Carver Owners Forum

The OP here has a unique problem, he says he has no reliable mechanical support for gasoline engines regarding rebuilding etc., so no matter what, you will always be in the same boat so to speak if that is the case.

Honestly, I would be concerned that there is not much wrong with the engine. How was it diagnosed ?

I believe in that geographical area it may be almost all diesel, so perhaps that may be an option as well. No matter what it will be costly, but that is boating as I remember it.

UPDATE, for those following at home. First of all electrification ruled out. Heat here is an issue with batteries and the battery technology isn't quite there for a boat this size.

Now down to repower options. In this market, Mercrusier is the best option for support and parts. As all the crusader guys slap their forehead, that's the reality. In that space, 2 options. 1st. 2 each Complete new engines, Mercruiser 6.2 350HP with ZF-68IV 4" CC with new controls, and remote systems monitor. Installed (dealer handles shipping) USD60K total.

2nd repower option. New Quicksilver 383 Bravo bobtail, using my Velvet drives and bell housing and controls. 2 engines Installed USD40K. But I am told these engines in future could be parts issue as well. Also, there could be additional costs discovered during the install since mating to exiting running gear.

With first one it will be basically a new boat, as 2 years ago we redid all the upholstery and canvas and the boat otherwise is in very good shape. The downside is it is a 24 year old boat in a market that only looks at age, as I ran into that this year renewing insurance. required a survey. I am assuming this is an ongoing cost each year so add USD500 to annual premium.

The only upside is that the boat market here is very overpriced. I could not replace this boat for under USD400K, so I am hoping that if i do sell in future I can at least recover the repower costs.

Availability is out to end 1st quarter next year for option 1. Shipping crusader engine here with shipping costs was very close to the 2nd option but no local support.

Interesting info, amazing differences in values across the world. How many hours on your current engine/v drive package and do the drives leak at the output shaft now ( do you see oil spray in the bilge) ?

Maybe consider diesel as a repower option , again I guess the issue would be the same having to get things engineered and installed whereas the packages are a nut and bolt change for the most part or so they say..

FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! New Mercuiser 6.2l with new ZF transmission and Digital Engine controls DTS. Fly-by-wire and Mercury vessel view. It is like a new boat for a fraction of the actual cost of a new boat. From previous posts, the biggest gain is the ability to have factory-certified service locally available, something I could not get with my Crusaders. Running Vessel view on a refurb iPad.

Nice job and sounds like you made the right choice! Thanks for following up!

If you don’t mind us asking, ballpark, how much was the total deal with shipping, labor, extras?

Since I bought from local dealer, shipping was on them. with everything including installation, new shafts, new optima batteries, all controls and gauges, less the USD60k

Vessel view mobile adapter I got on Amazon and self installed for around USD200