“Don’t Worry Be Happy” is playing on the Walkman; your mullet, mustache, shoulder pads, and denim short shorts are gnarly. A ski boat and water skier cut lines in the still lake, disturbing your perfect relaxing fishing afternoon, “Eat my shorts!” Eddy Murphy laughs, “Her, Her, Her.” Is it 1988? No, it is the summer of 2023, and you are chilling like a legend in your brand-new, $169,000 CaraBoat, the floating camper trailer. With retro styling that screams Miami Vice, the CaraBoat will be at home in Lake Havasu or the calm Florida Keys; talk about versatility!
CaraBoat is a not-so-revolutionary concept that combines the best of two worlds—it’s not just a floating camper; it’s so much more. Engineered with meticulous attention to detail, this innovative creation seamlessly integrates land and water capabilities to provide an unparalleled travel experience, or so they say.
Measuring no higher than your average off-road camper, CaraBoat boasts a streamlined and aerodynamic design, ensuring effortless towing on the road. But what sets it apart is its performance on the water, delivering what the creators at CaraBoatUSA describe as “a remarkable handling experience.” The manufacturers have crafted a versatile layout that maximizes effective living space, guaranteeing a comfortable environment for up to four medium-sized individuals.
As seasoned travelers, the CaraBoat team understands the challenges of staying in RV parks and crowded campsites and that the exorbitant fees and limited privacy often detract from the joy of exploration. However, with CaraBoat, the trailerable houseboat, you can bid farewell to these inconveniences and embrace the freedom to vacation wherever your heart desires. Need to spend a night on dry land? Simply utilize it as you would a conventional camper. On the other hand, if you crave a unique aquatic adventure, to embark on an exploration and discover the serenity of secluded rivers or estuaries, now you can float around the Darién Gap (unless there are waves in the Caribbean). Revel in the privacy you deserve, free from the presence of others, all without the burden of park, camping fees, or $170,000.
When designing CaraBoat, the team devoted considerable thought to addressing the challenges boat owners face. Common concerns such as ongoing maintenance, pen fees, and the logistical nightmares of transporting larger vessels weighed heavily on their minds. CaraBoat is fully trailerable, allowing for transportation and immediate reduction in ongoing costs, and maintenance expenses are significantly reduced as the boat no longer remains submerged in water continuously. What more could we want?
Designed by domestic travelers, for domestic travelers, the CaraBoat features a host of interesting attributes, including a shallow draft that grants access to secluded places, fully opening windows to provide panoramic views, the deluxe and stylish Reagan-era interior, impressive handling, and stability on the water. The space offers versatility as an entertaining area, providing comfortable seating for up to four people. The arrangement of opposing seats ensures that individuals do not feel confined, and the folding master bed can be transformed into a couch during the daytime. To maximize the available space, a foldaway helm can be conveniently stowed away when not in use. The kitchen area is ’80s modern and well-equipped, and there is a bathroom complete with a vanity, shower, and toilet, ensuring convenience and comfort within the space.
The CaraBoat 750, measuring 7.5 meters, is available in two sizes and offers a compact yet feature-packed option. Boasting twin engines, ample sleeping space for up to four individuals, and a wide array of comfortable living appliances. For those seeking a slightly larger vessel, the CaraBoat 870, spanning 8.7 meters, features a layout similar to the 790 models but offers an additional 1.2 meters of rear deck space. The rear roof conveniently lifts up to grant rooftop access, while the underdeck storage space has been significantly expanded. The CaraBoat 750 retails at $154,000, and the CaraBoat 870 retails at $169,000.
So, would I drag the CaraBoat down to the Sea of Cortez? Hell, yeah! Would I tow it down to Patagonia? I am not so sure. To be fair, the manufacturer is not claiming that this is the ultimate floating camper trailer for overland travel, and they are not suggesting that you should hit the trails with this bad boy; that’s up to you. And to answer the question of whether the CaraBoat is the ultimate floating camper trailer, without testing the camper/trailer/boat, I really can’t say. But for less money, the Caracat seems a more attractive and modern option.
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