Carver Owners Forum

New to the forum and had a question regarding the engine size on a vessel we are looking to purchase. We have our eye on a 2000 Carver 404 with the twin Cummins 220 hp diesel engines.

I am wondering if these engines are under powered for a 40' vessel that weighs over 25000 lbs. I see similar sized boats with the twin 270's or 330's. I have read lots about overloading diesel engines and the issues this can cause.

We really like the vessel, but concerned about the smaller engines.

Are there any Carver 404 owners out there that can provide their insight.

Thanks
Brian

Hi Brian. My '99 404 has the 210hp Cummins. The smaller engines are only a problem if you want to go fast all the time. I normally run at 1200 to 1400 rpm and ~10mph. I did run for a couple hours once @ 2200rpm and ~20mph but used way more fuel than I cared for. I don't have actual numbers but running at the hull speed is very economical. As far as maneuvering around the docks there is plenty of power at idle speed even in light winds.
..Aaron

My '99 has the 210hp engines with 20x20 props, at 1750rpm and loaded with fuel and supplies gives me about 9-10 knots depending on wind and current and she is economical. Once I get over 1800rpm the bow starts to rise and I suspect so does the fuel consumption vs miles travelled. At full throttle my max speed is abt 16 knots but she just plows water which is totally inefficient and working hard so for me no point in travelling at that speed. In the lower rpm and speed the engines will not be overloaded and the engines should last a long time. IMHO the higher hp engines will probably give a good planning speed but they will be also working harder in order to maintain a plane.

Thank you for your responses!

Brian