Hutts view their caravels as rewards for their keenness to survive. It is their way of showing to the world just how strong-willed they are. Other beings see the caravels as the embodiment of decadence, which is absolutely typical of the Hutt species. When buying the caravels, the worms try to purchase the most distinctive ones to out-do each other. As a result, no two caravels are identical.
The caravels are typically found on the Hutt homeworld of Nal Hutta, or on the nearby smugglers’ moon of Nar Shaddaa. Caravels are usually made by Ubrikkian, and the Ubrikkian Seltiss-2 Caravel is a good example of the vehicle. This model is thought to be modest by Hutt standards, which just goes to show how high the slugs’ standards are. To outsiders, this model is luxurious, although no normal being would be see dead with it. Caravels are not usually built for long voyages. The Seltiss-2, for example, is made only for leisure trips back and forth between Nal Hutta and Nar Shaddaa. This model is a large space-going sail barge. It has one main sail, and two steering vanes, situated at the rear sides of the vehicle. Repulsorlift drives allow the caravel to go through the upper atmosphere of the planets. The ion engines are located at the back of the hull, and are small and compact. Since the caravel is not intended for long voyages in space, there is no hyperdrive.
The forward section of the hull contains the main cabin. This has armour plating, which retracts to give spectators a remarkable view of space. But do not think that the Hutt will be among his guests in the main cabin. There is a specially-made dais which the slug has strategically positioned so that it can loom over the guests. This cabin cost nearly 400,000 credits, and is finished in greel wood and chrall-crystal. The main cabin can be used as a self-contained transport if necessary, just like an escape pod. It has independent repulsorlift and ion drives. When the whole caravel docks with a planet, the cabin detaches and goes to the surface.
The rear outdoor deck is accessed through the engineering section, which in turn is reached through interior corridors that wind throughout the entire vehicle. The kitchens and the four small servant cabins are found on the level above the main cabin. This level contains the bridge, but there are no escape pods for the servants or cooks. This does not worry the Hutts, as replacement servants are easily found.
The vehicles are not really meant for combat, but can be outfitted if necessary. On the Seltiss-2, there are two hidden laser cannons which can be controlled from the bridge or the main cabin. When not in use, the laser cannons are retracted and hidden behind armour plating. The caravel’s shield generators are found on the main deck, where there is also hull plating. The hidden laser cannons are typical of Hutt behaviour. They do not like to display their weapons, preferring instead to lull the attackers into a false sense of confidence.