New Caribbean 2300 -- Just Launched!

International Marine has been busy behind the scenes at its Scoresby, Melbourne, factory building a Caribbean 2300. 

Brimming with potential, the new model will debut at the 2012 Mandurah Boat Show in WA opening October 12-14. Full retail price for the hull only is $62,000.

John Barbar, International Marine's Sales and Marketing Manager, told Boatpoint and Boatsales that the boat’s deep-vee hull is based on that under the revered Bertram 23. That being the case, the new 2300 is destined to be a sweet-running offshore boat that endears itself to the sportfishing community.

But as with most Caribbeans, a generous cockpit and cabin with amenities means the family will be just as happy jumping aboard.

Bearing typically timeless lines and a sharp entry, the Caribbean 2300 comes with some key features as standard.

The boat is factory-fitted with a fibreglass hardtop, lock-up cabin and anchor windlass, all of which will add to its appeal to Victorian bay anglers.

The transom has been specially designed and constructed to take either a maximum single 300hp or twin 150hp outboard engines in two- or four-stroke configurations (weighing no more than 450kg).

A key driver behind the new 2300 was that it’s comfortably trailerable.

With legally-towable 2.5m beam -- no need for permits on Australian roads -- the rig on-road should weigh just under 3,000kg. This means maxi 4WDs such as the Landcruiser, Discovery and Patrol will be in their element.

Meanwhile, the lined lock-up cabin contains a vee berth, manual-flush toilet and fixed side windows as standard. There is a cockpit freshwater deck wash and underfloor 80-litre tank as well.

Cockpit highlights include fibreglass liner, folding and removable rear lounge, side storage compartments, underfloor kill tank, and moulded rear bait well. The boat has a transom door to facilitate boarding and bringing that big bluefin or billfish aboard.

The twin helm seats are mounted atop seat boxes with storage and sit before an armour-plate windscreen with wipers. Add aftermarket side curtains to the hardtop and you will create an all-weather enclosure.

The 425 litre underfloor fuel tank and maximum seven-adult capacity makes the new 2300 Caribbean a big little boat.

The debut model with be on display at Mandurah Boat Show at the Mansfield Marine stand.

Travis Mansfield told Boatpoint and Boatsales that he will display the hull only at Mandurah and let prospective buyers make the decision on single or twin installations.

Doing the maths, the new Caribbean 2300 with a single Mercury Verado 250hp outboard, electric brake trailer, $3000 in electronics, the same again in carpet and covers, and $1000 for sundry items will cost about $102,500 excluding delivery and statuary charges.

A twin 150hp rig will set you back an extra $11,000 or thereabouts. And you could go the rat with outriggers, a rocket launcher and loads more. Either way, the Caribbean 2300 is sure to attract a keen following from trailerboat fishers and their families.