In our search for the next boat (well over a year now) we keep being drawn to the sensible layout of the Mariner. We do acknowledge its quirky looks (mainly its profile) but have found it has grown on us. I am curious to hear, from those that know, about all things related to this boat. Do any of you have personal experience with this model? Other boats we were drawn to are the Silverton 36 convertible and the Meridian 341 sedan (which has been scratched off our list as the engines appear to be borderline power). Thanks.
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Carver 36 Mariner 2004 to current
- Thread starter AfterMath
- Start date
Captain Buddha
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I've got a '99 350 Mariner...same hull as the 360 mariner....a few changes on the interior/exterior, but same overall styling/lines. The style is definitely different...it grew on me and the wife...and the funny thing is that I can't tell you how many comments we get on it..."love it" - "best looking boat out here" - "she's a beauty" - etc....hey, I don't make it up! I guess the Euro look is coming into style...I personally think the design of the Mariner was before it's time...meaning that 10 years from now it will still look current...just my guess.
Some thoughts:
The 350 Mariner seems alot roomier than a good chunk of boats that I've been on that are several feet longer (sometimes 10 feet longer!).
A note on engine access on the Mariner, 3 hatches in the cockpit, essentially all of the cockpit lifts out, except for the very edges, you've got full access. Getting to the v-drives is a little tricky though.
Here's what I love about our Mariner:
-HUGE shower, large enough for two.
-One level inside (salon, galley, head, cabin)
-full size fridge (well, full size boat fridge)
-HUGE bridge with lots of entertaining area
-icemake/wetbar/table on the bridge
-walkarounds on BOTH sides that are *usable*
-plenty of room on the bow coupled with a love-seat that converts into a huge sunpad along with high rails are are sturdy and safe (even at full steam). Bow rails have had over 500 pounds on them...amazingly strong.
-Roomy salon L-couch & dinette
-hardwood flooring in galley is aesthetically-pleasing and also nice for those spills
What I wish I could change:
-Better view of the aft (swim platform/corners) when backing in.
My 350 Mariner is powered by MPI 300HP Mercruiser 350s...it has plenty of power, gets on plane quickly, excellent acceleration, etc. Can't comment on big blocks as I haven't owned a boat with them. Oh, only one A/C, and it seems to do a good job, even with 100+ degree days in Texas...just keep it running, don't plan on letting the cabin get to 90 during the day and then just expect it to cool it quickly for night. I keep the A/C at 80 or high 70's when I'm not at the boat.
Go demo and have fun!
Some thoughts:
The 350 Mariner seems alot roomier than a good chunk of boats that I've been on that are several feet longer (sometimes 10 feet longer!).
A note on engine access on the Mariner, 3 hatches in the cockpit, essentially all of the cockpit lifts out, except for the very edges, you've got full access. Getting to the v-drives is a little tricky though.
Here's what I love about our Mariner:
-HUGE shower, large enough for two.
-One level inside (salon, galley, head, cabin)
-full size fridge (well, full size boat fridge)
-HUGE bridge with lots of entertaining area
-icemake/wetbar/table on the bridge
-walkarounds on BOTH sides that are *usable*
-plenty of room on the bow coupled with a love-seat that converts into a huge sunpad along with high rails are are sturdy and safe (even at full steam). Bow rails have had over 500 pounds on them...amazingly strong.
-Roomy salon L-couch & dinette
-hardwood flooring in galley is aesthetically-pleasing and also nice for those spills
What I wish I could change:
-Better view of the aft (swim platform/corners) when backing in.
My 350 Mariner is powered by MPI 300HP Mercruiser 350s...it has plenty of power, gets on plane quickly, excellent acceleration, etc. Can't comment on big blocks as I haven't owned a boat with them. Oh, only one A/C, and it seems to do a good job, even with 100+ degree days in Texas...just keep it running, don't plan on letting the cabin get to 90 during the day and then just expect it to cool it quickly for night. I keep the A/C at 80 or high 70's when I'm not at the boat.
Go demo and have fun!
Jeff Burvee
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Three years ago I saw a 350 mariner on the river where we boat and I made a note to myself that I would never own a boat that was that ugly. Two years later we started shopping to upgrade our boat. We looked in every boat possible in Minn and Wisc. I knew of a 1997 350 Mariner at a local dealership but I purposely kept my wife away from it as I was afraid she would like it. We finally ran out of boats to look at so one day last summer we stopped. She instantly fell in love with it and a long story short we purchased the boat and spent last summer in it. I can only tell you that she still loves it and I am falling in love with it. I would agree with all of the observations of the previous reply. I would also add a couple to it.
