Looking to Buy Carver Aft

You might want to read this:

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/Carver370.htm


Some people disagree with his conclusions and others say Carver has improved their quality in recent years. The few Carvers I've been on, all under 40' and 1980s models, felt cheap. You do get a lot of boat for the money. With a good survey and no expectation of taking it to the Caribbean or further it might serve you well.

Look through the Carver threads here. A lot has been written. Bottom line is that their good point is their spaciousness. Their weakest point is their seakeeping abilities. They're good for what they're intended for, bad if you think they'll go where a Hatteras will go.

That ONE survey has been bouncing around since 1997 and some people continue to take it as gospel. Anytime someone mentions they want to look at a Carver, that gets posted again. Want to buy something? Someone will post something negative about it. Looking at a Meridian (Bayliner)? They will post states from the 80's. Looking at a Bertram? They will send you a link to the one that's sitting at the bottom of the ocean. As a Carver owner (2001 374 Voyager), I have had nothing but positive experiences with mine.

I will offer a little insight on MY experiences with the gas/diesel debate. I was torn between the two, especially in a 40' boat. I spoke with many, many experienced large boat operators and they ALL had the same questions and ALL gave the same answers.

What is the intended use of the boat, where are you boating, how hard do you intend to push it, what are your estimated trip lengths, and what is your mechanical experience?

In my situation which is local cruising, weekends, and two 250 mile trips each year, they all said go gas. If I were using it as a fishing boat, work boat, or running 14 hour days a few times per week, then I should go diesel. Maintenance is cheaper on a gas boat, but is required a bit more often. Replacement engines are 1/3 of the price and most work can be done by you if you have average mechanical knowledge. Diesels will last longer, but are more expensive. They run cooler than gas and will go longer time between major needed work. The 'average' person doesn't have diesel mechanical apitude, but that can be learned. Depending on your location, fuel prices will flip back and forth as to which is cheaper. Diesels are more reliable, bur gas is quieter and less offensive while running (exhaust).

It's true that Carvers are a fair seas boat. Would I want to constantly be out in 4' seas? No, I would want a Bertram or Hattaras. But, that is not my venue. I'm in inland rivers and the ICW, perfect for my boat. Plenty of room, beautiful fit & finish, ease of maintenance (reliable), and it looks good. I only wish I had an aft cabin instead of a convertible. They are a bit more roomy and stable. Also look at Silverton, Meridian, and the like.

Sounds like you've got a good plan. Good luck. One suggestion, look into mail forwarding services. X-wives hate late alimony payments. BTW, that Jackson Marina isn't the one up here is it. If it is, get in touch before you try to go through Moriches.

I love my '98 355 ACMY with Cummins Diesels, wife does too.

One argument I've heard from a Santego 38' owner friend, is he prefers his engines in the back for ease of access in case they need to be pulled, over the aft cabin. Entitled to his opinion, I found that having my gas engines in my salon didn't make any difference when I changed out my port engine recently; just a little logistical adjustment, having to remove the rear window and rail at the aft deck.

IMHO the amount of space gained with the aft's are equivalent of a convertible or mariner of about 5 feet greater.

Right on point on all counts. On larger boats they just cut a hole in the side of the hull, slide them out that way, slide in a new and close it up. It's really no big deal. I've seen it done in about 3 hours in commercial operations. The only real drawback for having the engineroom access in the salon is that carpets tend to get dirty if workers aren't careful.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/boa/2482729464.html

Here's one I came accross on Craigslist.

Welcome to YF. Hit edit and get your phone # and e-mail off there before a crawler gets it. You'll be deluged. Any members interested can contact you via PM. Also, post a pic or some pics, also the year. Good luck with selling this and with your new boat.

carver 4207 aft cabin

Re 4207

It's a 1986 that has been totally updated, and always kept in fresh water. We are the second owner. I'll try to get some pictures together for you to look at.