1998 Carver Mariner 350

3

3birds

Member
exMember
Joined
Jul 24, 2004
RO Number
14567
Messages
248
A friend of mine is very interested in this boat as a possible purchase. The size of the cabin for the length of the boat is impressive. It is powered by 350 mag v-drives. Is this enough motor for this size boat?
 
It actually is. Standard were 270hp Crusaders. Should cruise the boat at approximately 20 to 22 kts rb2@gr5t 18 to 20 GPH with a top of about 30 kts. It won't be a speedboat, but not too bad.
 
I have an older Mariner with the Crusaders, I concur with RamSport on the speed, but it wasn't meant to be a speedboat. My next boat I would like to move to a 1997 or newer Mariner. Mind me asking what the price is on the one your firend is looking at? The 35 looks like a perfect size for me and my wife. I have been inside one so far, compared to our 32 foot, the 35 seems to have a lot more space. 3 feet made a huge difference!
 
Check the space available to work in the engine room. When you say 350 Mags, I am assuming a black engine. The raw water impeller is a b!tch to get to in Saint Max. It's a p!ss poor design. If your friend is happy with the boat, I would recommend replacing the current RW pump with a shaft mounted one. Your impeller replacement time drops from hours to minutes.
 
Carvers have much more space to work on the engines than a Sea Ray due to the spacing between and beam of the boat. There is probably 2 feet between the engines and they are V-drives. You'll have a little issue with the gen placement, but honestly not a bad job with Mercs/ Carver
 
http://www.boatpoint.com.au/reviews/older-than-1999/express/pacific/carver-350-mariner-express-bridge-8809
 
Thanks for the replies. The big concern was how easy it was to get up on a plane. Most of the time the boat will just travel at hull speed. The asking price for this boat is $69K. It does have the black Mercruisers. I did drop down into the engine compartment and it is typical for a V-drive setup but access didn't seem all that bad. I had read the boatpoint article but wanted some real world feedback. This boat is on the short list. Thanks again.
 
The boat is nice. Less than 500 hours on the engines. Radar, autopilot, fishfinder, chart plotter, good canvas.
 
With the flat (4degree) deadrise at the transom, this boat planes almost effortlessly. I don't think you need to worry about performance with it. This is probably the most popular Carver ever built. They still use the same hull under the current 36 Mariner. I've never really heard anyone complain about a 350, other than it's "different" looks.
 
My 1998 came with 454 Crusaders. Never a problem getting on plane . The new C34 sure looks sweet.
 
Our 2001 Mariner has the twin 350 Mags and gets up on plane with no trouble. Visitors are often surprised, she handles better than people think she would.
 
quote:
Originally posted by cjeccher

My 1998 came with 454 Crusaders. Never a problem getting on plane . The new C34 sure looks sweet.

Click to expand...


I would agree, the pics of the C34 look really cool. Would love to see one in person.
 
i like the 34 a lot. it's a much more modern version of my 320, which they haven't produced in a while.
 
We have a 2002 Mariner with 5.7 mercs , 4 bladed props and rarely use the trim tabs. I was doubtful that that size engine was sufficient but was very satisfied during the sea trial.
 
2000 mariner Volvo Penta 5.7 Gxi. Easy to get up on plane and then we usually back it down to where we can stay on plane at 14.1 knots which is our standard cruise at 3050 rpm. Sips fuel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top