Possible future owner?!

[Viper]

Qr Bbpost...I have a non-Carver that uses quite a bit....

Geee, let me try and guess which one that would be

Qr Bbpost....the enjoyment....is priceless - you only live once....

Here here, I'll drink to that

[trail_rider]

I hear ya on all those points. I'm just hoping not to use an entire paycheck for a weekend!!
Appreciate the points everyone has made here, you've all given me a ton to think about!
In the mean time, we will enjoy our little bass boat until the perfect opportunity comes by.

[tomschauer]

There is no such thing as an affordable boat. Even if someone give you a free boat, you will spend a small fortune.
As Fred mentioned, fuel is the cheapest part. Most boats are rated on gallons per mile, not miles per gallon.

[trail_rider]

Hahahaha I guess if you say it fast enough it doesn't sound as painful. I should retract my original thought, I completely understand boats are not cheap, especially on gas. There's just some that drink less that others, although in hindsight those numbers are probably negligible in the grand scheme of things. The floating cottage you can park anywhere on Georgian Bay and watch the sunset or sunrise, that's the experience I'm dreaming of and waiting for. You can't put a price on that time with family.

[feeez]

welcome aboard.... the boys are right about the fuel. I spent the best part of $10G on boating last year my fuel was $1800 of that. If your gonna go boating..... go boating!!! Georgian Bay is an amazing place to boat more nooks and crannies that your could explore in a lifetime.
I hope your search is fruitful and post some pics.

cheers
fraser

[trail_rider]

Last August my wife and I took our small boat out and went spelunking on one of the outer islands. If a Carver doesn't appear in my driveway I'll definitely post pics of this summer's adventures with our smaller boat.
I may not be a Carver owner yet, but I'm pretty confident this is our next boat

[TonyC]

Welcome Adam!

We went from a 24' Bayliner with a single I/O to our 350 Mariner with twin 350 MAG MPI's ... 11 foot ( and a whole bunch more!) difference. We did a lot of research and thought on what we wanted to do with another boat now and in the future. Our two children are adults on their own so the 350 offers plenty of space for the two of us (and our dog, Lily), even when a close friend couple spend the weekend. Originally looked at a 32' Santego but when the Mariner became available, no discussion was needed. Last Summer we spent most weekends on it with day trips. We did complete a 500 mile round trip from St. Joseph, Michigan to Beaver Island, Michigan this past August. Very comfortable but did burn plenty of fuel along the way. But, that we anticipated and was a consideration when looking for another boat. It's a give and take. We do not take expensive (non boating) vacations ... the money for this is put in the boat. No regrets. We have been discussing full time live aboard after retirement and would go with a bigger boat. Again, welcome.

TonyC