Access to the swim step from the water is simplified with a telescopic three-step stainless steel swim ladder with a grab handle-the ladder folds under a hinged hatch to keep it out of the way when not in use. Caravelle engineers built an integrated cooler into the deck of the walk-through transom, which provides convenient access from the swim step or the cockpit and helps keep the deck clutter free because you don’t have to bring a portable cooler.

The cockpit is where you’ll really notice the bigness of the 196. The space between the bucket helm seats is cavernous compared to many other 18-footers, and the butt room on the rear bench is made even better. In between the seats you’ll find a voluminous ski locker with plenty of room for all your toys and then some – and the extended rubber pad will protect your toys as the inside of the locker.

The helm seats themselves are built using leaf springs to keep the ride cushy even in rough conditions. Both seats also swivel and have bolsters to improve the view.

The glove box in the port helm has a surprising amount of room – more than enough space to store a few changes of dry clothes. To starboard you’ll find a sporty driver’s helm with tilt steering, Faria gauges, rocker switches, a trim indicator, a 12V receptacle and an AM/FM CD player (there are four speakers in the boat) – all standard equipment.

The walk-through windshield opens to provide access to the bow, which has wrap-around seating and stainless steel grab handles (all the hardware on the 196 is stainless steel). Under the port bench seat, which swings open on a hinge, you’ll find another integrated insulated cooler, which will keep your bow passengers refreshed without having to pester the cockpit crew. Under the center and starboard seats you’ll find dry storage – the perfect place to keep extra PFDs.