Carver 44 vs. 44 Navigator Pilothouse

I have been operating a Carver 396, 2001, aft cabin out of Newport Beach for three years. I find this Carver to be a very good quality boat, very spacious layout. This boat has very good quality hardware throughout the vessel. This particular boat has gas engines but that is the only negative comments that I have. I have taken it to Catalina once and it performed verywell however the seas were calm. Also this one is enclosed over the aft cabin giving it a lot of sail area and it does get pushed around during docking. I can not comment on the Navigator. The older Carvers had a bad reputation but the newer ones appear to be built much better. Good luck, Capt Fred

I'd consider them a toss-up as far as quality. Is one in significantly better condition or better equipped than the other? I looked at the Carver... but I don't know which of the four 2004 Navigators you're focused on.

If I was spending most of my time at the dock or Catalina I'd pick the Carver. More interior space without the lower helm and the covered aft deck is great for hanging out.

If I'm going to spend a lot of time cruising I'd pick the Navigator. I think the pilot house helm and full walk around make it a better couples cruiser.

I see only gas models listed in CA... in my opinion it's too big for gas at 41' and 26,000 lbs unless you were going to bay cruise almost exclusively.

For fuel economy I believe diesels are a better choice for a boat this size. Diesel fuel is safer and less expensive and the engines are more reliable. Secondly I believe a diesel engine boat is easier to dock, no need to throttle up to get the boat to respond. I'm a fan of diesels but on the flip side, gas engines are less expensive initially, are not as noisey, do not smell as bad and are cheaper to maintain. Lastly, gas is hard to get below Ensenada MX, if long range cruising is in your plans.

Go with diesel engines, even if you have to have to get a smaller boat. If you buy a large gas engine boat, get one you want to keep for the rest of your life, because you might have to.

Resale. As you can see many people will explore no further when they see gas on anything over 36'/37'. That's pretty much the line. Gas engines tend to be faster, but less lower end power which is what you need when pushing a lot of weight. Fuel is also generally cheaper with diesel, and they are more reliable. Unfortunately, today you will not get that much more life from many of the lighter diesels, but their priced appropriately. Another problem you may find with diesels is that many marinas don't employ diesel mechanics. (cost cutting), which leaves you waiting for service and paying travel charges. IOW, at 41' the difference between gas and diesel may be more perception than reality, but that perception could leave you with an unsellable boat.