1981 Carver 3007....should I consider?

C

ChefJunk

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28882
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I am considering a Carver 3007 Aft Cabin. Here are some basics:

*1981 Model 3007 Aft Cabin
*1050 Hours
*Twin 270 Crusaders
*No GenSet (ok with me)
*no Bow Pulpit (unfortunately)
*Swim Platform
*A/C
*lower helm
*trim tabs
*dual power
*NEW CANVAS
*stove/oven (electric unfortunately)
*dual refrigerator

The boat is in overall excellent condition, I would say an absolute 10 for this old of a boat. The only thing cosmetic it needs would be the upper helm station needs new chair covers (ok but dated), and the cabin could use new carpet. No survey yet but moisture meter reads fine, all mechanical's appear to be in excellent condition.

HERE'S MY QUESTIONS:
1. This is a first boat for me by myself. I have plenty of experience with express cruisers (26' & 32'). Is it reasonable for me to assume I will be able to master the flybridge? Seems like that's a lot of freeboard to get blown around, but what do I know?

2. I am on Lake Erie. Chop is par. I have heard that the carvers of this size handle horribly. Can anyone offer me their story from experience?

3. The owner is asking $22k. Her husband is out of the picture and she wants to move on in life. I believe I could get it for $16-18k. Is that fair for the age? Should I jump on it now, or hope it is there in the spring?

4. Can any other owners of the 3007 tell me why they would or would not buy this model again? What are the flaws and downsides of this model?

THANK YOU for your support and advice!

Jim
 
Well we have a similar road. We bought our '82 last Spring for $31,500, so your price is good. Our interior was fully restored, hence the price, but we had to spend plenty mechanically. New exhaust system, frig, stanchions, windlass, and halon fire-suppression. Check the entitled thread for details.

Addressing your issues...

1. Ours was the first twin engine too....and it was nervewracking learning it at first, but once I got the concept down, I loved it. Fun to spin on a dime, etc. However, she is a kite in the wind....

2. We took an 80 mile trip with SCA and had no problems. Lots nicer than an express cruiser (we had three prior).

3. Offer 17k, subject to survey. Ours was thorough, thus the seller agreed to buy the some of repairs, like repairing the swim platform that was soon to be detached.

4. Other than the "kite" issues and .75 cruising mpg, I have yet to see a 30 footer with a nicer layout. I hate the dinette layouts of most 30 footers, much preferring an open salon. We sleep in the V-berth and use the aft berth for guests or storage.

-Greg
 
Greg you had to have your stanchions re-bedded? Did you DIY or pay.. if the later what did they hit you for, if you dont mind me asking.
 
I've had my 1981 3007 for 6 years now on Lake Michigan and find it a comfortable boat all the way around. High freeboard occasionally will cause some handling situations in a stiff wind, but overall the quality and use of space is a Carver attribute that makes up for it. Next move for me is a Carver 36'-38' aft, and only because of the great experience I've had with this one. Price sounds like a value. Bought mine for $30K. Enjoy!
 
The 3007 and its later replacement, the 3207, are excellent boats and there are many examples of both out there. The only major difference being the extra 2 feet gave them room for a master head on the 3207...
 
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