CaraBoat 7500 Floating Caravan Review

After years of building custom sailing catamarans to clients’ designs, Rob and Andrew from Composite Cats in Port Stephens decided it was time to turn their skills to their own project. They chose a road less travelled with their innovative and transportable houseboat. In using this term for the CaraBoat—a caravan boat—I am mindful that there are some pretty unattractive, bland boxes littering backwaters everywhere.

Houseboat... caravan... boat...

By delivering on style, practicality and versatility, the CaraBoat transcends its field, creating a whole new category of crossover recreational vehicle. I was gobsmacked at how good it looked and, as I followed it down to the ramp, so was everyone we passed. It has the size and aerodynamic design of a modern caravan but the outboard motors hanging off the back give the game away.

The hull shape references the team’s catamaran background, combining a punt’s flat shape with gull wings on each side. It promises efficient performance in flat water and a stable platform at rest.

The hull on the CaraBoat 7500 is 7mm solid glass with an extra 2mm along the keel and outer edges (constructed to survey specification). Cabin walls and roof are lightweight composite honeycombs.

Launching is easy: using gas struts, lift the aft awning (which covers the saloon's rear when underway) and remove the moulded mudguards from either side. The hull then slides smoothly from its custom trailer. We boarded from the dock across a narrow rear platform. A large window over the bow opens wide, providing access there as well—that would be particularly handy when pulling into a beach.

Layout and Design

Once on board the CaraBoat 7500, it’s immediately obvious that the ‘Cara’ personality holds sway over the ‘Boat’ in the layout. Apart from a small platform extending aft between the engines, the space is all interior. There’s no real cockpit and, therefore, no outdoor living area, though later models will have the option of a detachable large rear deck that will live under the CaraBoat in a bracket on the trailer when not required in ‘van’ mode.

The current model addresses this issue with windows along the sides and large openings at each end, which combine to give a more open impression. Breezes flow freely through the saloon, views are vast, and natural light streams in. Custom Roman blinds all around grant shade or complete privacy as desired.

Our review of the CaraBoat 7500 was the first into production, and its layout features a combination bathroom and pantry module to port. In contrast, the later versions have it on the other side for better access to the galley servery when camping.

Deep storage lockers in the bow include a hatch for the electric anchor winch. The anchor can be easily deployed through the large bow opening and with extra windows on either side, forward vision is good. Little touches like folding cleats show good attention to detail.

A lounge to port converts to a double bed that can be set against the wall or slid on tracks into the middle of the saloon to allow access from either side. Large storage cupboards are set into the front bulkhead, and a cabinet along the starboard wall expands into a wider bench amidships as part of the galley layout.

A 120L Vitrifrigo fridge freezer is set under the bench, with an optional 70L freezer or fridge at the rear entry. The Smev three-burner cooktop has a lid to increase bench space and an oven/grill below, while overhead cupboards include a Camec rangehood with light.

Twin stainless steel sinks are set into a return that becomes the back of the rear L-shaped lounge. Under the bench I found cutlery drawers and a large pot holder as well as a handy slide-out bin.

The main entertaining space is in the rear of the saloon, adjacent to the opening doors. A convertible lounge faces a port-side settee, offering seating for six. The lounge has a removable table and can convert to a second double bed.

With a large picture window, the bathroom really is a loo with a view. Inside, it’s all cleanly moulded white fibreglass; outside, it’s elegant floor-to-ceiling timber. The compact combination shower and toilet includes a Dometic cassette toilet, vanity unit with mirror, retractable showerhead, Seadeck non-skid floor and a 75-litre grey water tank.

Forward of the head, the module becomes a full-height storage unit with slide-out hanging locker and pantry. There’s more storage beneath the lounges and in a hatch under the rear deck, with the twin plastic fuel tanks.

To create more space at rest, the helm folds into a slot in the bench and lifts out to waist height for action. Twin controls are placed to the left of a soft-touch wheel with stainless steel spokes, and that’s about it, apart from simple digital rev gauges.

Engines

Twin four-stroke Tohatsu 30 hp outboard motors engines efficiently manoeuvred us from the dock and into the lake’s main channel. Out on the water, a slight breeze created a small chop that the hull stepped over without fuss at a planing speed of 12 kt.

We saw an average of 16 kt at wide-open throttle, but the engines became a bit rowdy, suggesting a more sedate speed is preferable. Handling was predictable if not overly sporty, turning at speed without much body roll as you might expect from the hull design.

The boat only draws 200mm, so it can be nudged onto a beach for exploring or setting up for a picnic, while access over the back after a cooling dip is a breeze.

The 200L fresh water supply means you can stay out on the water for longer, and with solar power feeding a 150ah deep-cycle battery and the outboards adding 30ah charging, you’ll be able to party while you’re out there.

In caravan mode, an optional 3.7m Fiamma F65 annex deploys along the port side – the passenger side in van speak. Entry from the ground is through the rear door via a set of stairs. Some camp chairs, a picnic table, and maybe an outdoor BBQ would set you up for the road.

The tandem-axle galvanised trailer looks sturdily constructed and is supported on leaf springs, while four-wheel discs take care of braking.

Caraboat - Boat and Caravan Mode

The Caraboat 7500 isn’t for everyone, and it competes against caravans in the high-end market. But try floating a regular van on Lake Taupo for a few days of spring sunshine when the fish are jumping aboard.

 

CaraBoat 7500 Specifications

General

• Type: Transportable houseboat

• Material: fibreglass

• Length: 7.5m

• Beam: 2.5m

• Weight: 1700kg (2500kg on trailer)

• Draft: 0.2m

Capacities

• People: 7

• Rec. HP: 2x30hp

• Fuel: 2x25L

• Water: 200L 

Engine

• Make/model: Tohatsu 30 hp outboard motor x 2

• Type: Three-cylinder fuel-injected four-stroke outboard motor

• Weight: 71.5kg

• Displacement: 526cc

• Gear ratio: 2.17:1

• Propellers: Solas 10inx10in

Distributed and supplied by Composite Cats Pty Ltd.

 

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats. We have great deals on boats for sale, including used boats and new boats. You can also check out our used boat buying guide.

If you're upgrading or planning to sell your boat, why not explore our expert guide on how to improve boat resale value. If you're planning to attend a boat show soon, we've also put together a detailed boat show buying guide that's perfect for first time buyers.

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat. We’re here to help you find it!

 

This article was written by and photos provided by John Ford and previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au, now powered by Only Boats.

Found your perfect purchase? Let’s make financing just as easy!

Work with Australia’s best-reviewed finance broker for a great deal and a stress-free experience. With 3,000+ glowing Google reviews, you can trust you're in good hands! See what our happy customers say in Credit One reviews, or jump right in and crunch the numbers with our handy loan repayment calculator. Your ideal financing solution is just a few clicks away!