Unfortunately for the buyer the broker works for the seller. Pictures can sometimes tell a story but they can also make a boat look better than it actually is.
When I decided to get back into boating in 2015 I looked at several boats in Michigan and Ohio. Not sure how many miles I traveled looking. A few were really OK and some were not worth the trip but you gotta look. When we, my wife and I, drove to look at my current Carver you could tell that it had been fairly well cared for.
It was almost turn key. After about 30 seconds aboard my wife said, buy it so we made an offer. It was countered and we countered back finally agreeing on a purchase price. Now, my boat is an 81 so it's now 37 years old so not everything is pristine but it is in remarkably good shape for its age.
Keep looking. You will come across some lemons but that gem is out there somewhere just waiting for you to come look at it. Don't get discouraged. It took me a year to find mine.
Howdy Happy Boaters!
- RGrew176
- Admiral

- Posts: 6652
- Joined: August 17th, 2015, 4:07 am
- Vessel Info: 2023 SunTracker Party Barge 22 DLX
- Location: Southgate, MI.
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Re: Howdy Happy Boaters!
Rick Grew
2025 Godfrey Xperience 2286 SFLX
2004 Past Commodore
West River Yacht & Cruising Club
2025 Godfrey Xperience 2286 SFLX
2004 Past Commodore
West River Yacht & Cruising Club
- Senorjeem
- Scurvy Dog

- Posts: 10
- Joined: June 5th, 2018, 5:37 am
- Vessel Info: 1997 350 Mariner
- Location: British Columbia Canada
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Re: Howdy Happy Boaters!
I appreciate the encouragement. "Ya gotta kiss a few toads", as they say
Just trying to keep the bronze stuff away from the rocky stuff 
- Senorjeem
- Scurvy Dog

- Posts: 10
- Joined: June 5th, 2018, 5:37 am
- Vessel Info: 1997 350 Mariner
- Location: British Columbia Canada
- Has thanked: 10 times
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Re: Howdy Happy Boaters!
Well, I am actively looking still. I have settled on wanting twin diesels, and a generator. Hopefully 1995 or newer and CLEAN. Clean, to me means that someone cared and likely fixed small issues before they grew into monsters. West coast boat would save me 6 to 10K for transport, so is preferred. CYO help gratefully appreciated. 

Just trying to keep the bronze stuff away from the rocky stuff 
- Sue
- Scurvy Dog

- Posts: 1
- Joined: June 19th, 2018, 12:32 am
- Vessel Info: 1989 Carver 32 aft cabin
- Location: BC
Re: Howdy Happy Boaters!
Feeling so excited to start boating in our very first boat, a 1989 Carver 32 aft cabin. Just bought her on Vancouver Island. There sure weren’t many Carvers available. Good luck with your search, Senorjeem.
