NEED HELP!

[03Caravelle196]

I just acquired a 2003 caravelle 197, can not find any info on it. It’s not listed in the brochures or anything. The HIN shows 197
the window decal says 197. But that model was never offered In a 2003.
Does anyone have any information or maybe can point me in the right direction?

 

[Scott Danforth]

what does the title and bill of sale say it is. because that is all the information you need. BTW, a google search will get you other information and comes up with a 2003 197

what is it you want to know about your 26 year old boat?

 

[03Caravelle196]

what does the title and bill of sale say it is. because that is all the information you need. BTW, a google search will get you other information and comes up with a 2003 197

what is it you want to know about your 26 year old boat?

Information I have found is super limited, and for the most part from what I have found by searches and looking thru brochures is these weren’t super common, I’m sure in comparison there simply an oversized 187, I’m just trying to find any sort of service manual material. I do not have a title or bill of sale at this time, in the process of getting one via mechanics Lien. The old service records don’t list any info.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I do not have a title or bill of sale at this time, in the process of getting one via mechanics Lien.

its a 187 with a bolt-on swim platform extension

good luck, dont know if I would go thru the problem for a 26 year old boat. However until you have a title and registration in your name, do not spend a dollar on the boat because legally its not yours.

regarding service manual for the boat, it doesnt exist. never did. a boat manual is nothing more than a 4 page brochure listing servicing dealers.

what is available is engine and drive service manuals direct from Mercury, volvo, or whomever made the drive.

 

[03Caravelle196]

It’s a Volvo sx out drive with Volvo gl-c engine. Supposedly had cracked black, I have a service quote for 5k to replace block and manifolds from previous owner. The person I got the boat from gave me the engine to be swapped into it, they’ve had the boat for a couple years. Person dropped it off left zero contact info and hasn’t been back since.

 

[Reserector_]

That really IS strange. I wonder if they introduced it in '03 and put it in the '04 brochure, but those don't pull up for me. I didn't see it in the '03 brochure, but maybe it just didn't make the cut because it didn't have a photo shoot in time.
The Caravelle site is not very active, but there are two FB groups that are. Caravelle Power Boats and Caravelle Boat Owners. Try your question there.

 

[03Caravelle196]

I’m assuming like the other response stated that it’s just a 187 with the extended swim deck but it never even showed it in the model lineup or anything.

 

[03Caravelle196]

To those that are following this is what I found when I got the motor out and pulled the oil filter. Now I wasn’t surprised about the filter being full of water. When I got the boat the intake was off of it, so i already figured water got in it. When I dropped the oil pan the crank, rod caps, main caps, pistons, rods, even the cylinder walls from underneath looked like a fresh rebuild, with that being said I pulled the plugs and filled with trans fluid. Still would not budge when I pulled plugs. Gonna let it sit a couple days and let the fluid work it’s magic. Worst case scenario I have 2 other motors available so not a major deal.

 

[Reserector_]

Oof! Makes me wonder if the block has any freeze damage.

 

[03Caravelle196]

Oof! Makes me wonder if the block has any freeze damage.

It’s possible. I’m filled cylinders with trans fluid. Gonna let it marinate and if it breaks free I’m gonna completely disassemble and have block and heads sent out to be checked before progressing. If it doesn’t then I’ve 2 other motors available. But this engine is entirely to clean for me to turn away from without knowing.