St Kilda Boat Sales - Reviews & Testimonials

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Boat Sales: 03) 9525 5500  |  Service Centre: 03) 9534 8213

Reviews & Testimonials

 

Dealer Profile

 

Read the Dealer Profile that featured in Trailer Boat Magazine. On sale Feb 10 - March 9, 2010 - Issue No: 253. This article was written by the magazine and featured on page 114.

Dealer Q&A as published in Trade-A-Boat special edition No: 400 (1mb .pdf)


Caribbean Profile

 

Read the International Marine profile, as published in Trade-A-Boat special edition No: 400 (1mb .pdf)


Caribbean Boats - Reviews & Tests

 

Read the recent Boat Test and Reviews for selected Caribbean Boats, as published in Australia's leading boating magazines and marine websites.


Caribbean Reef Runner

Watch our Video Tour of the Caribbean Reef Runner
Trailer Boat Magazine - March 2009 "Boat Of The Month"  Read the full review

Recently, Trailer Boat Magazine (August 2010 issue 260, p142-143) ran a 2 page story on "classic used boats"....  And you guessed it, the story was all about the Reef Runner.
Click here to read this story. (.pdf 1mb)


Caribbean 2400

Watch our Video Tour of the Caribbean 2400


Caribbean 24 Flybridge Sports Fisherman

Trade-A-Boat - Issue 369 On sale: Nov 7 - Dec 12, 2007
Trailer Boat Magazine - Issue: 223 On sale: Oct 3 - Oct 30, 2007

Read the full on-water test and review  
Note: 2mb Acrobat .pdf file, complete with action photo's. 


Caribbean 27 Flybridge Sports Fisherman 

Trade-A-Boat - Issue 388 On sale: May 6 - June 2, 2009
Read the full on-water test and review
Note: 2mb Acrobat .pdf file, complete with action photo's

Watch our Video Tour of the Caribbean 27FBSF


Caribbean 27 Open (Runabout) - Customised

Watch our HD Video Tour of the full customisation process


Caribbean 32 Flybridge Cruiser

Boatpoint review - October 2005
Read the BoatPoint review   Note: Link to BoatPoint complete with action photo's.


Caribbean 35 Flybridge Cruiser

Trade-A-Boat - Issue 377 On sale: June 25, 2008
Read the full on-water test and review
Note: 2mb Acrobat .pdf file, complete with action photo's.

Boatpoint review - July 2008
Read the BoatPoint review  Note: Link to BoatPoint complete with action photo's.

Trade-A-Boat Top 40 Boats in Australia - April 2010
Read the Australian Top 40.  Listed are both the Caribbean 35 and Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruisers.


Caribbean 35 Flybridge Cruiser - MKIII


Trade-A-Boat - Issue 405 On sale: Sept 1 2010
Read the full on-water test and review
Note: 2mb Acrobat .pdf file, complete with action photo's.

Watch our full HD Video Tour at the MKIII model launch - indoors at Melbourne Boatshow, July 2010


Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruiser

Trade-A-Boat - Issue 374 On sale: April 2 - April 29, 2008
Read the full on-water test and review.
Note: 2mb Acrobat .pdf file, complete with action photo's.This report is supplied by: Trade-A-Boat Magazine.

Trade-A-Boat Top 40 Boats in Australia - April 2010
Read the Australian Top 40.  Listed are both the Caribbean 35 and Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruisers.

Watch our full HD Video Tour of the Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruiser, captured at the Sydney International Boat Show.

Caribbean 47 Flybridge Cruiser

Boatpoint review - October 2004
Read the BoatPoint review   Note: Link to BoatPoint complete with action photo's

Caribbean 49 Flybridge Cruiser

Watch our full HD Video Tour of the Caribbean 49 Flybridge Cruiser, captured at the Sydney Intenrational oat Show

 

 

** Special Thanks **

We wish to thank all editorial and production staff who have independently written the above listed tests and reports for publication in their respective publications.

Special thanks to Shane Aughterson, National Sales Manager Trade-A-Boat and Trailer Boat magazines, for production assistance and permission to reprint and recirculate their articles.

For more info, visit: www.tradeaboat.com.au


Customer Testimonials

 

In the marine industry typically; No News, Is Good News. We sell a lot (000's) of new and used boats and carry-out hundreds (YES hundreds) of annual service and repair works to boats of all makes, models and sizes - each year.

