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GoClones.
I’ve been researching the Caracal for a while now off and on. I’m considering switching from my current brand that I have had 5 different 20-footers with over the last 15 years. A few questions for current or past owners:
Thanks for the help…nearest dealer is 4 hours from me.
I have a 2015 Caracal. Rods that are 7′ long will fit on the starboard side, but just barely. I usually keep my rods on the port side as there is plenty of room over there.
Not sure how many rods you could get in that center rod box, but no doubt you could get more than you probably carry in your boat, if you took the rod tube thing out. The port locker will hold several rods. I use it for some tackle storage and usually keep 4 rods in there on top of the tackle.
For me, the placement of the hotfoot is very comfortable.
Not sure how deep that cooler is under the center step, I’ve never measured it, but there is plenty of room in there.
The rear storage compartments will hold a ton of stuff. I don’t see any issue with a co-angler getting his things in there. I have a drop in container from BCB in my port side rear storage box. Its pretty deep. Some boats have power pole pumps in there making that compartment pretty small. I had Sherm move my pumps back so I could use the deeper drop in storage container.
I have no idea about how the performance is for an SHO. I have a ProXs 2 stroke on my boat. It does very well. Sherm has had my boat up to 74mph with two people in the boat and a pretty heavy load in it. I’ve only had it to 70mph.
Hope that info helps.
Regarding Caracal 7 foot rods will fit on Starboard Side-but 7 ft is max
I took my rod tubes out of center box because I use sleeves. At the end of the season, I took 23 rods out of there! I use the port locker for tackle and some spare spinning rods.
Hot Foot is very comfortable for me-I do not even notice the ledge.
I use the center step cooler all of the time-holds 3 sandwiches, 6 bottles of water and almost 2 bags of ice. Many times two days later there is still ice in the cooler.
The net holder and the wide deck are both super -good! Tool holder is great also.
Plenty of room in rear compartment behind passenger.
Everyone who has fished with me has commented that it is the most convenient boat they have ever fished out of as a co-angler.
I can do 72-73 easily with Evinrude G-2, 4 batteries and two Talons.
I have a hydraulic plate, but the boat really does not need it.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful.
Same as above I love the Caracal it’s a great boat. Speed with the SHO which I have fully loaded 72-73 alone and that dual power poles 36v system full gas.
I as well have been considering this boat. Like the OP my last 5 have been 20′ boats. 2 of those being Cats. I’ll soon be 60 and my days of tax fishing are winding down. Don’t get excited for tx’s any more. I love the layout of the Caracal deck.
My questions are on the overall ride of the boat and port side rod space. If you get a dual console. Will 7’6″ rods fit on port side. I haven’t seen a dual console but looks to me like there might be rod tip space on that side with the way the passenger seat sets over some. I’m a flipper and pitching guy. I’m gonna have several long rods out all day.
Is there room for 4 batteries in the back. I can’t tell by pics. Also could anyone tell me about how a 80lb would do. I’m not sure I would be happy with an 80. I think I would want a 112. Also the power pole pumps. They don’t go in the passenger side back storage box do they. I sure could not deal with that.
Plenty of room for 4 batteries in the rear even with the twin 27 gallon rear tanks. You could also get one 27 and 1 ten in rear which would leave extra room for power pole pumps without affecting the storage box behind passenger seat. If you accept the std gas tank configuration of 33 gallons under seat plus the ten in the rear , there is much extra room in back for power pole pumps. Even you are not doing 70 mile runs for tournaments suggest not getting but choosing either the 33 plus 10 or the 27 plus 10.
Yes you would be happier with the 112 if you fish a lot in heavy current or heavy wind, but if you are not fishing tournaments you would be fine with the 80lb , but would suggest group 31 trolling motor batteries for all day performance.
The boat is 19’8” and no doubt rods will be more compacted when you consider 5’ of that engages the front and rear top cap. There just so much space in any boat when one looks at it fully. We do our best to limit the Ross from hanging over the gunnels, and when they are over the gunnels they’re not in the mix with the back angler or console.
The center holds some under the rod tubes also and those are not in tubes. It would be feasible to place 16-17 rods in the locker if the tubes and holders were disregarded.
The hull is deep and we kept the seating deep to maximize space use. The hull also is rising and we keet the seating more outside on the drivers for our boats. If we narrow the seating, we could move the position inwards. With the hull raising to the outside and depth we have to raise the hot foot as the hull is just below that area. Maximizing space is the reason here.
The cooler we believe from memory is 28 quarts, though if not it is very close.
It will depend on the soft pack. Standard Packs yes, those extended and zip out side packs depend on the storage and how they attach the accessories.
Both of the four strokes run nicely on the Caracal.
Thanks again, all, for the info.
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