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2007 Caribe DL 12 Photos
2007 Caribe DL 12 Test Details
| Category | Inflatable |
| Length | 12ft / 3.66 m |
| Dealers | Contact Caribe Boats Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Caribe Boats Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For Caribe Boats For Sale |
2007 Caribe DL 12 Description
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The Caribe DL12 is a versatile rigid hull
inflatable (RIB) with many deluxe touches
that will make it particularly appealing
as a yacht tender.
If you're not familiar with inflatable boats, there
are a few basics that you should know. In most
smaller-sized boats, the tubes are built in three separate
chambers for added safety and security. If even
two of the chambers deflate, the boat should still
float. Puncturing a tube is rare, however, because
inflatable boats carry very low air pressure -
between three and four pounds per square inch at
full inflation is typical.
While some RIBs have PVC tubes, the Caribe
DL12 uses duPont Hypalon, which is more puncture
resistant and nearly impervious to ultraviolet
rays. As Jamie Small at CO2 Inflatables in
Oakville, Ont., told us, "I've seen Hypalon boats
that are 30 years old and still in good condition."
Our test boat had a Yamaha 40-hp, four-stroke
outboard with power tilt and trim and mechanical
steering. The centreline length is just 12 feet with a
6 foot, 1 inch beam. The Yamaha 40 on the back
of the test boat is the DL12's maximum rated
horsepower, but it's a surprisingly capable vessel
with a host of neat features.
The Caribe was bright white with two-tone
grey accents and rub strips. Most owners buy these
as yacht tenders, so it is important that the Caribe
matches the quality a yacht owner would expect.
The design is a side console with a deep-V hull
surrounded by Hypalon tubes. The hull has a very
fine entry with lift strakes. It also has a full fibreglass
floor that drains into the bilge to keep feet and
cargo dry. An automatic float bilge pump is standard.
At the bow are a pop-up cleat, a convenient,
non-skid fibreglass step-in, grab handles and a
padded seat over the built-in 13-gallon fuel tank.
The forward location better balances the weight
distribution.
There is a convenient Velcro loop to neatly
stow lines and amidships is a cross brace with seat,
storage and a removable bin.
The running lights are built into the console
along with a convenient handrail and wind deflector.
The rubberized rim wheel was very comfortable
to use and well positioned. With Yamaha controls
neatly mounted on the side of the console and
comfortable toe areas for added foot room, I really
liked the helm. Both seats have storage inside as
well.
You can easily dive or swim off the stern and
Caribe has thoughtfully provided a freshwater
shower for swimming in saltwater.
The Caribe DL12 felt comfortable and secure
on Lake Ontario during our test. The Yamaha 40
was fitted with a Stingray hydrofoil to aid in fast
planing. With a pair of 200-pound men on board,
the 12 footer planed off easily in 3.9 seconds and
held the plane down to less than 15 mph cruising
at just over 3000 rpm.
At cruising, the Yamaha was remarkably quiet.
We were able to carry on conversation in normal
tones - even at the maximum speed of 34.3 mph.
The Caribe was stable in a turn, felt secure and
handled the waves very well for its size. The benefit
of an inflatable is that the side tubes give the boat
great buoyancy and stability both at rest and
underway.
The nice details and accommodations will
make the Caribe a strong choice for yacht owners
or as an easily-trailered recreational boat.
2007 Caribe DL 12 Test Specifications
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Test boat engine: Yamaha 40, 3 cylinder,
four-stroke, single overhead cam with three
carbs, 40 hp, 747 cc / 45.9 ci., 10 1?2 x 14"
three blade aluminum prop
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