I'm new to this forum and am in the process of purchasing a used Carver 57 Voyager. I've narrowed down my search to three different boats. One of them has a hardtop, but it doesn't have as many options as the other two that have a bimini top. All three have full flybridge enclosures. What's your opinion on hardtops? Is it worth buying the boat that has one and know I may have to put in money down the road for things the hardtop boat doesn't have such as updated electronics, a water maker and some other perks?
I think it's a math problem right?
What's the value of a hardtop to you and even the potential resale value.
What options are missing that you actually would want or use that you would need to buy?
Do you want a hardtop?
If you bought the one without the hardtop, would you add it later... and at what cost?
Electronics are something that you redo every so many years anyways, so that expense will be out there in the future.
Watermakers are nice...expensive.. but do you need it?
chpsk8 wrote:QR_BBPOST I think it's a math problem right?
What's the value of a hardtop to you and even the potential resale value.
What options are missing that you actually would want or use that you would need to buy?
Do you want a hardtop?
If you bought the one without the hardtop, would you add it later... and at what cost?
Electronics are something that you redo every so many years anyways, so that expense will be out there in the future.
Watermakers are nice...expensive.. but do you need it?
Just some thoughts
Thanks! Very good point on the electronics and the actual use of a watermaker. This will be my first boat, so I'm mainly trying to figure out how much better the hardtop is and how desirable. Will it increase the future sale value, or are people just as happy with a bimini? The hardtop allows for AC in the flybridge, but is that something anyone would actually use? Sorry for novice questions, but I really don't have much experience to draw from.
My 356 had a canvass top and my current 44 CMY came with a hardtop with skylight. I prefer the hardtop having had both, but there are pros and cons to both. You can't open up a hardtop like you can canvass, but then again the hardtop is solid and doesn't leak.
If my boat did not have a hardtop, I don't think I would spend the $30,000 to have one made and installed.
I also think you have to decide what's important to you. Newer electronics are great and a must if you move aground a lot in your boat. I guess the question for me would be, are the electronics in the hardtop boat sufficient to assist with your travel and navigation. You also don't have to go with expensive MFD's as you can supplement what you have with an iPad and the Navionics software, which I have been using for years. I just purchased a new iPad Pro and it is fantastic with a 12.9 " screen.
Not sure anyone can tell you what to do. Its personal preference. I amp sure there are others factors involved in your decision other than the electronic and hardtop.
Good luck with your decision and let us all know what you decide.
I have a 2004 466 MY with a canvas top, I really would like to have a hardtop. Looking at the possibilities I found Atlantic Towers in N.J. who will make one out of aluminum with lights and sky light if you want. Pricing around $15K. It looks very close to original option offered by Carver. I'm sure there are others out there that can make a top for your 57 Voyager
I will say I don't have a boat that size but would opt for the hardtop with a boat like that. ....no leaks, no canvas to fool with/ waterproof/clean etc etc.
There are a few around here and they look great with the hard top and extension.The original factory look would be hard to duplicate IMO....My two cents... Quite the first boat.....good luck with your search
The Admiral has decided our next boat will be a 50 something Voyager and it will have a hard top. Still a few years down the road, but we also plan on living aboard when we make the switch and doing the loop is on the bucket list.
Ron
1989 Carver Santego 3867
“Escape Plan”
Murray, KY
ColRon wrote:QR_BBPOST The Admiral has decided our next boat will be a 50 something Voyager and it will have a hard top. Still a few years down the road, but we also plan on living aboard when we make the switch and doing the loop is on the bucket list.
So you definitely see the value of the hard top. Thanks!
Still a few years down the road, but we also plan on living aboard when we make the switch and doing the loop is on the bucket list. 
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