1. We really like the wide safe walk way up to the bow for our grandkids.
2. The sliding door and few steps inside make it easy for my mother-in-law who has trouble getting around and could never come onto our previous boat.
We have the smaller 270 hp crusaders and for me they are plenty of power but I dont go anywhere fast. Especially with the gas prices.
In answer to your question I can only say that someday I would very much like to upgrade to a 2004 or better 36 mariner
1. We really like the wide safe walk way up to the bow for our grandkids.
2. The sliding door and few steps inside make it easy for my mother-in-law who has trouble getting around and could never come onto our previous boat.
We have the smaller 270 hp crusaders and for me they are plenty of power but I dont go anywhere fast. Especially with the gas prices.
In answer to your question I can only say that someday I would very much like to upgrade to a 2004 or better 36 mariner
Thank you both for the reply. We discovered and like the boat for many of the same reasons expressed. If we do go with this boat, we were thinking of the 6.0 engines. Boattest.com gave a burn of ~28 gph at 22 mph which seemed pretty good. I see that for 2007 a bow thruster is now standard which had me wondering if this became a very desirebale option on this model. The boat does seems to sit a bit lower than most fly/sedan bridge boats and the hull flattens out as it nears the stern. Maybe I can get some feedback on how this boat handles.
Captain Buddha
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It does fine for me docking - but I'm on an inland lake, no currents, just wind that I've got to deal with. When it's 20+ knots...it's exciting to say the least, only had to do that a few times. The wind definitely does push it around more than an express. I just plan accordingly, crab it in, etc.
AfterMath,
I am no pro on Carver, I do own a 2004 34c Silverton AKA 36c. Small blocks (5.7) came standard with the 34C, upgrades included 6.0 small blocks, 8.1 big blocks and diesel. I chose the big blocks 8.1, but wish I chose diesel (another story). Anyway, my point is with my boat the 6.0 or 8.1 have simalar fuel burn and WOT. The 8.1 motors get you out of the hole faster and top end is a little faster. The advantage of the big block is torque. Torque will give you better handling in rough seas as well as around the dock. The big blocks will be more efficent with a full load. IMHO a boat this size requires big blocks. You will be straining those small blocks to accomplish the same speed as if you had big blocks.
If you are on lake with mild seas and don't plan on pushing the boat or you will not be taking long trips with the boat than maybe,6.0 may be ok... I wish I chose diesel for the reason of more torque than my 8.1 gas.
With my 8.1 motors my fuel burn at cruise (25 mph) is 29 to 31 GPH, depending on wind, and current. My measurements are true burn using a B&G fuel flow monitor.
I would suggest that if you do a demo ride with the small blocks, bring a bunch of the fatest guys you can (to simulate full gas, full water and all the equipment you will carry). I have made the mistake in the past of doing demo rides on boats with no weight, all seemed great with the power until I loaded them down.
Walter
I am no pro on Carver, I do own a 2004 34c Silverton AKA 36c. Small blocks (5.7) came standard with the 34C, upgrades included 6.0 small blocks, 8.1 big blocks and diesel. I chose the big blocks 8.1, but wish I chose diesel (another story). Anyway, my point is with my boat the 6.0 or 8.1 have simalar fuel burn and WOT. The 8.1 motors get you out of the hole faster and top end is a little faster. The advantage of the big block is torque. Torque will give you better handling in rough seas as well as around the dock. The big blocks will be more efficent with a full load. IMHO a boat this size requires big blocks. You will be straining those small blocks to accomplish the same speed as if you had big blocks.
If you are on lake with mild seas and don't plan on pushing the boat or you will not be taking long trips with the boat than maybe,6.0 may be ok... I wish I chose diesel for the reason of more torque than my 8.1 gas.
With my 8.1 motors my fuel burn at cruise (25 mph) is 29 to 31 GPH, depending on wind, and current. My measurements are true burn using a B&G fuel flow monitor.
I would suggest that if you do a demo ride with the small blocks, bring a bunch of the fatest guys you can (to simulate full gas, full water and all the equipment you will carry). I have made the mistake in the past of doing demo rides on boats with no weight, all seemed great with the power until I loaded them down.