Sometimes, customers drop in a slab of beer, maybe a few bottles of Red and occasionally they take the time out of their busy schedules to write us a letter or email of thanks, in appreciation of a job well-done.

To do a job that exceeds the customers expectations is the ultimate reward, but to receive a gift especially in the form of a letter or email, always just blows us away!!!

Wow - it feels good to be appreciated.....The original documents, are proudly displayed in our office....Please enjoy the read, as we have.

It's nice to share the love, especially in today's difficult and sometimes trying times, where appreciation seems to get left behind in therace to move forward.....

Appreciation is not lost here at St Kilda Boat Sales and Service Centre, it's what drives our team to exceed customer expectations!!


Customers Words

 

Below we have published a few letters and emails that we received from happy customers, simply because we are proud of them !!

 


NOTE: All testimonials listed above, are 1mb Acrobat .pdf's and been published with specific permission from the author.


Profile 1. - Fab Soleimani

 

Andrew and Darren first met Fab at the Melbourne 2007 Boatshow in July, when he was climbing all over the just released Caribbean 24 Flybridge Sports Fisherman sitting on a new MacKay Road Trailer. He was like a kid that was full of energy. So many questions and so much excitement!!

This was Caribbean's very first C24FBSF ever built for which Fab went on to buy (the actual display boat) and we sold many more of them at the Boatshow. A great result for everyone!!!

With Fab's approval, we wish to share with your this customer profile.

Name: Farshad (Fab) Soleimani

Resides: Hillside

Age: 40+

Marital Status: Happily married to Jennifer and with teenage kids Bec and Justin (hence the boat name JUST-BEC).

Occupation: Owner of: Galli Winery Restaurant located in Rockbank. The finest European Cuisine in Melbourne!!! Phone Fab for a booking on 03) 9747-1433.

What boat does he currently have: 2007 Caribbean 24 Flybridge Sports Fisherman

Why buy a boat? Works very long hours and love to relax on the water. Takes a day off during the week (he works all weekend) usually goes out on the boat mainly with family and friends, but sometimes alone. Really anyone that wants to enjoy Fab's hospitality.

What does he do on the boat? Usually fishing, just social never too serious. Catches loads of faltties and always chasing the Snapper or Whiting...Lucky his restaurant patrons don't rely of Fab's catch, otherwise they would possible go home hungry!!

Last Boat Owned? We traded-in Fab's much loved and adored, 1989 Pride Albartoss powered by a new Johnson 115hp 4 stroke Outboard which happened to be moored at St Kilda Marina, the same berth as Fab's current C24FBSF.

Next Boat? A bigger Caribbean of course. Possibly the new 27 Flybridge Sports Fisherman that's got alot more room. But who knows, maybe a Caribbean 35 if the boys do me a good deal!!


.... LATE BREAKING NEWS ....


Fab has just agreed to trade-in his 2007 Caribbean 24 Flybridge Sports Fisherman for the all new, just released Caribbean 27 Flybridge Sports Fisherman...The extra size and increased room will be of huge benefit, as Fab loves to take the whole familiy boating.....

Pictured Above: Fab in red shirt, (second from right) with his brother Dean (in blue,far left), Dean's father-in law Gordon on holidays from Bristol UK (second from left) and school-friend of 29 years, Steve (far right).


Profile 2. - Richard Mollard

 

Our Dealer Principals both Darren & Andrew were fortunate enough build a very special relationship with client and now friend, Richard Mollard.

We have selected to profile Richard's story, he is one very special customer, who's journey in life captured our interest and who's love of the water, we wanted to share. with Richard's approval.

Name:   Richard Mollard

Resides:   Brighton

Age:   70+

Marital Status:   Very happily married for many, many years with 3 grown up children and several gorgeous grandchildren.

Occupation:   Successful Businessman, Retired 2008

Why buy a boat:   Wife gave him a choice now that he's retired. She said, "come and play Bridge or perhaps take up Lawn Bowls with me".

Richard's decision:   Plan on-water voyage from Melbourne to Darwin via Carins, onboard own vessel, catch loads of fish, eat-well, drink-well and enjoy life. Have family & friends fly-in and join him for sections of the journey.

