Opinion on Carver

[Jaybeaux]

I have a buddy who is wanting to buy a boat and keep it in coastal South Carolina. He has been looking (web searches) at DeFevers. From what he says, the DeFevers get snatched up quickly. He is asking me about Carvers. He is looking for something in the 45-55 foot range. Does anyone care to offer up an opinion of Carvers? Major things to "look for" when that time comes?

Thanks in advance,

Jaybeaux

 

[bobeast]

I looked at smallish Carvers when I started researching boats. Their creative use of available space is outstanding. Their fit-and finish....mmmmm not so much, particularly when compared to Sea Ray.

 

[Quint4]

I am shopping for a 40' diesel aft cabin in the 125k range so Carvers are on my radar. I want a 420AC Sea Ray but am also looking at slightly newer Carvers in the same price range. I like the layout and look of the Carver 396. We have friends with a 2005 36' Carver and the quality seems pretty good to me.

 

[Blueone]

The boats are fine..they are more of a camper than a cruiser. They do depreciate faster than most... so just don’t buy close to new

 

[Jaybeaux]

Thanks fellas.

 

[ZZ13]

For 2000's era models, great live aboard boat. Lousy cruising boat. I've cruised in several all up and down the east coast. If you plan that or doing the loop or such on plane, probably not the best available choice. If your going to sit at a dock a lot or putter around on a lake or stick with cruising at trawler speed, a good value.

 

[JimT]

My impression has always been great live aboard at the dock, wouldn't want to be out at sea on one in a squall.

 

[craigswardmtb]

We looked at the Voyager series in the 46 and 52 last year. Never actually rode in one but talked to lots of people that owned them. Out on Block Island there are many that show up that make the sea journey from CT, RI, NY, MA etc. In talking with them they say they are decent under way and handle chop and moderate seas just fine, but are slow. The voyagers are alot of boat and weight on not the best planing hull. Good space in the engine rooms, and the fit and finish was actually pretty good in the cabin from what we saw. The space and layout was great. Deck level kitchen, 3 staterooms, 2 baths and just good flow. I was not a fan of the 2nd indoor helm, but they got rid of it on the late model 46's. I was not a fan of the styling. It was too camperish for my taste. It also seemed everyone i looked at had a chalky gel coat even the well cared for ones. We ended up in a bit smaller 420DB and don't regret the decision.

 

[b_arrington]

I was on one of the current Carver coupes at a boat show. Left really underwhelmed by the fit and finish. Lots of loose trim, doors, moldings, gaps in the cabinets. Not as good as what I’ve seen on Sea Ray. I don’t know if this translates to older models.

 

[RBB]

I am shopping for a 40' diesel aft cabin in the 125k range so Carvers are on my radar. I want a 420AC Sea Ray but am also looking at slightly newer Carvers in the same price range. I like the layout and look of the Carver 396. We have friends with a 2005 36' Carver and the quality seems pretty good to me.

Have you looked at those carvers sea ray of cincy has?

 

[carterchapman]

I have 6 dockmates with one 57 Voyager, three 53 Voyagers and two 46 Voyagers. Echo above - lots of space, great dock boats, the Volvo powered ones smoke like crazy, the Cummins powered ones are trouble free for the most part. The pilot house option is not appreciated on the inland lakes - most would prefer the Sky Lounge option (no lower helm) for more entertaining space.

All have had terrible hull blisters on haul outs...

 

[RBB]

I have 6 dockmates with one 57 Voyager, three 53 Voyagers and two 46 Voyagers. Echo above - lots of space, great dock boats, the Volvo powered ones smoke like crazy, the Cummins powered ones are trouble free for the most part. The pilot house option is not appreciated on the inland lakes - most would prefer the Sky Lounge option (no lower helm) for more entertaining space.

All have had terrible hull blisters on haul outs...

There is guy at our marina with a carver,
Smaller than those though and I have heard him talk about blisters on the boat. I have no idea what this type issue is.

 

[carterchapman]

Its the type of gel coat they use...it's not impervious to water...

One other interesting observation - their boat's gelcoat seems as "white" as Sea Ray's, but walking from boat to boat in raft ups in the sun, the Carvers white gel burns your feet and Sea Ray's doesn't...

 

[JVM225]

I looked at smallish Carvers when I started researching boats. Their creative use of available space is outstanding. Their fit-and finish....mmmmm not so much, particularly when compared to Sea Ray.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[JVM225]

I am shopping for a 40' diesel aft cabin in the 125k range so Carvers are on my radar. I want a 420AC Sea Ray but am also looking at slightly newer Carvers in the same price range. I like the layout and look of the Carver 396. We have friends with a 2005 36' Carver and the quality seems pretty good to me.

Take the Carver out in a little slop before you decide to buy it.

 

[Quint4]

Have you looked at those carvers sea ray of cincy has?

One is a gasser and the diesel one is not an aft cabin.

 

[RBB]

One is a gasser and the diesel one is not an aft cabin.

Do you boat on the river?

 

[spikedaddy99]

Never liked the lower helm.

 

[becnme]

I am shopping for a 40' diesel aft cabin in the 125k range so Carvers are on my radar. I want a 420AC Sea Ray but am also looking at slightly newer Carvers in the same price range. I like the layout and look of the Carver 396. We have friends with a 2005 36' Carver and the quality seems pretty good to me.

We have had 5 Carvers the last was a 2001 396 with Cummins 380 Diesels. Contrary to what you read on this site it cruised at 25 mph. I will admit the interior was not as glitzy as some Searays but Carver's construction was better in unseen areas. Carvers of this vintage had no wood below the water line and fiberglass stringers. I could not drill through a stringer to install a wire hanger.
We had this boat on the Illinois river and several years on Lake Michigan. I was never in a situation on the lake where I felt unsafe and this included several 2 week trips up north. Very comfortable boat for two couples on extended trips.
I have a friend here in Florida with a 420 aft cabin and it is a great boat too. Have been to a lot of late night parties on the old girl!

 

[TNT8808]

I can echo some of these comments as my slip mate has a 53 Voyager Pilothouse with the Volvo's, and they smoke like crazy but at least it keeps the mosquitoes
away. He's always complaining about the finish because no matter what he's tried he just can't get it to shine like ours, and like someone else said it gets hot in the sun. Another sticking point is when driving from the upper deck there is zero visibility of the starboard side. Also don't know if it's across the whole line up, but the one next me has an incredible bow high attitude when it's full of fuel. Probably a difference of a good 8" or so bow to stern.