Walter
Captain Buddha
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Walter - good comments - about loading the boat up...I have an unvelievable amount of stuff on the boat, all neatly stowed I might add...I like a full water tank (the wife likes long hot showers out on the lake) and the fuel tanks never get below 1/3 each....the boat is amazingly "peppy" with the Merc 5.7 300 HP engines...others have made that comment to me as well. The boat is definitely not a speed machine for sure...I need to bring the GPS out and get WFO reading soon. Haven't measured fuel-burn and I don't really care that much about it...when I'm out on the water I'm usually cruising at 1,200-1,800 rpm or if I'm in a hurry (wait, that's sort of contrary to what my style of boating is) I'll cruise at 3,100/3,200. The motors purr along. I'm not telling anyone to *NOT* get the bigger motors, but from my usage the smaller motors are fine....the boat is very responsive during docking and such.
Walterv, I sure don't want to be underpowered (as that is no fun) and I do appreciate torque. I am thinking this boat is boderline for considering diesel; not sure that when all the numbers are played out it is worthwhile. (It is strange that when looking at both new and late model used, I have not come across one diesel version of this boat.) Your 34c (now 36c) is one of the other boats that has our interest. I'll have to start a thread in the Silverton area and would appreciate your input.
I believe that the largest engines available on this boat are the Crusader 6.0 at 375hp. I was thinking that the 6.0 might be fine. Of course I'll demo before any descion making.
Cap't Buddha, I am happy to hear that you are satisfied with the 5.7's. I also tend to cruise full on water and 1/2 or better on fuel. I appreciate the sharing of your experience with this boat. What do you cruise at when doing 1,200-1,800 rpm? Sounds like you use the boat in a "trawlerish" manner much of the time. Is the boat comfortable at that speed?
I believe that the largest engines available on this boat are the Crusader 6.0 at 375hp. I was thinking that the 6.0 might be fine. Of course I'll demo before any descion making.
Cap't Buddha, I am happy to hear that you are satisfied with the 5.7's. I also tend to cruise full on water and 1/2 or better on fuel. I appreciate the sharing of your experience with this boat. What do you cruise at when doing 1,200-1,800 rpm? Sounds like you use the boat in a "trawlerish" manner much of the time. Is the boat comfortable at that speed?
Captain Buddha
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AfterMath - sure thing....I'm not sure of speeds honestly...I'll know when I get the GPS out there (need to get a hard-wire power cord, it went with a toy vehicle that I sold). The boat is VERY comfy at trawler-type speeds...also at cruise of 3,200'ish too.
I've seen diesels and big blocks on the Mariner, well, at least in ads, and I believe they were the 350 (as opposed to the 360). From what I remember, diesel boats were asking another $30K (could've been 40K) over the 5.7 boats.
I've seen diesels and big blocks on the Mariner, well, at least in ads, and I believe they were the 350 (as opposed to the 360). From what I remember, diesel boats were asking another $30K (could've been 40K) over the 5.7 boats.
AM,
You are where we were a couple of years ago. We had a Carver Montego and were convinced we wanted a newer Mariner. After looking at the pre-2004's and the 2005's were almost signed the papers on a new 2005 at the Annapolis Boat Show. At the last moment (literally) we sat back and realized that we had set a budget for the monthly nut and the new boat would have exceeded that by about $250 a month so we passed on it and started shopping used again. Having lived with an offset berth for sometime in the Montego we knew we wanted a centerline berth in the next boat.... that limited us to an 04-05 Mariner. By chance we stopped at a broker to see one (it was not clean) and he convinced us to look at a 1999 Silverton 351. We found that the Silverton 351 (later the 35C) had all the good points of the 04-05 Mariners plus it had the more traditional lines of a convertible. The only negatives we found were the shower is smaller (sorry, only one person at a time) and the flybridge seating was limited to about 8 people. We decided we could live with the trade-offs. Long story short, we found and bought one from a private seller and absolutely loved the boat in every way.... plus we saved over $100K off the price of a new Carver. So, as a previous happy Carver owner I would not tell you not to get yourself a late model Mariner if you can find the right one but you need to do yourself a favor and look at the Silverton 351s/35C's as well. JMHO. Best of luck to you!
