Voyager 53
- Thread starter pj1475
- Start date
I could probably tell you quite a bit! We have had our 2001 for a little over two years. Overall it is a great boat. It was a big jump up for us from a 24' lake boat. I had to learn a lot, but that wasn't too painful. You get a lot of bang for the buck with Carver. Good engines. Is there anything in particular you wanted to know about?
Thanks for the response Mark, I was just curious as to the boat from an owner operator standpoint in general
ros , cons, etc. that you have experienced. I have looked at a half dozen or so and done quite a bit of research so I am pretty familiar with the tecnical aspects of it, just curious about personal experiences from the user end so that I am sure to be considering everything possible when we do pull the trigger on one. If yours is an 01 then you most likely have the Volvos. I think we will end up with the diamond series 450's but from what I read both are great. Thanks again!
ros , cons, etc. that you have experienced. I have looked at a half dozen or so and done quite a bit of research so I am pretty familiar with the tecnical aspects of it, just curious about personal experiences from the user end so that I am sure to be considering everything possible when we do pull the trigger on one. If yours is an 01 then you most likely have the Volvos. I think we will end up with the diamond series 450's but from what I read both are great. Thanks again!I can give you some info on a 570 Voyager with the larger Volvo 675HP d12 engines? This is really a great boat. I can do 29 knots 2250 rpm at about 70GPH running the 23k genset. Cruising is best at 23.3 knots 55 GPH at 2000 rpms. At Trawler speed 7.6 knots = 7 GPH or at 10 knots = 10 GPH.
Suggestion: The 450 engines are underpowered for a 53' boat. I had the 2000 450 voyager with 450 Cummins diesels & it was underpowered. Way too slow at 20 knots. Just my .02
Suggestion: The 450 engines are underpowered for a 53' boat. I had the 2000 450 voyager with 450 Cummins diesels & it was underpowered. Way too slow at 20 knots. Just my .02
I have heard that the 53' is a bit rolly in a seaway. Mark, do you find this to be true? I had an acquaintance buy one new and then put it up for sale within 6 mos because of this. I never got a ride on it so I don't know if his expectations were unrealistic or not. I do know that we have one in our marina with a jet powered RIB and the boat would list quite a bit due to the weight of the engine outdrive combo which favored one side.
I love the looks of these boats but have always been concerned about the above. Would appreciate real life experiences from actual owners.
I love the looks of these boats but have always been concerned about the above. Would appreciate real life experiences from actual owners.
I'll be interested to hear Mark's response to this because it's obviously a common criticism of Carver in general; not just for the 53'. I think some of it is well-founded due to lots of superstructure and generally shallow deadrise across all models, but I do think it's overstated to some degree as well. I've been on plenty of Viking sportfishers in the 40' range that have been very "rolly" in more rolly seas, and they have a deeper v than Carvers. I think that most boats in this size range will roll in heavier seas. Just my opinion and I've never been on the 53' so I can't comment specifically on it.
The listing if any can be caused by his 200 gal fresh water holding tank being near empty. It's 1600 lbs by itself and is set up to sit properly when full. I have an 11.5-ft Avon RIB with a 40HP Yamaha & no listing at all. This only weighs about 700 lbs. His jet boat is maybe 1000 lbs? Also he has twin 400 gal Diesel tanks. If one is used at the dock for the GenSet and you don't equalize the fuel transfer that will also list the boat. Each Gas tank will equal about 3200 lbs. I've noticed many of these boats are not run with full systems to save weight? That can cause what looks like a small list?
Everyone thanks very much for the feedback. Cpt Art, you could be right but I am coming from a boat that is lucky to cruise at 11kts so whereas 20kts would suck for some people it would be a godsend to me. I have also found it to be extremely rare for the 53 to have anything other than the 450 cummins or 480 TAMD's. I would prefer the Volvos but doubt that an extra 30 hp makes all that much difference in power so due to the lack of options the engine choice has never been that much of an issue to me in regards to the 53.
I also agree with Capt. Art and Rich in regards to the "rolly" discussions. I noticed a HUGE difference with this in my current boat. By filling up all the tanks (except holding
) I experenced a major difference in its steady at sea, you realy do have to manage this stuff for maximum performance and comfort. I have also been on many boats considered to be built for seas and found them to not be all that much better than anything else plus, if I am in any kind of sea that is going impair my ability to hold a cocktail and make the admiral miserable I dont want to be out there anyway. Thanks again for all the feedback and please keep it coming, from everything I gather the 53 voyager is a alot of boat for the money.
I also agree with Capt. Art and Rich in regards to the "rolly" discussions. I noticed a HUGE difference with this in my current boat. By filling up all the tanks (except holding
) I experenced a major difference in its steady at sea, you realy do have to manage this stuff for maximum performance and comfort. I have also been on many boats considered to be built for seas and found them to not be all that much better than anything else plus, if I am in any kind of sea that is going impair my ability to hold a cocktail and make the admiral miserable I dont want to be out there anyway. Thanks again for all the feedback and please keep it coming, from everything I gather the 53 voyager is a alot of boat for the money.PJ: dont know the displacement of those Volvos but the Cummins are 8.3L and great engines. Volvo have the rep of expensive parts but the service in your area may be more important than the brand unless you are big on DIY.