Carver Boats: Performance, Features, And Overall Value

Carver Yachts is a boat builder that offers boats for sale in a variety of sizes, with the smallest being 25 feet in length and the largest being 59 feet. The average length of their boats is 37.65 feet. Carver boats are used for a variety of boating activities, including overnight cruising, day cruising, saltwater fishing, and watersports. The company is still in business, which is a good indicator of their boats' quality. They have positive reviews for their attention to detail, innovative features, and good use of space. However, some people dislike the appearance of their boats, particularly the more recent models, which have been called bleach bottles and likened to sneaker shoes.

Carver boats are generally considered good for calmer waters, such as lakes and rivers, rather than open oceans. Their seaworthiness has been questioned, especially in rough weather and strong winds. Some models are said to handle poorly and be very wet from spray and waves. The narrow side decks can also make it dangerous to move around, even in mild conditions. Additionally, some owners have experienced issues with engine access and windage.

Overall, Carver boats seem to be a good choice for those who prioritize comfort, space, and amenities for calmer waters, but if you are looking for a boat to handle rough seas, you may want to consider other options.

Carver boats are good for those who want a floating condo

Carver boats are not designed for speed, but for comfort and space. One source describes the boats as "a good value for a family cruiser". Another source describes the boats as "a great value for a family cruiser".

However, the boats are not designed for heavy weather. One source describes the boats as "not a hard-core offshore design". Another source describes the boats as "not a boat similar in quality to the Hatteras or Bertram".

Carver boats are not good for those who want a boat that can handle rough waters

Carver boats are often described as "bleach bottles" or "floating condos" due to their appearance and their unsuitability for rough waters. One user noted that their Carver boat was "a floating party barge" and that "there's nothing Spartan about a Carver".

Carver boats are also known for their poor engine access. One user noted that the engine space on their Carver 356 was "not that big" and that it was difficult to access the engines. Another user noted that the engines on their Carver 440 were "a PITA to get support and parts from".

Overall, if you are looking for a boat that can handle rough waters, a Carver boat is not a good option.

Carver boats are good for those who want a boat with a lot of amenities

Carver boats are also known for their good build quality. The company has invested a lot of money in quality control processes and people. They have a solid reputation for good fit and finish, and they stand by their product. They offer a seven-year warranty on the hull and superstructure.

In terms of performance, Carver boats get up on plane quickly and have decent cruising speed. The Carver 356 with Cummins 6BTAs, for example, burns about 16 gallons per hour at 18 knots. The Carver 450 Voyager Pilothouse with Cummins engines can go faster when needed but is also comfortable at "trawler" speeds. It has powerful engines that can overcome most wind situations. The Carver 530 Voyager Pilothouse with twin 454 Crusaders burns 35 gallons per hour at 3400 RPM.

Overall, Carver boats offer a good combination of performance, amenities, and build quality. They are a good option for those who want a boat with a lot of features and comforts.

Carver boats are not good for those who want a boat with good engine access

Carver boats are great for those who want a lot of space. They are known for making the most usable space out of the interior. They are roomy boats, and many of their designs sacrifice looks for interior space. The 355/356 is one of the favourite Carver models, as it packs a lot of boat into a 35-footer.

Carver boats are also good for those who want to cruise at trawler speeds. A Carver 450 Voyager Pilothouse with Cummins engines can handle rougher water well and can go faster when needed but is also very comfortable at "trawler" speeds.

Carver boats are not good for those who want to cruise in bad weather. They are very wet from spray and waves coming over the bow, and the side decks leading to the bow are very narrow and dangerous to traverse in even mild conditions. They are good for cruising in fairly sheltered waters and occasional runs to the Bahamas with a good weather window, but the Caribbean might be pushing it.

Carver boats are good for those who want a boat with a lot of storage space

A Carver boat owner on a forum said: "Carver is notorious for making the most usable space out of the interior. Very roomy boats. Many of their designs sacrifice looks for interior space as a matter of fact, but the Santego you are looking at is a great combination of styling and layout."

Another forum user added: "Carver tended to underpower its boats in my opinion but that is just my opinion."

Carver boats are also known for their good resale value. One forum user said: "Quality and resale is above average for production boats."

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