Carver Owners Forum

Hello,
We are moving from sail to power and looking to forward to spending weekends cruising Trent Severn waterway and Georgian Bay area next season with my wife . We are looking to purchase a Carver 3207 around 1983-1984 this year possibly. Some advertised in the Ontario area that we are interested in have around 1200 -1500 hours.
Any advice on any areas that should be of concern when we go to view these.
Great forum, a lot of input and very useful advice.
Thanks.

Welcome aboard.
I always say that the number of hours isn't as important as the way the engine was looked after and used. Having said that, when you start getting into 1500 hours on a gasser, it's a prompt to dig a little deeper in case it wasn't maintained properly in the past, but that can be said about a newer engine as well. At the very least, you should get a compression test done and if the oil hasn't been changed in a while, you should consider an oil analysis as it will reveal a lot about the condition of major internal components, though this usually delays the purchasing process until you get the lab results back. The challenge here is that unless you have proof she was meticulously maintained and the previous owner didn't run the snot out of her for years, all you really have to go by is the hours which are getting up there and at a point where one would start condidering a plan to rebuild or replace in the not too distant future. This is something you'd want to do before a major failure rather than having to react to one that would trash the block completely. That would take the rebuild option for your current ones off the table. In some cases, that can pose a challenge.

What brand and model engines are they?

Welcome to the forum, good luck with your search...seen the light huh... ........

Thanks for the replies, the engines are Crusader 350 direct drive.

350 as in 270hp or 454?

Twin Crusaders 350, 270HP

Welcome aboard

Welcome Aboard and welcome over to the dark side. Hope you can find a good one. Carver makes a pretty nice boat. I have an 81 3007 the smaller sister to the 3207. Lots of room aboard these aft cabin models. In fact I am amazed in just how much more room the 3207 has compared to my 3007. You will be able to spend a lot of time aboard and not feel cramped for space. Hopefully you can find one with low hours. My 3007 that I purchased 3 years ago had 700 hours on the engines which for a then 34 year old boat was IMO pretty decent.

Good luck in your search and when you do find yours we love pics.

Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!

When you narrow the search down to one that suits your needs and seems like she's been looked after, have a survey done. You'll need one for insurance anyway and it'll point out things that you'll need to address immediately and over time. Contact Dave Buchanan of Buchanan Marine Appraisal Services. He's one of the best IMO.

Take her out for a sea trial and ensure she will reach the engine manufacturer's recommended wide open throttle rpm. While on the water test, operate the trim tabs and ensure the vessel reacts accordingly. Check for excess exhaust exhaust or steam, and look/feel for vibrations while underway at different rpms as you throttle up. Check all fluids, and while the engines are running and in neutral, check the engine compartment for water and oil leaks. Also check to see if the prop shafts are creeping/turning in neutral. The list of things to look for is a lengthy one but this will get you started.

Keep us posted.