Why Now:   Whilst Richard was mobile and in good health and whilst he was still able to dream of adventure and the sea's, Richard felt this trip (maybe his last because of his age & health) would enable him close close an important chapter in his life, before he moved onto Bridge and Lawn Bowls...Not fxxxing lawn bowls was heard!!!





(Above) - Richard Mollard in the galley of Navis II, cooking up a storm... 


Richard's Perspective..... 

Words by Richard Mollard, June 2007 

In 1988, I towed an 8m (Flightcraft) Cabin Cruiser to Cairns and went as far North as Portland Roads (approx. 300nm North of Cairns) and spent 3 months between Cairns and Portland Roads. How good was this!!

Since then, I planned to extend my adventure to go far a Darwin and even Broome if I was physically able. Being 69 years old, one needs to take these things into account.

I researched for some time what boat would be ideal for this this maybe crazy adventure, and after much delibertion I purchased a Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruiser from St Kilda Boat Sales. There were issues that I needed to address, they were:

1>   Reliability, the Caribbean 40 as I understandad it has a hull moulded from Bertram's vast experience on the East Coast of American and obviuosly stood the test of time.

2>   Support, both in technical and assistance. The team at Caribbean, St Kilda Boat Sales & Cummins have a very good reputation in this area.

3>   Economy, most boat owners say if your can't afford the fuel don't buy the boat.... I agree to this principle however, the distances I plan to cover the above needs to be a consideration. On research, my boat fully loaded (water, fuel and a good wine stock) all takes weight. I have found that at 2,100rpm on a relative calm day with 6 persons on board, I can average 20kts and a fuel comsumption of 52L per hour/engine, these Cummins 450hp Turbo Diesels, seem to me to be as economical as any boat.

4>   I investigated purchasing other models however, on enquiring as too fitting extra fuel tanks seem to be all too hard for other manufacturers to deal with this issue. However, the team at St Kilda Boat Sales were happy to assist and were able to extend the existing 2000L fuel tank with two additional 300L tanks, giving me a total capacity of 2,600L. Doing between 16-18kts gives me a range in excess of 450nm with a 15% reserve.

I arranged to leave by Cruiser at Yorkey's Knob Marina in Cairns, and have taken family and friends on several trips to lizard Island and return to make sure any hiccup's mechanically or otherwise, were identified before my big trip which is planned for early August 2007.

Apart from a few minor issues, I was delighted with the result. These minor issues were a faulty computer board on the Onan Generator, the support team at Cummins and St Kilda Boat Sales, immediately flew a replacement and it was installed the next day. Also a malfunction in the Raymarine Auto-Pilot, again was replaced overnight (faulty one taken out, new one plugged in) the next day. Stupidly, I didn't read the Caribbean owner's manual as carefully as one should... at 180 hours of usage, I discovered the engine during the settling in period, caused the drive shaft to be slightly out of alignment, on reporting this to International Marine, it was pointed out that this should have been done as per manufacutrer's instructions at 30-50 hours usage. Lesson learn't.... It pays to read and discuss these issues thouroughly, beofre taking on an extended voyage. 

Due to the courtesy and assistance of both Dealer Principals at St Kilda Boat Sales, I extended an invitation to both Darren & Andrew to join me on a cruise from Cairns to Lizard Island and back. The above trip diary is self-explanatory.

A good trip was had by all. I hope they will join me again, next year.

Coming Soon - Watch our trip Video on You Tube. Total running time 3mins. 


Should there be anybody with dreams of a similiar nature to mine, who would like to discuss any experiences I have had, please feel free to contact me via email through St Kilda Boat Sales.

Richard Mollard


(Above) - My Caribbean 40 (October 2006) being loaded at Melbourne for the road-trip to Brisbane. From there, I drove her North by sea, to beign my boating adventure.


Cairns - Lizard Island FNQ

 

Cairns to Lizard Island aboard Navis II 

Read our trip log (diary) aboard Navis II, a 2006 Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruiser as we journey from Yorkeys Knob Marina in Cairns to Lizard Island via Cooktown and a few uninhabited islands and reef's along the way. We return to Carins six days later, having covered a total trip distance of 280 nautical miles.

Darren & Andrew the Dealer Principals of St Kilda Boat Sales and Service Centre, were invited guests of client Richard Mollard as we fished and explored our way through FNQ and the Great Barrier Reef in rough seas, 30knt SE winds and 2-3 metre swells.

Coming Soon - Watch our trip Video on You Tube. Total running time 3mins.

