Caribbean 420 Express launches

Evergreen Australian boatbuilder Caribbean unveilled a completely new model and flagged its future direction when it launched the 420 Express hardtop cruiser at the 2015 Sydney International Boat Show on July 30.

The Caribbean 420 Express is not only the first of a totally new SUV-style model range, but also the first of a new generation of higher fit, finish and build specification that initially will be exclusive to the new Express model range.

As well as heralding a new direction, the first Caribbean 420 Express
marks an extraordinary milestone for the brand. It is boat number 55,555
to leave the International Marine yard. 

Since 1958, approximately one
million Australians have owned, enjoyed or have been introduced to the
boating lifestyle by Caribbean.

POWER AND PLANS
The new model 420 features a two-cabin/single bathroom accommodation plan, single-level enclosed living and entertaining saloon and galley area, and a large 10.3 square metre (111 sq. ft.) open cockpit in keeping with Caribbean's range of practical cruisers.

Power comes in the form of Cummins, which Caribbean always prefers, and a pair of its latest QSC8.3 500hp electronic common-rail diesel engines. Cruise is said to be in the order of 20-24 knots and we would expect the 420, which is based on the 40 hull, to be a 30 knot boat.

The new 420 Express would also look great with a half tower and full game-fishing fitout, we reckon.

GENEROUS LIVING SPACES
The saloon is said to features an exceptionally spacious U-shape dinette to port, complete with leather seating, and a long convertible lounge to starboard. The lounge converts to provide a pullman berth above and additional double below, taking total accommodation to seven.

Forward, the expansive U-shape galley is fully equipped with plenty of storage, a four-burner cooktop, under-bench convection microwave oven, eutectic fridge and separate eutectic freezer. The benchtop features designer splashback and tapware, sink and drainer.

The helm is opposite the galley, with a comprehensive array of navigation aids and engine controls, plus deluxe Navigator helm chair designed exclusively for Caribbean and finished in Ultraleather.

Gloss teak timbers are said to shine throughout the interior, tastefully combined with contrasting and textured panelling. Wrap-around windows and front windscreen provide ample light in the saloon, too, and a large hopper window opens out to the spacious cockpit, amplifying the indoor-outdoor ambience of the boat.

ACCOMMODATING 420
Forward of the saloon and  three steps down is the accommodation, including the master stateroom with a walk-around queen double bed and a twin bunk cabin to port. The single bathroom with both en-suite and companionway entry boasts a large separate shower stall, Vacuflush toilet and vanity with solid stone benchtop, raised basin and designer tapware.  

The 420 Express is priced from $687,260 for a base boat ex-factory with an expected average price, including all options, of less than $800,000. A second model in the Express range is already on the drawing board. This will be the company's first 50-plus footer and will come with a price tag of more than $1 million, with fixtures and fit-out to match the finest in Australia.

?International Marine and the Caribbean Australian dealer network representatives will be available at the company's on-water display throughout the five-day show on the Marina at Darling Harbour.? Andrew Craddock from Marina Boat Sales SA, (pictured with John Barbar from International Marine) was involved in the new boat.

Developed and built by International Marine in Victoria, the Caribbean
brand stands out as Australia's first and longest-running range of
fibreglass cruisers, from 16-foot runabouts to the 49-foot enclosed
flybridge cruiser. The company has been owned and controlled by the
Spooner family since it first opened its doors in 1958.

David Lockwood from BoatPoint.com.au and boatsales.com.au tested the new Caribbean 420 Express straight after its release from the 2015 Sydney boat show. Check our sites for the full expert review.

CARIBBEAN 420 EXPRESS SPECIFICATIONS
Moulded length (ex swim platform): 13.16 metres, 43 ft 2 in
Beam: 4.30 metres, 14 ft 2 in
Dry weight: 11,200 kg 
Fuel capacity: 2000 litres
Water capacity: 650 litres
Power: Twin Cummins QSC8.3 368 kW/500 hp
Cruise speed: 20-24 knots
Generator: Onan 9.5kVa    

Andrew Craddock,
Marina Boat Sales SA
Phone: 0418 818 232