Boat test for the 2005 Cavileer 44 Convertible with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, videos, engine test reviews, and ratings for the 2005 Cavileer 44 Convertible.

Cavileer Boatworks is named after 18th-century boatbuilder John Cavileer, whose boats—built in Lower Bank, New Jersey, the current home of Cavileer Boatworks—were integral players in America’s fight for independence. George Washington, then a young general, was purportedly so impressed with the stout construction and seafaring abilities of Cavileer’s boats that he used them to send the British Army packing during the American Revolution. It’s also been said that Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River was aboard a Cavileer.

So it was fitting that just a few days shy of Independence Day I met Cavileer’s sales manager Michelle DeMarco and Capt. Ben Cushinotto at Atlantic City’s Trump Marina to test Cavileer’s semicustom 44 Convertible. While we awaited the arrival of Hull No. 1’s owners, Jack and Star Thomas, and chatted amicably about the upcoming weekend’s barbecues and fireworks, I inspected the sparkling, white-on-white cockpit.

Measuring 150 square feet and well-equipped, the cockpit of Brown-Eyed Girl was, like her predecessors, battle-ready, although the quarry is now armies of gamefish. Rod stowage was aplenty, with six rod holders in the gunwales, six rocket-launcher-style rod holders on the flying bridge, and four in the pilasters, the last four placed for easier bait rigging for the optional 35-foot, triple-spreader Lee outriggers. The in-sole, insulated, and removable fishbox measures 77.5”x15.5”x16”, enough room for perhaps a dozen 50-pound-class tuna and a few wahoo. However, the center-and-near-aft placement of the optional Lee fighting chair impedes access to the fishbox and the standard transom-mounted 60-gallon livewell. Removing the leg rest frees up nearly two feet here, so unless you’re chasing grander-plus marlin, it probably would be wise to leave it off. (Without the leg rest, fish too big to be muscled over the gunwales can be pulled through the 261/2-inch-wide transom door directly into the fishbox.) The cockpit is finished with four tackle drawers, and a seven cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer. I’d add the optional coaming padding ($1,285) for stand up-fighting comfort.

The Thomases arrived, and due to the intermittent rain and hazy sunshine, we made introductions in the cockpit short and sweet and ambled through the solid teak saloon door to avoid the stifling humidity. They mentioned that while Jack, an avid fisherman, supervised the amenities of the aforementioned tournament-rigged cockpit, Star collaborated on the 44’s interior with William Bales and Company Interior Design.

In my opinion the collaboration was a success, as Brown-Eyed Girl’s interior is a model of understated elegance. The saloon is a fitting, comfortable retreat from the pelagic battles that’ll likely be staged in the cockpit. The light, grain-matched teak interior is accented with a cream Ultraleather L-shape settee to port and a C-shape settee at the dinette; both had stowage beneath. Muted-gray Corian countertops in the galley contrast nicely with the Amtico floors, teak valences, and the galley’s accessories—a flush-fit EuroKera cooktop, stainless steel sink and fixtures, and slick LG combo microwave/coffee maker. Sub-Zero drawer-style refrigerator and freezers and a Raritan ice maker complete the galley’s amenities; copious stowage here ensures that hungry anglers and cruising guests will find plenty to eat.

PAGES:

1

2