Trip Log (Diary)

Sunday -
Cairns to Cooktown


SE 20nts 2m swell is behind us, as we make our way towards Cooktown some 200kms due North. Enroute, we pass Mission Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. We trek passed the wonderful Cape Tribulation surrounded by the heritage listed Daintree National Park. Following Captain Cook's famous passage in 1770, we navigate the last 2 hours of the voyage on our Raymarine C120 as it's dark and overhead cloud cover prevents ambient light from the moon and stars. We navigate into the well lit shipping channel and head East towards Cooktown along the famous Endevour River.

We arrive into Cooktown, safe and sound at 9pm and quickly make it to the 1770 restaurant for dinner and a cold beer before, heading off to bed aboard our very comfortable Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruiser.

Monday -

Cooktown to Lizard Island


SE 30nts 2-3m swell is behind us again, as we make our way North towards Lizard Island some 45nm. Rain squalls sweep in, stir up the sea and move on...

We set our rods and lures and trawl much of the way. We are in the shipping channel and sometimes get the feeling we are in peak hour traffic back in Melbourne.

We head towards the twins; North & South Direction Islands as we get our first hit on the lines. The reels roar as line peels off and the bugger has got away. This happens again shortly after, much to our dissapointment.

We finally reach our destination and seek protection of Watson Bay at Lizard Island. We find a public mooring buoy and enjoy the sites of the heritage listed National Marine Park.

We use the Davit installed on the vessel to launch our Quicksilver Tender powered by an effective Mercury 8hp and head ashore. The beach is wonderful, the sun is shining and we are in tropical paradise.

We head to the famous (infamous) Marlin Bar that is empty, just Darren, Andrew, Richard and G (Graham aka: Big G, super G, G Banger, Big Fella) our 6'4 New Zealand born decky. On the walls of the bar are the famous catches of Marlins, overhead is a 1,100kg monster, hanging from the ceiling.

Richard explains the history of the region as we visit the last remains of the famous Mrs Watson homestead. Richard is very well-read on this area, and a keen historian. He is like a talking Google, but with loads personality...

Overnight abord the Caribbean 40 offers plenty of room for all of us as we sleep like babies against the gentle lapping of water. How good is this !!!


(Above) - Navis II anchored at Watsons Bay, Lizard Island, FNQ.

Tuesday -

Lizard Island to Cape Bedford

SE 30kts 2-3m swell again this time we are punching straight into it. Interesting to note that even in these harsh conditions, we were travelling at a brisk, yet comfortable speed of 16kts and averaging only 45L per engine/hour. We make our way South towards the protection of Cape Bedford some 25nm. Rain squalls sweep in, stir up the sea and move on as we punch straight into the slop. Waves constantly break over the Flybridge as we pound South.

We set our rods and lures and trawl much of the way with no success, we make a beeline straight for the protection of the Cape. It seems several other mariners have decided on the same thing as we share the protection of the Cape with a couple of Yachts and a few local Trawlers.

Andrew and Richard launch the Tender and head to shore amongst the Mangroves to catch a Barramundi for dinner. Darren stays onboard with G, as we try to our luck from the comfort of the Caribbean 40 and her enormous cockpit.

After several hours fishing and many bites later, we catch a few small fish including: Reef Shark, Hammerhead Shark and a Sea Gull (that's a funny sight). Richard and Andrew return without dinner, so I guess it's steaks on the BBQ for us all.


Wednesday -
Cape Bedford to Hope Island

SE 30kts 2-3m swell and yet again we are punching straight into it. Interesting to note that even in these harsh conditions, we were travelling at a brisk, yet comfortable speed of 16kts and averaging only 45L per engine/hour. Still heading South towards the protection of Hope Island some 30nm. Rain squalls sweep in, stir up the sea and move on as we punch straight into the slop. Waves constantly break over the Flybridge as we pound South.

We set our rods and lures and trawl much of the way via coral reefs, but this time with success !! Andrew fights hard with a 25kg Giant Trevally and lands her. What a huge fish, we take the usual photo's and set her free.

We detour via another reef to bottom bounce, catching loads of nice sized reef fish including: Reef Cod, Red Emperor, Sweet Lip and Coral Trout. We only keep tonights dinner and release safely, the rest to live another day.

