Info Req. on 1983-1990 Carver 28 Voyager/Mariner

M

moreauj

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Joined
Jan 9, 2009
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31009
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I am considering buying a 1989 Carver Voyager 28' with twin Crusader 305s (220HP). I believe this model was built from 1983 to 1990 and info on either the Voyager or Mariner models would be valid. Would any body be able to give me some idea of RPM, speed and fuel consumption at cruise? Also, engines are at 1700 Hrs with 135 to 145 compression. Crusader says they are still strong! Advice to the contary? Also, when is it likely the transmissions might need to be rebuilt/replaced? Does anyone know what V-Drive transmision were installed in this model year? Any advice about the above or any other typical problems with this model would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim
 
Check out http://media.channelblade.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/Company624/_17_427200741404PM.pdf for more info.

I have an '86 mariner with 450 hours on it. I love the boat with a few exceptions. To get the amount of room and space into this boat, they squished the bottom to a weak 10 degrees so the ride can be quite rough in a heavy chop. Check the weep holes under the cabin sole (7 I think) and in the engine compartment (9 i think). Unfortunately they did not seal these up and they are prone to water damage should a previous owner let too much water get in the bilge.

I take the boat to a plane and keep it right there. Depending on sea conditions, trim, and load. That is roughly 28-32k rpm's and I averaged over the summer 1mpg. Not bad for a tank like this. My transmissions are similar to yours but the gearing was changed slightly after 1986 (I think to your benefit). If you have to work on or pull the transmissions be prepared to have a little less skin on your knuckles!

I personally prefer the voyager design because of the lower helm, but would not pass up a mariner platform as I only wished I had a lower helm once this summer. Honestly, don't think I would be comfortable driving from the lower helm.

If I had the money, I would sell mine and buy a 92-93 28/300 sedan as I like the layout better but I am broke so I stick with the Mariner.

Hopefully not being too negative, just trying to express my opinion. One more quirk is that the dogs can't get into the v-berth without lifting them in.

Hope that helps. If you are interested in a 1986 in excellent condition (Interior looks like It was installed in '86 and never used) I would let it go for $22,500 which is what I paid for it plus the cost of the improvements I have made to it. I'm on Lake Erie.

Thanks,

Jim
 
Moreauj, I have an 89 28'Mariner. Jim has given you some good advice. I find that our boat likes to cruise at about 33-3400 rpm. Less than that and she wants to fall off plane. Some of that is likely caused by the RIB and 15HP merc I carry on the swim platform. At that rpm she cruises at 18-19 kts and gets about 1 mpg. Thr crusaders are indeed very good engines (theyre the best gas ib's imho). We looked at voyagers and mariners before buying. For us, and it's purely subjective, the mariner was definitely the way to go. We've owned 3 flybridges (the first 2 had lower helms) and in all those years Ive only run from a lower helm twice. So for us the space the lower helm takes up and the potential for problems with all the extra gauges/wiring/cables etc made the mariner an easy choice.....and I like the floorplan of the mariner more as well, but as I said, it's purely subjective. Having said that we boat on the great lakes and I see youre out in BC so perhaps ith your climate the lower helm would be worth consdering. Which ever you choose, you wont find a 28' boat with the kind of room this little carver has. It's a great boat.
Good luck!
 
At the top of the Carver forum are links to factory information and data on many models, including yours. Please take a look and see if you find anything helpful there...

That is a great model boat, my only concern would be the high hours. A survey would be a very smart move with this boat. Also, if our friend Kenny has any advice somewhere along the line, I am sure he will share it as well...
 
I just sold a '89 Mariner. I had her for 6 yrs and ended up with 2275 hours. Same motors as yours. Other than usual maintenance this boat was very reliable. I almost wish I didnt sell her but I wanted to move up. It was my 1st boat and was a great one.
 
fastguy91,

Do you mind telling me what you bought and sold yours for? Times are tough here in the rust belt and although I would hate to have to sell mine, the option has to remain open. The food service industry is getting hit very hard and I am looking at my non essential expenses very closely to remain afloat in the current economic situation. Your input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim
 
Hi,

Thanks every one for your prompt responses. The reported fuel mileage is a bit better than the factory spec and some other sources which peg it a bit closer to .75 or .8 MPG, but this is good. Still given the current economy and the eventual reality that fuel will go up again, I'm going to also see what people's experience is with the 1991-1998 Carver 28 (a little smaller) with a single 7.4L duoprop. If you are interested, follow my new topic. Thanks agin for your feedback.

Regards,
Jim
 
Chef, You dont want to know. I gave it to a business partner to buy him out. $7k. I basically didnt want the hassle of selling it or having to pay for 2 slip fees till it was sold. I have a hood cleaning business in SW Florida. Business is good but I lost alot of customers due to their restaurants failing. More in the last year than the 15 yrs I have been in business, lucky for me there are no shortages of restaurants here. Bought an '86 Chris-Craft 332 commander with new motors and transmissiions for the same money.
 
fastguy91,

Thanks for the info. I hear you on the restaurants closing. I sell food up north and things suck big time. I am tempted to transfer to FL as I hear it is still somewhat decent down there.

Thanks again,

Jim
 
We are very seasonal on the west coast, being busier in the winter months. Tourists are coming down in droves due to the inclement weather but they are not eating out as much. I guess prefering to cook their meals if they can to save a few bucks. 2 supermarkets on the island have reported record numbers for the last 2 years.
 
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