Caribbean 35

The adage, if it ain't broke don't fix it, aptly depicts the Caribbean 35. The mould for this tried and proven hull has hardly changed in the past 30 years. Indeed, hull number 337 recently rolled off the production line, confirming the 35-footer's status as International Marine's most consistent seller.

But while the hull has hardly changed, there have been significant changes to the 35's cockpit, flybridge and interior design. The latest modification is the standard fitment of a solid fibreglass lower screen.

Given most Aussie skippers prefer driving their 35s from the flybridge, Caribbean says the need for a lower helmstation has become almost obsolete. Removing the lower helm frees up plenty of room in the saloon, which will now be used to accommodate a magnificent entertainment unit.

The downstairs station is still available as an option, however, we can definitely see the single-station layout accounting for the lion's share of orders.

A solid fibreglass windscreen also resolves a safety issue. I've seen a boat lose its entire windscreen while crossing a coastal bar. The power of a breaking wave is a formidable force and, if big enough, a glass windscreen and aluminium framing doesn't stand a chance. Thus a solid screen averts this potential disaster.

Another change to the new boat that only sharp-eyed observers will pick is a change in the sections used for the saloon side windows. International has changed to a new profile that cleans up the look of the glasshouse considerably. Good stuff.

UPTOWN GIRL
The boat we were able to grab for a (very) quick spin was just off the production line and under initial seatrials before heading to a lucky buyer in the United States. There were still some final fittings to be installed, but it was obvious the 35's high quality interior fitout was an improvement on Caribbean's fare to date and close to being on a par with that other much-vaunted Australian-built marque.

To be blunt, the interior design and finish of past Caribbean 35s has been a little basic, but you'll receive a pleasant surprise upon stepping onboard the latest models. The likes of soft leathers, plush carpet and polished timbers instantly impressed while walking through the cabin of the testboat.

The forward cabin features an angled double berth with innerspring mattress, bedhead and colour-coordinated quilted cover. There is good storage provided under the berth, and a mirrored vanity with small hanging robe is located to starboard.

Deep sidepockets surround the forward cabin, providing additional storage, while halogen lighting is prominent throughout. An overhead hatch provides natural light and ventilation and features a neat retractable shade which can be drawn for a midday nap.

Directly aft of the forward cabin is the guests/crew/kids cabin. Whoever, they won't be disappointed by their surrounds with two good-sized berths, two screened portholes and polished timber drawers. I noted solid latches on the doors which will prevent annoying banging while at sea.

LAVISHLY SHOWERED...
Opposite the guests cabin is a large bathroom with fully-moulded fibreglass liner and separate shower recess. The shower features a moulded seat and bifold glass doors. Vacuflush toilet, washbasin, mirror and towelrail complete the bathroom inclusions.

Three steps up from the companionway is a well-appointed galley located on the port side. Features include a beautiful teak-and-holly floor, Trezzini benchtops, stainless steel sink, two-burner ceramic cooktop, microwave, 12V refrigerator and ample cupboard space.

Opposite the galley at the forward end of the saloon is the entertainment unit which, as mentioned earlier, replaces the lower helmstation. The unit houses a television, VCR, Clarion CD stacker, ice-maker, switchpanels, bottle and glass rack as well as additional storage for CDs, video tapes and the like.

The saloon features a three-seater lounge on the starboard side and a U-shaped settee with dinette to port. The backrest on the three-seater lifts up to form a pullman berth and reveals a double below, while the dinette drops down to form yet another double. Thus, in max-accommodation mode the 35 could realistically sleep nine people!

Ducted reverse-cycle airconditioning is provided in the saloon and both the cabins.

Access to the engineroom is via removable floorboards in the saloon. It is a little squeezy down there, but access to filters and other essentials is good.

The cockpit on the 35 measures 9.3sqm, which is ample room to swing a chair if gamefishing is your gig.

The testboat featured a freezer on the starboard side at the forward end of the cockpit and a small sink to port.

Lockable sidepockets are located on either side, while two large baitwells and a cockpit door are located in the stern. Rounded toerails are provided throughout, while moulded steps aid access to the sidedecks. Heavy-duty cleats and four stainless steel rodholders are also standard inclusions.

Access to the flybridge is via a recently upgraded flybridge ladder with heavy-duty stainless handrails and beefed-up treads.

BRIDGING THE GAP
Having just come off the factory floor, the flybridge on the testboat was incomplete. A radio box was yet to be installed in the hardtop and a set of clears were also on the way. Even so, the flybridge appeared well laid out with excellent vision of both cockpit and foredeck while standing at the helm.

Stylish pedestal seating is provided for helmsman and passenger behind the flybridge console, with bench seating provided forward of the console and along the port-side of the flybridge.

The testboat was fitted with twin 330hp Cummins diesel shaftdrives which seemed a perfect match to this hull. They provided excellent acceleration and planed the 35 as slow as 12kt.

A 2000rpm economical cruise resulted in 21.5kt on the GPS. A fast cruise of 2400rpm saw the 35 pull 27kt comfortably, while 2850rpm was achieved at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) with the GPS registering 31.5kt.

That's good 'light ship' performance. We'd expect that to drop back into the high 20s in 'fighting' trim.

There's no doubting the latest Caribbean 35 represents a significant step forward for one of Australia's most respected marques. It's a personal thing, but in our opinion Caribbean is also on a winner with the solid fibreglass lower screen.

Look out for comprehensive tests on the fully sportsfishing-spec Caribbean 35 and the corresponding new version of the 40 in an upcoming issue of Trade-A-Boat's sister mag BlueWater Boats & Sportsfishing.

HIGHS

LOWS