Carver Owners Forum

Hello all,

I’ve lurked around for awhile, but decided to take the plunge and join.

We bought a 1973 Carver Camper back in February and have spent the last few months tinkering on it and waiting for ramps to reopen.

Planning to get it on the water in a couple weeks, expect some posts from me as I verify that I’ve covered all my bases.

We’ll be mooring it down on a coastal bay here and just using it in the bay for now - two small kids. It’s been an awesome family boat so far... parked in my driveway.

Chris

Welcome to the forum....interesting model there.....what length is it, engine do you have.

Welcome Aboard. You got an oldie there. Mines an 81 so you got me beat.

It’s a 23’ boat, with a Chevy 350 running an OMC sterndrive. Motor and drive were overhauled two years ago, test runs have been fine.

I added a second battery and a kicker (on the OMC mount that came with, maybe OEM?). Otherwise, I’ve just done basic maintenance stuff: touched up bottom paint, cleaned and waxed the upper gelcoat, new coat of teak oil on all wood, replaced the delaminated ply motor over/seat bases with fresh MDO, added another bildge pump (on an auto flipper switch), cleaned up some of the wiring, and replaced the sink faucet pump.

We’re planning to use it as a bay boat this year and get a sense of how it handles. If all is well, we’ll watch for a good day and try hopping the bar next year for some rockfish. Any inshore fishing would be gravy though, what we want is a fun boat that’s big enough for overnighting on now and again with the kids. That cuddy cabin will get tight, but there’s lots of room on deck for sleeping bags...

I meant to add some photos...

Welcome Aboard! Good looking older boat! Love seeing the classics!

Welcome aboard! Cool boat.

She's a beauty. On behalf of the Carver brand, I like to thank those that take the time and expense of maintaining the older girls that make up part of our brand's history. I like seeing the vintage beauties saved from being destroyed forever....so thank you for that, well done

That's definitely a classic. Nice.

Welcome. Very pretty

Nice looking vessel. If you applied teak oil only, the teak will weather pretty quickly. I would suggest getting some Sikken's teak stain, and reapply according to directions. It is really easy, but putsy. The Sikkens will last at least a couple of seasons, possibly more. er