Just signed up, searching for my next boat

[CaptainKen]

Hello fellow boaters!
My name is Ken. I am retired Coast Guard Aviator and retired licensed yacht captain. I worked for several large yacht brokerages as a teaching/delivery captain. One of those was a new Carver dealer. I have had a lot of experience running Carvers from 32ft up to 53ft, teaching new owners how to operate their boats, everything from flushing the head to docking, navigation, routine maintenance ect.

I am now in the market for my very own Carver. Having been cruising sailors for for many years My wife and I are now considering doing the Great loop. We are researching, and searching to find our next boat. The Carver 355/356, 405/406 and 396 are on the top of our list.

I hope to gain some insight from those of you who have day to day experience with this great line of boats.

Ken

[1992330aftcabin]

Welcome Ken, as a fellow avatar and boater, I must say you have good taste in boats. We have a 92 330 and love the lay out and comforts is has to offer. You mentioned the 356 same boat as mine with the aft stairs and other updates. Just saying we love ours. Keep us posted with your decision.

[Midnightsun]

Great choice of boat, only problem like with all of them is finding one that was well taken care of. We almost gave up when we were looking for ours as everyone we saw (regardless of brand) basically sucked. They are out there but definitely harder to find. Good luck with your search and welcome the CYO.

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum..... You have a fair leg up on most considering your experience...good luck with your search.....

[waybomb]

Welcome aboard!

[Viper]

Welcome aboard and good luck Ken

[RGrew176]

Welcome Aboard and thanks for your service. Good luck in your search.

[g36]

We have a 405 and I thinks it's awesome lots of interior and exterior sundeck space. engine room is very large don't have to lay or get in weird contortions to get to stuff for maintance. . Welcome and Good luck finding your boat

[buster53]

Ok, I have a 356 and it performs very well with the 8.1 Crusaders. I can only guess, since I've never driven one of the other boats you mentioned, I've got a feeling they really need diesels in those. I used to have a 3807 with 7.4 Mercs and it was a dog. Cruised at 15-16 mph and sucked gas like crazy.

We've been very happy with our 356. My biggest complaint...really tight engine room.

[mjk1040]

Love our 355 model, but if I was you and plan on a diesel model since it appears you want to travel a bit. All in all you can't go wrong on the model you choose, cause it's a Carver!