You are where we were a couple of years ago. We had a Carver Montego and were convinced we wanted a newer Mariner. After looking at the pre-2004's and the 2005's were almost signed the papers on a new 2005 at the Annapolis Boat Show. At the last moment (literally) we sat back and realized that we had set a budget for the monthly nut and the new boat would have exceeded that by about $250 a month so we passed on it and started shopping used again. Having lived with an offset berth for sometime in the Montego we knew we wanted a centerline berth in the next boat.... that limited us to an 04-05 Mariner. By chance we stopped at a broker to see one (it was not clean) and he convinced us to look at a 1999 Silverton 351. We found that the Silverton 351 (later the 35C) had all the good points of the 04-05 Mariners plus it had the more traditional lines of a convertible. The only negatives we found were the shower is smaller (sorry, only one person at a time) and the flybridge seating was limited to about 8 people. We decided we could live with the trade-offs. Long story short, we found and bought one from a private seller and absolutely loved the boat in every way.... plus we saved over $100K off the price of a new Carver. So, as a previous happy Carver owner I would not tell you not to get yourself a late model Mariner if you can find the right one but you need to do yourself a favor and look at the Silverton 351s/35C's as well. JMHO. Best of luck to you!
Captain Buddha
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MikeeH - I hear you about the shower....that is a great couple's shower...it sort of "rare" to find a "real" shower on a boat this size and then it's a double-plus to find a 2-person shower...I must confess to using too much water sometimes...the hot water gets it hot and steamy...nice seat to sit down and melt away....OK, enough shower talk...LOL...how 'bout them Bears?
Phew...another week of searching has passed. Lots of telephone time with only a couple of possibles. We thought we had one, counter offered with the salesman, but the owner/manager of the dealership stood firm on the price (even with my deposit in hand - bummer). We have to feel good about the price, and then there is our budget, so we continue our quest or buy lots of lottery tickets.
MikeeH - I looked into the Silverton 351/35c. Having not followed the Silverton models I am guessing that this model only ran up to 2003? Our thought was 2004 as a cut off, a couple of years ago (as you did) this model would have worked for us. I do appreciate the suggestion as this did bring us to the Silverton 35 MY.
In our search we keep bumping into motoryachts. The Carver 36 MY and Silverton 35 MY specifically. Our initial thought was that, coming form an express, we would miss the available water level cockpit (available on a sedan/convertible). In addition, there are the stairs to deal with. On the flip side, we love two staterooms and two heads. So now we are straying again and would greatly appreciate the thoughts of others on a motoryachts vs sedan/convertible.
TY
MikeeH - I looked into the Silverton 351/35c. Having not followed the Silverton models I am guessing that this model only ran up to 2003? Our thought was 2004 as a cut off, a couple of years ago (as you did) this model would have worked for us. I do appreciate the suggestion as this did bring us to the Silverton 35 MY.
In our search we keep bumping into motoryachts. The Carver 36 MY and Silverton 35 MY specifically. Our initial thought was that, coming form an express, we would miss the available water level cockpit (available on a sedan/convertible). In addition, there are the stairs to deal with. On the flip side, we love two staterooms and two heads. So now we are straying again and would greatly appreciate the thoughts of others on a motoryachts vs sedan/convertible.
TY
AfterMath,
My last boat was a flybridge sedan. My current an aft cabin MY.
Here's what caused us to go with the Aft cabin:
- the ladder to the bridge on the sedan.
- you can only talk to those on the same level as you on the sedan.
- absolutely loved the Flybridge! Best spot on the whole boat.
- while we liked the cockpit for occasional fishing, at anchor, it was just too hot back there - the cabin blocks all the breezes. Where do you store cockpit seats?
- While the cockpit allows good engine access, the bilge usually wound up with water in it. Keeping it clean was a chore.
- Exhaust smell while underway in the cockpit and the cabin if we left any windows open.
- Sleeping in the bow at anchor and the noise of the water on the planing surfaces.
Since moving to the Aft cabin, we feel we have much more usable space. Having the cabins seperated by so much distance keeps you from feeling you are sleeping with any one else on board. The two heads are nice. We have much more usable interior space. Having the aft cabin back porch is wonderful! We have a hardtop for keeping out of the burning sun and we have nice breezes from the gunnel doors and coming down from the bridge. We have an icemaker and sink in that area. We can also converse with anyone on the bridge. Overall, we find that for a few extra feet in length, we have a much bigger, more user friendly boat. Depending on what boat you pick, the engine room is very comfortable to work in. I find it much easier to sit next to the engines to work on them.
