Buying a Carver

That's true Walter. And like you I would never be able to live with myself if it were me that had done it...

Like Al said, when in doubt get a surveyor!!! And maybe even when NOT in doubt!!!
 
Well, wish me luck. I've put an offer in on another 28 mariner, and I'm trying to set up a date next week for the survey. Hopefully this one will have a different result!
 
Based on some good info on dual helm models from these forums, I am now looking at Carvers also. But, I wonder. Are you all OK with the idea of buying any 198x boat? I, not knowing much about boats, woudl be very scared to buy one. In fact, I just would not. I have read enough on these forums to know not even to think of buying any used baot without a survey, and a survey may be helpful with new boats too, to reduce the punch down list and potential dangerous setups.

Wouldn't even a "good" 198x just be a lot of additional problems?
 
IMO if you are a novice and dont think you can handle boat repairs you need a very young or even new boat. There will still be problems but you will have a warranty. There are some exceptionally well maintained older boats but even those are not the best way to go for a novice.

I also question your dual helm idea. Unless you are buying a very big boat or are in the PNW I think they are a waste. When the weather is good you want to be outside when it is bad you need to be outside to see better.
 
FWIW, one of my several jobs is to sell boats (not Carvers) part time for a local dealer. Usually when a novice comes to me, my answer is that they should buy a smaller, newer (or preferably new) boat as opposed to a larger, older one. The reasons are (1) new boats have warranties, (2) new boats hopefully are all in one piece on Day 1, (3) you don't even know if you like owning a boat yet. I tell a prospective customer that I can't control the summer thunderstorm that kicks up out of nowhere, or the idiot in the slip next to you that sideswipes your boat, or the guest who bruises his shins falling down the ladder, but at least I can control the fact that you'll get a nice new boat that's all in one piece with a dealer network and warranty behind you to minimize your problems and let you decide if you enjoy this sport we call pleasure boating. Most people I know that have gone wrong have spent all their cash on a larger old boat with tons of headaches and never finished fixing it up, all the while it was falling apart around them and breaking down. Then the wife gets tired of it all and its all over...

Remember though that this advice is coming from a guy who's NEWEST personal boat is 27 years old. I love old boats, especially old Carvers, and would buy another one and fix it up in a heartbeat. If I could have found a nice one last year, and didn't have a heart attack, I was going to get the 3326 Voyager with the dual helm stations (I like passagemaking in all weather 'cause we go on long trips), a big galley and lots of storage. But nature intervened so we went with the 2896 instead, and don't regret it at all...

BUT, you have to know what you are getting into...
 
Pete
You are so on the mark. I have always looked for the deal and done my own work. The 87 3227 that i have right now was a classic case of the guy ran out of time and patience. When i looked at receipts that were left in the boat he paid way too much for repairs that were what i would consider tinkering. When you need to have the mechanic drive to the marina figure out what is wrong, go get parts then come back and fix it. It will cost you a thousand dollars to fix a oil cooler. I have a friend who never owned a boat and is not mechanically inclined that went out and bought a brand new cruisers. I thought he was crazy for spending that kind of money until he said exactly what you said "I don't want to have to worry about anything" So buy not only your financial, but your ability when considering a boat
 
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