settled into the comfortable and supportive helm chairs. Vision is perfect, and placement of the controls and wheel are spot-on. Surprisingly, clears are an option, and I can’t think of anyone who would do without, but on the sunny spring morning of our test we opened them up for a stirring dose of wind through our hair. 

PERFORMANCE

With the throttles opened, the exhaust sent a throaty baritone note across the smooth waters of Botany Bay. As the revs increased, the bow rose slightly to settle onto the plane at a relaxed 1,800rpm around 13 knots. A happy cruise seems to be at 20 knots and, as we headed to sea with the autopilot engaged, it was an effortless way to eat up the miles. This mid-range 2,200rpm speed uses 37 litres per hour combines for a range of 316 nautical miles from the 1,350-litre tank (with 10 per cent reserve). Pushed harder and the range stays about the same. At 2,400rpm you’ll get 336 nautical miles at 23 knots, and 2,600 should give you 26 knots and a safe 312 nautical miles. 

At all speeds, the 35 feels tight and well mannered. Noise from the engines is suppressed sufficiently for easy conversation at all speeds, and there was no annoying vibration or resonance. Handling is predictable with an immediate response to the wheel and a slight lean into turns.  

Opened to a maximum at 3,000rpm we saw the GPS snap between 30 and 31 knots, but fuel use, as you would expect, climbs to 140 litres per hour. At least the potential is there if you need it.

Conditions offshore were reasonably tame for the well-credentialed Caribbean, with a short one-metre chop and the occasional one and half-metre roller. When we encountered bigger waves the bow sliced through and lifted to throw spray wide and away from the boat so that the ride was soft and dry.

The 35 mk3 is quintessentially Caribbean and what’s not to love about this enduring brand?  The boat is solidly engineered and built, with meticulous attention to the fibreglass and every piece of furniture and brightwork. Born in the year George Harrison’s My sweet Lord hit number one, the 35 stays at the top of the charts to this day. The lasting appeal is its robust build, a heritage going back the C.R. Hunt’s original design and an unswerving commitment by the brand to build boats that last, without pandering to the whims of the day. 

Park a new 35 next to an original and the organic progression to the current boat is visible. But the later iteration features sweeter lines and smoother mouldings that stir a salty heart and win buyers to the ranks. 

Soon to depart for its Queensland odyssey, Bruce has ticked dozens of boxes on the options list. Straight out of the factory, the boats are well-equipped and come with a $592,000 price-tag, but I bet even George is wondering how the bill got to $720,000. Of course, the Raymarine rep is smiling, and things like a bow thruster, trim tabs and air conditioner don’t come cheap. 

But sipping a cool one in the lagoon at Lady Musgrave Island as the sun goes down with a fresh Coral Trout simmering on the barbie, the cost will soon be forgotten. My Sweet Lord indeed. Good luck to you George, I wish I were there. 

SEA TRIALS

Light load, two on board 50% fuel, slight sea 1350L fuel tank (calculations using 1215L, with 10% reserve)

*Sea-trial data supplied by the author.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caribbean 35 Mk3

PRICED FROM
$592,600

OPTIONS FITED
Raymarine electronics, flybridge clears, air conditioning, bow thruster, trim tabs, cockpit fridge, inverter, cameras, chain counter, much more.

GENERAL
MATERIAL GRP
TYPE Flybridge Monohull Cruiser
LENGTH 10.67m (loa)
BEAM 8500kg
DRAFT 0.9m

CAPACITIES
PEOPLE 7 (night)  15 (day)
FUEL 1350L
WATER 405L

ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL Cummins QSB6.7        
TYPE In-line 6-cylinder, 4-stroke, turbocharged diesel
RATED 350hp
DISPLACEMENT 6.7L
WEIGHT 658kg
GEAR RATIO 1.8:1 Twin Disc
PROPELLER  Veem 4 blade

MANUFACTURED BY
International Marine Scoresby Victoria

SUPPLIED BY
Sylvania Marina
25 Harrow St Sylvania NSW 2224
P (02) 95227430