2002 Carver 444 or 2003 Silverton 41 Sport Bridge for Cruising

Hello David,

Welcome to YachtForums!

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with either the height or handling characteristics of either of the boats as you asked. What I have observed is what I would consider to be some functional issues with the Carver 444 model.

The aft deck space is encumbered for placing furniture by the swing of numerous opening doors. The engine hatches are encumbered from opening easily by the salon sofas. The aft cabin door seems to hit the stbd sofa when it opens. The galley microwave's door swings open over top of the stovetop.

These things should be looked at on any boat where you plan to be spending extended time aboard.

Perhaps someone else here will weigh in on the handling and height questions.

Good luck with your boat search.

I have considerable experience on both boats, the Carver a bit more. Neither is a roughwater boat. A 2' chop will be uncomfortable and you don't want to be out in more than a 4' chop. Not that all boats don't have their purpose. These are lower priced boats with nice layouts, and make fine weekenders. For what you want to do either should be fine. Pick the layout you prefer. As for bridge clearance I don't believe either will be a problem, but, just to be safe, pull up their heights on the spec sheets and check the bridge clearance along the Erie Canal in NY (don't have the numbers in front of me).
As for you're April departure date I must ask: What year? I'm curious about your experience, because if you feel one day with a captain and a navigation course will prepare you enough to do the loop, good luck.

Loop

The great loop will be a beautiful experice. We have done the loop 3 times. As long of a trip as it is you will not find real challenging. Just stay on course wtahc your depths, bridge and canal times and a watchfull eye in some places for commercial traffic. We have traveled all over the world cruising the loop is like no other place we have gone. I can truely say it is one of our top 5 places... Please take you time enjoy and embrace the experience.

Jen

I much prefer Caver than Silverton because i find they handle better, the Silverton seems very slow and takes a while to react. Also the carver will probably handle better in the waves because i have a carver and have been in 6 foot waves before, and i wasn't relaxed, but the boat could handle the waves and get through them (when you are going into the waves and NOT going with them.) But the silverton i would not want to be out on past 3-4 foot waves, however the silverton does have a nicer interior in my opinion.