Carver Owners Forum

Just by way of a comparison. Last year a group of us went from home port, Port Severn, through the small craft route, Parry Sound, Kilbear, Midland and return over a period of a week. We more or less ran at 6-8 knots during the trip.

One of the boats I was travelling with was a 1999 Carver 356 with 8.1's. I am running the Carver 44 CMY with Volvo Penta D6's. We both ran same route.

I burned $400 in fuel and my friend burned just over $1000.

I hear what everyone is saying about long distances between some fuel stops. The 356 gas, carries 300 gallons. At 7-8 knots, I'm positive that boat would easily cover 400 miles, maybe even 450.

If the OP decides on a twin gas boat, the 356 is about as big as I would go. Closer to 40, go diesel.

Welcome to the gang! If fuel consumption is the primary concern, than I would highly recommend diesel(s). A friend of mine had a 38 Sea Ray MY with 7.4 Mercs. Ran it one season and was shocked by fuel consumption. Got lucky as someone offered to buy that boat. My friend purchased the same model, but 2 ft bigger with diesels. Cut his fuel expense in half. I wasn't sure if that was right, but looking at Tireless comments above, it now makes more sense. Both boats were run the same way. The big block gas engines don't really offer much in low RPM fuel efficiency. They are thirsty at low RPM's. A mechanic told me they need to run at 3200RPM + to get any fuel efficiency. Good luck! er

Cooler wrote:Qr Bbpost Both boats were run the same way. The big block gas engines don't really offer much in low RPM fuel efficiency. They are thirsty at low RPM's. A mechanic told me they need to run at 3200RPM + to get any fuel efficiency. Good luck! er

No question that diesels are much more fuel efficient, but I disagree with the statement that gas engines don't offer much in low RPM efficiency. Typical gas powered boats will double their range (miles per gallon) running at hull speed vs cruising speed. Just look at any boating magazine that publishes engine data, i.e.: speed, rpm's, gas usage, etc.

Good friends of ours had a 2008 Regal 38 express with 8.1 496 merc magnums and B3 drives. They loved the boat, but cruised a lot and the fuel use and range was terrible. They bought the same model regal 2010 year with volvo D4 diesels and duoprop outdrives. Fuel consumption is less than half and range more than twice as far. Of course, its not as fast though. They are, however, very happy with it.

Wow! What great information. Thank you everyone. After reading all your posts and considering everything I've read on gas vs. diesel the Admiral and I will be looking for a diesel. I don't see a lot of Carver diesels but that will be our focus as we extend our range to find them. I may not get my single diesel with thruster but a twin Carver diesel will do VERY nicely. As with any boat it's all about a trade off. Dare I say, a quid pro quo

New owner. 1999 356 with 7.4 injected Crusaders. No fuel flow gauge. 300 nm delivery trip. What’s the sweet spot for economy cruise?

Fuelflownormal wrote:QR_BBPOST New owner. 1999 356 with 7.4 injected Crusaders. No fuel flow gauge. 300 nm delivery trip. What’s the sweet spot for economy cruise?

Just guessing based on similar boats, but probably in the 20-22 MPH range.

All boats are different due to condition and water action. Generally speaking, my tests illustrated a 3100 RPM as the sweet spot. Might be a touch higher on 7.4 FI. I have 5.7 carbed Crusaders. MPH at 19 in 2 foot waves. Good luck. That is a lengthy trip. er

Welcome to the group. I have nothing to add regarding gas vs diesel but for learning how to drive twin engines, the Captain and I (having no power boat experience) found Boating with the Dawsons to be a great resource. https://www.boatingwithdawsons.com/ I have had a few great conversations with both Doug and Brenda.