Carver Owners Forum

I can't see that expense. Somebody is charging way more than they should.

But you don't want to hear that.

How many hours on the driveline?

So some advice - if you do decide to fix it, then before you take another trip, change every fluid, and every hose. Replace the impellers on the raw pumps. Tune ups. Belts.

It'll probably be a reliable vessel after that.

Every boat will need repairs eventually. I got one with 3 engines that need to be freshened up every couple years of running time. Includes pulling the engines, bearings, rings, valvetrain, timing gear, etc. That's life. To me, it's worth every penny I spend on boating.

In 2016 I had an accident/incident with my boat. had to replace both transmissions, my insurances paid most of the bill I had to pay the rest. As you can see, I have a Carver 325 and a 1995. I just love it more now, it runs a lot smoother than it did before.

O.k. After rereading my last post, I sounded a little like a... well... a dick. I apologize to all for that. I just don't want to get into a discussion about money with everyone.. especially over the intraweb. So, again my apologies to all, especially viper. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained here and I don't want to alienate anyone.
With that out of the way, I can say this: I bought a 20+ year old boat. I figured we would have to put this much money back into her eventually, just not in the last 5 months. So, the money doesn't piss me off anymore that it would anyone else. Yes it sucks. I would have preferred to have paid it over the next 12-18 months.
To answer bud37's question about what happens when we work on a helicopter that has had a major repair done, we are a superstitious lot. After a major repair, we throw some holy water on it, say a prayer, and hang a rabbit's foot from the wet compass, make sure the life insurance is paid up, and go for a check ride. I don't know... maybe that's the answer. There is more to it than that of course, a major part being trusting the guys you work with.
I guess it boils down to this. Would you put your family on it? I know its tough not knowing the details. But in the most simple terms it boils down to this: The left side of the engine room will be know when all is said and done. The right side, as near as I and the mechanic can tell is 2-3 years old. Outside of the fact that she looks like a converse sneaker, I like the layout and features of the boat. I keep telling myself she is not a POS, she has just been neglected.
Anyway, keep the opinions and thoughts coming and thanks for letting me rant!

Mwest, I can certainly understand your frustration, especially so soon after purchase. I may have been even more of a *ick than you.
I do believe you have a grip on it now. Boat, airplane, helicopter, car, all machines that need to be maintained. They will all fail eventually, but if neglected, they will fail sooner than later. The good thing about a boat, unless you do trans Atlantic voyages, if your drive train fails, you drop anchor and wait for a tow. You don't drop from the sky to your death.
So, if it floats, doesn't leak water into the hull, is fire safe electrically and fuel system wise, I don't think your family is in for more than a few hours of inconvenience if something else fails. Make sure you have sufficient food and beverages onboard in case of a delay.

Attaboy Mwest, you're coming around....youll be fine......Holy water huh...... FYI, there is such a thing as the yearly blessing of the boats........

oops, should have been a thumbs up.

[quote="tomschauer"]Mwest, I can certainly understand your frustration, especially so soon after purchase. I may have been even more of a *ick than you.
I do believe you have a grip on it now. Boat, airplane, helicopter, car, all machines that need to be maintained. They will all fail eventually, but if neglected, they will fail sooner than later. The good thing about a boat, unless you do trans Atlantic voyages, if your drive train fails, you drop anchor and wait for a tow. You don't drop from the sky to your death.
So, if it floats, doesn't leak water into the hull, is fire safe electrically and fuel system wise, I don't think your family is in for more than a few hours of inconvenience if something else fails. Make sure you have sufficient food and beverages onboard in case of a delay.

Thanks. A few hours of inconvenience kinda of puts everything in perspective.

bud37 wrote:Qr Bbpost Attaboy Mwest, you're coming around....youll be fine......Holy water huh...... FYI, there is such a thing as the yearly blessing of the boats........

"I'd piss on a spark plug if I thought it would help...

No, that would most likely foul the plug, and a new set of problems...

tomschauer wrote:Qr Bbpost No, that would most likely foul the plug, and a new set of problems...

Hilarous