Hope this helps!
My last boat was a flybridge sedan. My current an aft cabin MY.
Here's what caused us to go with the Aft cabin:
- the ladder to the bridge on the sedan.
- you can only talk to those on the same level as you on the sedan.
- absolutely loved the Flybridge! Best spot on the whole boat.
- while we liked the cockpit for occasional fishing, at anchor, it was just too hot back there - the cabin blocks all the breezes. Where do you store cockpit seats?
- While the cockpit allows good engine access, the bilge usually wound up with water in it. Keeping it clean was a chore.
- Exhaust smell while underway in the cockpit and the cabin if we left any windows open.
- Sleeping in the bow at anchor and the noise of the water on the planing surfaces.
Since moving to the Aft cabin, we feel we have much more usable space. Having the cabins seperated by so much distance keeps you from feeling you are sleeping with any one else on board. The two heads are nice. We have much more usable interior space. Having the aft cabin back porch is wonderful! We have a hardtop for keeping out of the burning sun and we have nice breezes from the gunnel doors and coming down from the bridge. We have an icemaker and sink in that area. We can also converse with anyone on the bridge. Overall, we find that for a few extra feet in length, we have a much bigger, more user friendly boat. Depending on what boat you pick, the engine room is very comfortable to work in. I find it much easier to sit next to the engines to work on them.
Hope this helps!
Captain Buddha
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Aftermath, the boat (Cruisers 3750) that RFH/Bob has is a GREAT boat...can't say enough good about it!
One thing about any bridge-type boat (whether a sedan/convertible/aft cabin, etc.)...I prefer a built-in system of steps versus a ladder. Newer aft-cabin yachts will typically have built in steps versus the ladder..I find it easier to safely navigate, especially if you have something you are carrying in one hand. Some aft-cabins will feel like a jungle-gym, up/down, contort this way, oops, watch your head!, etc...BTW - the 3750 does not feel that way to me...
One thing about any bridge-type boat (whether a sedan/convertible/aft cabin, etc.)...I prefer a built-in system of steps versus a ladder. Newer aft-cabin yachts will typically have built in steps versus the ladder..I find it easier to safely navigate, especially if you have something you are carrying in one hand. Some aft-cabins will feel like a jungle-gym, up/down, contort this way, oops, watch your head!, etc...BTW - the 3750 does not feel that way to me...
I must say I appreciate the info you guys provide on this site; the other forums are pretty frustrating lately.
We decided to expand our search to aft-cabins. Thinking of the Carver 36/366MY , Cruisers 3750, and Silverton 35MY (should we consider the Meridian 368?). We will be checking out a late model Silverton 35MY this Thursday as our first serious look at an aft-cabin boat.
walterv - I still have my boat that I was hoping to trade (good for taxes), or sell, whichever comes first. So we are looking at dealer boats currently. TY
We decided to expand our search to aft-cabins. Thinking of the Carver 36/366MY , Cruisers 3750, and Silverton 35MY (should we consider the Meridian 368?). We will be checking out a late model Silverton 35MY this Thursday as our first serious look at an aft-cabin boat.
walterv - I still have my boat that I was hoping to trade (good for taxes), or sell, whichever comes first. So we are looking at dealer boats currently. TY
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I own a 1990 Mariner 3297. I think this layout is great (very similar to the newer ones). Someday I hope to afford the newer 1997+ model with the molded in steps and bow bench/sunpad. Aft cabins are too much like living on a jungle gym for me and traditional sedan ladders are inconvenient compared to a Mariner's few steps. The Mariner lines aren't traditional, but I'm a big fan of designs that are functional. In that category, I believe the Mariner wins.
marykhubby
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We own a Carver 3607 aft cabin. Dinette floor plan gives you the option to sleep 8 if you have a fold out sofa in the salon. Great for families and guests on overnighters. We don't mind crowds (family of 5). Yes there are steps, but they also give you great privacy leading to 2 staterooms. Avoiding the lower wheelhouse also gives you a little more salon room. Likely one of the largest living spaces for your money on the water today. We don't fish much so the lack of cockpit is no bother here... besides the kids like jumping off the aft deck during horseplay time.