Carver Owners Forum

I've been searching for a cabin cruiser with at least 2 berths/bedrooms that have their own doors so when I have guests we can have some privacy and can go to the bathroom at night without feeling embarrassed. Why don't more boats have doors? Is it a safety thing? Can you add doors and would it be legal?

Most larger boats do. I have 2 heads and 2 cabins with doors. Both heads are accessed privately from the rooms with doors closed. My previous 32' express did have a door in the aft but nothing in the front and the head was in the salon for all to use so no there was no real privacy going on when one needed to use the head at night.

I do not see any reason adding a door would make you boat illegal in any way. It's all a balance of limited space.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

I guess much depends on the size of the vessel and design. For instance Carver manufactures 36's with either one or two staterooms featuring their own doors as well as models offering separate heads. However, if you look at a 36 foot express cruiser by most manufacturers you will rarely find the doors, second heads or even separate shower. Its about the manufacturer's design intentions.

Nothing illegal about adding doors, but functionality could be an issue. Where to put them when not in use and making sure everything is clear so they can swing from open to closed position also wastes space that could otherwise be used for storage or seating.

I have a 3607 and the aft berth has doors but the V-berth also has a set of doors. You can also isolate the forward head so it's available to the salon or included as part of the V-berth space.

km1125 wrote:Source of the post Nothing illegal about adding doors, but functionality could be an issue. Where to put them when not in use and making sure everything is clear so they can swing from open to closed position also wastes space that could otherwise be used for storage or seating.

I have a 3607 and the aft berth has doors but the V-berth also has a set of doors. You can also isolate the forward head so it's available to the salon or included as part of the V-berth space.

Carver was smart on my doors as they are sliding pocket doors.

Welcome to the forum......really just a matter of the boat size and intended use..... what size boat would you be comfortable with ?

Thanks for the replies guys !!! I was considering boats originally at 28ft and then later up to 32ft. I am not looking for a floating cottage exactly... I want a boat to travel around in and stay overnight at anchor. I am considering a smaller boat do to their lighter weight and costs because I want to put on more miles. Dual engines not only consume more fuel but are expensive to repower. I've been looking at Bayliners and Carvers as they are what's available in my area. Part of the fun of having a boat is having guests... so it's important that everyone have some basic privacy... which even on large boats isn't always enough. I think for privacy an aft cabin would be ideal... but if you get one with a bridge it weighs a lot more it seems... and makes repowering much more expensive I would think.

In a boat that size you will not find dual separate cabins and heads however a Bayliner 2855 or 3055 will give you a door in the aft cabin. Always liked the 3055. A lot of boat for the money however twin engines. If a single engine is what you want, then a 2855 would be a great choice.

Welcome,always give and take with sizes of boats. Imo smaller the boat the closer the friends need to be.

If you want two private cabins, you most likely need to get to at least 35', even then many express cruiser wont have two private state rooms.
Not sure what boating you do, but I always preferred twin engines, even in a 27' footer. If you have a "big" boat and a single engine, you are working it hard. I also always liked being able to get home on one engine if needed. I have done that a few times over the years.