We make a beeline strainght for the protection of the uninhabited Hope Island. It seems several other mariners have decided on the same thing as we share the protection of the Island with a couple of Yachts and a few local Trawlers.

We go ashore, Richard has a fish and a snooze, while the rest us have a swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters of this peaceful Island.



(Above) - Happy Hour at Sunset usually consists of a nice bottle of Merlot from Richard's onboard Cellar and a Montechristo Cigar.  

Thursday -
Hope Island to Low Isles


SE 30kts 2-3m swell again, as we make our way South towards the protection of the Low Island group some 30nm. Rain squalls sweep in, stir up the sea and move on as we punch straight into the slop. Waves constantly break over the Flybridge as we pound South.

We set our rods and lures and trawl much of the way via coral reefs, but this time no success !! So we head towards the Bat Reef area, the location of the famous Wildlife Warrior - Steve Irwin's, tragic death.

We bottom bounce for hours, catching loads of nice sized reef fish including: Reef Cod, Red Emperor, Sweet Lip and Coral Trout. We only keep tonights dinner and release safely, the rest to live another day.

Arriving at Low Island at 4pm, we admire the Lighthouse and this picturesque area. G our decky knows the skipper of the Trawler moored nearby and hops in the Tender to visit. G comes back with a bag of fresh Prawns, which make a wonderful appertiser - washed down by the usual quanity of Beer's - at beer o'clock of course.

That evening as we proudly eat our catch, we are entertained by the many reef sharks circulating our Caribbean 40, to fight for our Prawn tails that we are feeding them. What a sight....

Next morning, we vist the Island to explore the Lighthouse and met the Lighthouse Keeper Steve. An interesting guy who lives on the Island, with his wife and very young family and all that serenity!

Friday -

Low Isle to Carins


SE 30kts 2-3m swell yet again, as we make our way South towards home some 30nm, enough already with the wind... Here we go again...Rain squalls sweep in, stir up the sea and move on as we punch straight into the slop. Waves constantly break over the Flybridge, as we pound South.

A quick detour on our return leg see's us bottom bounce, once again. We are happily catching loads of nice sized reef fish at the beginnig, then she dreid up and without a bite, we decided returned to Cairns and pack up the rods for this trip.

The heavens opened again for yet another Rain squall and we arrived safey back at Yorkies Knob in the afternoon. G washed down the boat whilst the rest of us have a long shower, removing salt form everywhere. Dinner at the marina Friday night, followed by watching the AFL onthe boat Live... What a bonus...

Saturday -

Carins


After breakfast on the cosmopilitan esplanade of Cairns, we went shopping for the kids. Jett is really happy with his Forklift, even thought we hunted for hours trying to find a Police Car. The smile on his face was worth the hassle of shopping for toys in Cairns.

Both Andrew and Darren were thrilled by Richard's invitation to join him, Richard is a very succesful businessman and proud Grandfather with a strong Flinders Lane heritage, that he shared with us.

Richard was kind enough to share his boating dream and enjoyment with us. We are stronger for having this journey behind us. We understand first hand the Caribbean 40's wonderful sea-handling capabilities and appreciate the ocean and her powers.

Richard and G are heading from Cairns to Darwin in August - October 2007, and we look forward in posting Richard's stories and pictures on our website, for all to share.

Richard, good luck with your journey, may it be safe and filled with joy and satisfaction. Thanks for taking such great care of us.

Safe Boating Always,
God Bless

PS: It is a real shame you barrack for Collingwood. However, your taste in fine wine and the Montecristo No 3 cigars, will long be remembered !!

Click here to view the Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruiser specifciations.


Our Slogan - More Than Just Words!!!

 

In reading the above profile of Richard Mollard, don't you just admire his vision and ability to dream!!

We at St Kilda Boat Sales were so caught up in Richard's plans from 2006, when he first came into our office to talk boats and dreams.

Right from the beginning, were so involved in the production of NAVIS II, Richard's Caribbean 40 Flybridge Cruiser, that we felt proud with a sense of acheivement that we were able to assist and make Richard's dreams come true, that we created the slogan for our business "Making Dreams Happen".

Our friendship with Richard is still as strong as ever and our slogan, we still use with pride today.

In late 2008, we trucked NAVIS II back to Melbourne from Cairns, and in early 2009 NAVIS II was placed on the market and offered for sale.

Ready for someone else to dream of adventure....