Purchase Advice on a 2003 Carver 444 ES

[aldera]

Hello,

I'm looking real hard at purchasing a 2003 Carver 444 ES layout with twin Volvo TAMD63Ps (500 hrs). New to boating other than 3 years with a 20 foot pontoon. I know, a real newbie!! It will be docked a lot or anchored close to shore. I will primarily be boating on Lake Michigan (Grand Haven) with occasional trips of maybe 50-200 miles. I've been reading the heck out of every forum and website I can. I've also downloaded and read the manuals for the Carver and the Volvo TAMD63Ps. I know you can only read so much and some of it you have to take with a grain of salt. I've also reviewed the maintenance records for the past few years.

For this particular boat, I read that there was some sort of recall on the exhaust system but couldn't find anything on the USCG website to verify it. I sent an email to Carver this evening with the HIN to get a response from them. Are there any other issues I should be aware of with this particular boat? I will of course be doing a marine survey, engine survey and sea trial. Is there anything i should be looking for or telling the surveyor to be on the lookout for? I will be hiring a qualified sea captain for a day to help me get up to speed on the basics.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might be willing to share!!

[RGrew176]

Should you decide to go ahead with the purchase obviously as you have already mentioned the survey both engine and hull along with the sea trial will tell you quite a bit about the boat.

Obviously a good looking over by you first followed by the survey and sea trial will give you a great idea whether to go ahead or continue looking.

If there is nothing listed USCG website concerning recalls it is possible that the particular model and year you are looking at may not have had a recall.

Good luck, hope it works out for you. That would be a great boat to explore our beautiful Great Lakes.

[Huckleberry]

Don't know if you found it but there is a recall on this on 444 s from 2001 -2003 . Recall # 070042T .

[DanM]

Here is the safety notification: http://www.uscgboating.org/content/reca ... ton=Submit

I have a 2004 396 and I also boat on Lake Michigan out of Racine WI so if I can answer any questions PM me and I will be happy to assist.

Dan

[bud37]

Qr Bbpost Here is the safety notification: http://www.uscgboating.org/content/reca ... ton=Submit

I have a 2004 396 and I also boat on Lake Michigan out of Racine WI so if I can answer any questions PM me and I will be happy to assist.

Dan

Good info thanks Dan...

[JCD II]

I purchased a 2003 , 444 in December. The survey showed some exhaust leaks and is currently out of the water being repaired. No one has said anything about a recall and I came across the issue googling carver 444 this weekend. Is Carver giving any concessions on parts and repair ?

JCD II

[Viper]

Welcome aboard. Pretty sure that campaign ended years ago but it doesn't hurt to contact Carver...you never know. I think the manufacturer was Centek, you might want to try and contact them too.

[chrisda]

I am new to Carver. Just purchased a 2003 444ES with Volvo diesels and 470 hours. I am located in Holland Michigan at Anchorage Marina. I would appreciate other's experience and knowledge. I am looking forward to networking with other owners.

[Viper]

Congrats on your new acquisition and welcome aboard. We've got a really good bunch here, always willing help out so ask away. If there's an answer, you'll get one here.

What model Volvo are they?

Have they started launching down your way yet?

[chrisda]

Yes about 20% in water now.