Carver Owners Forum

From around the web:

Carver Mariner 350 - Boattest.com: http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?id=88

I haven't had a chance to take our new-to-us 87 Mariner out on her first voyage in over 10 years, but a good buddy has one (he's the guy that told us about the one we just bought), and have known people that have had them.

I think mine is ugly, ugly, ugly. But the layout up and down; how could it be better?? It's a nice boat to take trips on, and easy to pilot, forward. I back into my slip but that rear chair on the bridge is going to be a challenge. I guess I'll just have to watch the port side and judge the rest from there.

I've just about taken the entire boat apart and back together again. Everything is easy to get to, once figured out. It's built well. Plenty of room for anything you;d want to do. I think I am going to enjoy this boat.

Saw the pictures as it started out and as it is after a LOT of work you two did. My complements, it show the rest of us what can be done! I wondered if you might have the dimensions of the 40 gal holding tank? We're looking at an 85 that needs some work. After 30 years of sailing, moving to power with twin screws is a real change. I'm trying to learn what quests to ask and what to be concerned about. I'm handy but not to the same degree as you are. Thanks for any input you may have to offer.
Great Laker. Kenosha

Sorry I don't have the dimensions. It's under the floor and under the aft part of the bed/floorboards. Pretty much impossible to get to unless you are ready to remove alot of the interior.

Thanks Fred, We just had our offer accepted for a 1986 mariner. It's in better shape that the 85, and is stored inside. I'm hoping the survey and the manuals will go a long way in terms of helping me locate all the thru hulls, pumps, strainers etc. Don't be surprised if I have some occasional folllow up questions. <grin> in advance, any and all input/guidance as we move along with this transition and upgrading will be appreciated!

Good Luck with it!

As for thruhulls, I changed all of mine to stainless steel. Most needed to have the holes made larger for the new stainless fitting, so I used a burr to get the hulls to the right size for the new fittings, and then gouged out the coring a bit and filled with epoxy. Then used copiuos amounts of BoatLife Caulk.

I would say at least half of the original fittings were brittle and snapped easily as I removed them.

I also replaced the vent fittings to the newer flush ones.

When doing the thru hulls, if you do them, make the holes the right size as described above, slide the through hull in and tighten the nut, then run masking tape around the throughull right up to the metal.Then remove the fitting and tape the entire surface of the exposed part. Then gob the boatlife on. Reinsert, tighten it up, then wipe the oozed out caulk off, then remove the tape. Beautiful.