2000-2004 Carver 396's Any Opinion? Looking to Buy
- Thread starter antiqua
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No question that diesel will give you better speed and mpg. The question is, how many hours/miles do you plan to use the boat?
Do the math. What's the price difference between the gas and diesel models? Now, how many gallons of gas can you buy with that amount of money?
You may find that economically, you are better off buying the gas model.
Of course, you have to factor in the day you end up selling the boat. That boat with diesels will sell quicker and at a higher price than the gas model.
Again, you have to do the math.
Do the math. What's the price difference between the gas and diesel models? Now, how many gallons of gas can you buy with that amount of money?
You may find that economically, you are better off buying the gas model.
Of course, you have to factor in the day you end up selling the boat. That boat with diesels will sell quicker and at a higher price than the gas model.
Again, you have to do the math.
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2007
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Yes...get diesel. You'll be very happy when docking. I'd go for the 444 CPMY...same boat with mor hull length and a better ride. Diesles are std on the 444 and there are plenty of nice examples out there...we have an '04 on our used list at this time, getting ready for our in water boat show in a couple of weeks
We just sold our 00 396 last month. Just a matter of not using it as much due to my sons baseball schedule etc. The last two seasons saw about 20 hrs of use, so it just didn't make sense to keep her any longer.
Ours was a gas boat with twin merc 7.4L 385hp. Fuel burn was around 36-38 GPH at cruise which was around 32-3400 rpm, that would give a speed of around 15knts depending on current and wind direction. Good displacement speeds at about 10kts would still burn around 25gph, not really a fuel efficient boat no matter how fast or slow you go.
The 396 handled really well in close quarters on calm days, you just had to be aware of the wind at all times, any more than just a little cross breeze and you could have your hands full. Out in the upper to middle Chesapeake where we cruised she gave a dry and solid ride no matter the conditions.
The aft deck was a little small compared to other boats her size but that space was made up in the saloon area, nice and roomy.
As mentioned before, the cost of a diesel is more than a gas boat, so, if your gas usage is low you probable won't make up the difference.
We loved the boat and never had any major problems but it just didn't make sense to keep her at the rate we were using her.
Good luck
Ours was a gas boat with twin merc 7.4L 385hp. Fuel burn was around 36-38 GPH at cruise which was around 32-3400 rpm, that would give a speed of around 15knts depending on current and wind direction. Good displacement speeds at about 10kts would still burn around 25gph, not really a fuel efficient boat no matter how fast or slow you go.
The 396 handled really well in close quarters on calm days, you just had to be aware of the wind at all times, any more than just a little cross breeze and you could have your hands full. Out in the upper to middle Chesapeake where we cruised she gave a dry and solid ride no matter the conditions.
The aft deck was a little small compared to other boats her size but that space was made up in the saloon area, nice and roomy.
As mentioned before, the cost of a diesel is more than a gas boat, so, if your gas usage is low you probable won't make up the difference.
We loved the boat and never had any major problems but it just didn't make sense to keep her at the rate we were using her.
Good luck