1986 Carver Mariner 2897 Manual / Expertise

[ChefJunk]

I am in the process of getting a 1986 Carver Mariner and have a question, and more to come, so I thought I would start a thread to see if someone might lend some expertise now, and down the road.

I purchased, from Carver, an "Owners Manual" for a whopping $66.58 that was no more than 35 xeroxed black and white pages in a nice, not $66, three ring carver binder in hopes of learning more about the specifics about my boat. The "manual" turned out to be no more than a generic manual that would apply to '86 from a 2807 to a 3297. Needless to say, this manual does not help me on some of the basics. They were nice enough to slop in my serial number and model by hand.

Here's my first question:
The starboard bench seat seems like it would pull out to extend when transforming to a berth. I can not get it to budge much. Also, the backrest pivots up but I do not see any means of propping it up. Any advice for me would be greatly appreciated.

And already, here's question #2:
It has an electric/alcohol stove. I have never used one of these. Where and how do I fill the alcohol? I know this would be a device specific and would not be in the (extremely) general manual.

Thanks for your help.

Jim

 

[Georgian Bay Cruiser]

Jim, I have an 89 version of your boat, but Ive only had it since august so my experience with this model is a little green....having said that, I'll try to answer your questions. The bench does slide out, about 12-18 inches. On our boat there is 2 long cushions, each the length of the bench and about 6-9 inches wide, in behind the section that lifts up. Those 2 long cushions then fill the extra area created by sliding out the bench. If thats not clear, and I wouldnt be surprised if it's not, let me know and I'll take a picture this weekend to better show what Im refering to. As for the alcohol stove...and this is strictly from memory,I believe the little pressurizing pump housing unscrews, and thats the fill. The previous owner of my boat had not used it in 16 years. I gave it 1 try, and quickly decided to go out and buy an inexpensive butane stove for when at anchor. Ive had alcohol stoves before and know how to pre-heat the burners, but there was no taming this beast. Hope this helps.

 

[night moves]

I had a 1988 model. I think you wanted to know about sliding the bench seat out(?) Under the bench on each side is two twist knobs, that you turn to loosen the slides. Go in through the cabinets. Second, the upper backrest should have a sliding latch on each side that goings into a small hole on each end.

The inner part of the stove lifts up and you will see the tank. It has a slide pump handle on the side that you would pump. I'm not sure how many times you pump it. Happy hunting!