Carver Owners Forum

A surveyor will charge by the foot for the survey. Expect it to take the better part of a day with a sea trial. You will want to hire a local surveyor with very good references. There will be several in the Baltimore / Annapolis / DC area.

The engines / transmissions and other mechanicals are your high priced "gotcha" items. This is especially true on an aft cabin boat because labor to replace an engine can be twice what it would be for an express cruiser, due to access issues. A surveyor will only look at the engines and monitor temps, pressure and performance. This will find any glaring problems, but is no guarantee of internal condition and "life left".

Structure is the next biggest issue. If your looking at a Carver into the 1990's or newer you shouldn't have to worry about stringers, which can easily cost more than the boats value to replace, but bad decks can be expensive too. These items will or should be identified by a good survey.

Engine mechanical repairs/replacement, and structural and cosmetic deficiencies can be pricey to remedy but don't neglect to check some other high ticket items as well. An AC unit here, a fridge there, an ice maker, water heater, etc. and before you know it, you're at the same cost of replacing an engine. While the age of an item doesn't mean much anymore, consider this when assessing the condition of these expensive items and budget for replacement down the line just in case one of them that you can't do without fails shortly after you take possession.

For someone like yourself with very little boat experience I would recommend hiring your own surveyor as Tom suggested and stick with the same one if he or she is good. You may have to survey several different boats before you get a good one and if your surveyor allows you to be there during, there is an opportunity for you the buyer to learn , ask questions to help with the decision, and if there are serious findings stop the survey and walk away or renegotiate based on the findings. A good relationship to begin IMO.

May I also suggest you read thru as many of the threads on this forum about repairs etc, there is a lot to be learned from just doing that. Many different Carver models are represented in those threads with some great info and insight from experienced owners. Much of this info applies to other makers boats as well....Again good luck with your search.

Agreed