Still Learning This Boat

[RGrew176]

I am still learning the idiosyncrasies of my 3007 Aft Cabin Carver. In many ways boats are like people. Each one has its own personality.

My last boat also a 30 footer was a 1999 Bayliner 3055 Ciera. Over the 12 years I owned that boat I came to know everything about how it handles, how much fuel it used. I learned how to maximize fuel economy. I even got to the point by looking at the fuel gauge just how much fuel it would take to fill the tank.

Comparisons between the two boats. My Ciera was 32' 2" overall with a beam of 11'. The Carver is 34' 0" overall with a beam of 11' 4". The biggest surprise was the weight of the two boats. The Bayliner weighed in a 11,741 lbs dry. The Carver a larger boat overall weighs in at 10,500 lbs dry. I was really surprised by that stat.

The Bayliner carried 150 gallons of fuel the Carver 172. The Bayliner 35 gallons of water, the Carver 92. Both have 30 gallon holding tanks. The Bayliner was powered by twin 5.7 Mercruisers mated to Bravo II drives turning 17 1/2" dia 23 pitch stainless steel props. The Carver twin 5.7 270 Crusaders turning twin 18" dia 18 pitch 4 blade props.

One thing I kind of knew but discovered is that I/O's are much more fuel efficient than inboards. With my Bayliner and its 150 gallon tank a trip to Put in Bay and back took just over a half tank. With the Carver and its 172 gallons twin 86 gallon tanks I use just under 3/4 tank of fuel for the same trip.

I am still trying to find the Carvers sweet spot. My first trip to Put in Bay I cruised at 3200 RPM there and back and came home with 1/8th tank showing. This last time I ran at 3000 RPM and came home just under 1/4 tank so it looks like that throttle setting is better. Running conditions were the same for both trips. Waves under a foot and light winds.

My last trip to get gas at Detroit Beach Boat Club I ran back to my marina at 3200 RPM using 1/8th of a tank. Yesterday I ran back at 1400 RPM and the fuel gauge barely moved. I think that 1400 may very well be my hull speed. I will experiment more probably next season. I wonder if 2800 or 2900 will give me better fuel economy or will that be to low a throttle setting.

Anyway like with all boats it is a learning experience and I am still learning my Carver and its characteristics.

I am open to your thoughts and comments.

[RGrew176]

Another thing that I have learned about my 3007. It has the tendency to wallow in following seas. That requires a lot of corrections of the steering. There are 2 other 3007's one at my marina and one across the canal at another marina. Both of their owners state the same as I. It is a lot more work keeping the boat on course in following seas.

I am wondering if this is a tendency common with inboards or just possibly this particular hull configuration. My last boat the Bayliner had the same deadrise at the transom 15* as the Carver. The only difference is I/O's vs inboards. The Bayliner handled following seas very well. In fact I preferred to travel in following seas whenever possible. I am not so sure with the Carver, it's a lot more work.

[bud37]

Yup, characteristic of flat aft section hulls, don't like following seas especially when quartering a bit.....make sure your tabs are up.. that may help a bit.

[km1125]

The difference in your old boat was all the weight at the stern with the engines and outdrives made up for the lack of deadrise. A little higher cruising speed might help, but you will still be fighting to keep a straight line.