We are ready to pull the trigger on a 2001 Carver 444. We got the bought under market value by about 50k. HOWEVER There is no survey in the conditions. I am having a diesel mechanic come check motors TAMD63s and transmissions. What else should I check? Im good for minor repairs. And if the engines and transmissions check out. Only thing left is moisture and stringers. Are they a concern with this model? The boat was in salt water for 11 years then came up to Canada where it's been fresh water ever since. Thanks in advance.
Sea trial… performance ok? Not overheating? Turning rated RPM? No vibration? Generator able to sustain full load? Any evidence of leaks inside the cabin at the windows, run rail, etc ? Air con cooling ? Any blister? I could go on and on. it’s a 23 year old carver, what could go wrong ? $50k below “value” (whatever that is) can go away in blink of an eye
50k under comparibles market value in the market today is what "that means" And I'm referring to hull or stringer issues they could be known for. The other items I can deal with and handle.
Whatever you agreed to pay is precisely market value. Never buy a boat without a survey. Ok, maybe a canoe.
I survey even brand new boats, no way Jose would my signature be on a contract that didn’t say “Subject to Survey and Sea Trial”. Carvers have quite a reputation but since I never owned or operated one I have no idea if the reputation is deserved, but a survey would be a really good idea..
Your purchasing a hole in the water for your cash. Be it Carver, Hatteras or Bayliner. You need to know the condition of what you are purchasing before spending the rest of your bank account on it. Would you purchase a home with out a survey or inspection?? Test drive a car by chance?? By the way; Doesn't mean ship.. You can apologize any time..
Agree with other posters. Would not touch her without survey AND sea trial. That 50 & a lot more could quickly seek to vacate your account after the sale.
Why no marine survey? It's easy enough to arrange... Were it me, the "diesel mechanic" who checks the engines would be a Volvo specialist (in this instance). -Chris
Marine survey the seller would not allow as a condition of sale or you did not want it done? Just a point of clarification please. As for Carver 444 known issues, you would have more luck searching Carver owners groups I think. It's not a terrible idea to ask for known Carver 444 issues. All boats have their manufacturing quirks and design flaws, no doubt Carver 44 is no different. I search the internet for "stringer moisture carver" and the first hit, a discussion from Carver owners about moisture in stringers. I did not read it but might be worth your while based on your question. Least expensive Carver 444CMY on Yachtworld is $175K US, highest price is $264K. $50K below current asking prices is a discount I would expect even with proper marine survey and sea trial contingency. Obviously you feel otherwise. That's fine, but this condition of no survey, if it is from the seller, requires a larger discount in my experience and opinion.
Good surveyors are invaluable. Todays surveyors seem to want to show how smart they are and often go way off the mark. I was in the boat business and watched them blow up many good deals (for both sides)making statements that are black and white incorrect. Giving their opinions on things they cannot prove(speculation). Last boat I sold I demanded surveyor meet me back at boat and showed him three things that worked he claimed to be inop. Having said that would not buy a boat without a survey. Trust but verify what your being told you might just miss a good deal. If you know a good surveyor use him again and again no matter how much it costs to get him to the boat.
A survey doesn't prevent a boat from a future failure. If you can evaluate the main cost items, I guess it's a risk worth taking at a discount of $50k. Having said that, you better be able to evaluate the high cost items(engine, trans, hull) fairly exhaustively.
Yup had 5 ac's when I bought my boat from survey(helm ac ready to fail at any time should be considered inop) still blowing cold after 7 years when i sold boat. That is the irresponsible crap that drives me nuts. It works properly unless you have a crystal ball keep your guess work to yourself.
Appears the op has left. That said, odds are a recent survey will be needed to land an insurance policy. After survey & sea trial I sat with surveyor, broker, seller, and $100,000. was knocked off the contract price. I'm sure since then a bunch more then that has been spent. "Hole In The Water."
"No survey" in conditions is an advertisement for the issue you're about to purchase. I've never seen that attempted by a seller, and if it was, I'd walk. That being said, if somehow one thinks this is a bargain that cannot be dismissed, take a friend with you to see her, a friend that just happens to be a surveyor.
Did we chase him aweigh? Did we embarrass him? Did we tic him off? I do hope he took all of our advice in a positive mood. Ya think he bought the boat anyway??
Everyone has to start somewhere. @Jesse123 is certainly low post number member here. Should we ignore low post member queries? I think not, I also do not read anything here that would chase, "embarrass" or tic anyone aweigh or off.
3 weeks after his second/last post had me worrying. Lots of extra input with no replies concerned me also. But then, Chasing a Carver with with no survey?? Did we want to hear from him again??