New Guy

[Brownie289]

Hello friends:
New to boating and planning on a 30 ish aft cabin Carver, I love the layout and open design.

Question (of many) are they hard to get in and out of? I have some older folks I'd love to include from time to time.

It looks like some models just have a ladder, can you side enter? Sorry I am new to this world.

Thanks!

DB

[waybomb]

If you have floating docks, the only way on is the swim platform ladder or you'll have to get some fiberglass steps for the dock.
Otherwise, depending on dock height, you may be able to step right on, or down, or up.
Go walk some docks where you plan to keep the vessel. You'll get an idea of what will work for you.

[Brownie289]

Qr Bbpost If you have floating docks, the only way on is the swim platform ladder or you'll have to get some fiberglass steps for the dock.
Otherwise, depending on dock height, you may be able to step right on, or down, or up.
Go walk some docks where you plan to keep the vessel. You'll get an idea of what will work for you.

Thanks!
I saw some of them had steps on the dock as well as built in stairs coming up from the swim platform.
Certain ones just had a ladder from the swim platform.
Db

[Viper]

Welcome aboard DB. Good luck with your search.

[RGrew176]

Pretty much what was already stated. I am on a fixed dock and one of my dockmates gave me a set of steps. It does make getting on and off a lot easier. Aft cabin models have a high deck that you have to climb up onto. There is definitely a lot of room in an aft cabin model.

Good luck with your search.

[Brownie289]

Thanks all going to look at a 33 today, it doesn't have a lower helm.
To me that looks like a great option, any experience with that? I am in New England and the
weather gets cool here early some times.
DB

[waybomb]

I think it's a personal choice. I'd rather be up top. Had a lower station on our 42. Never used it.
Been out in the snow in it - had all 3 a/cs running on heat, opened the cabin door and kept the enclosure closed.

[RGrew176]

Qr Bbpost Thanks all going to look at a 33 today, it doesn't have a lower helm.
To me that looks like a great option, any experience with that? I am in New England and the
weather gets cool here early some times.
DB

It is a good option IMO. My 3007 does have a lower helm station. I have not used it yet but would if the situation made it necessary.

[Brownie289]

Thanks Everyone:

What about a freshwater boat vs a saltwater boat, I am in New England where all the ones I have looked at
have been ocean used. Other than the obvious salt corrosion externally what about internally? Not all these boats have closed cooling with their own radiators correct? That would seem to be an issue no?
There seem to be a lot of really clean looking boats out in the mid west for sale.
Thanks again.
Db

[mjk1040]

Oh Brownie! Stay away from a salt water boat. Everything that salt water touches will have to be replaced and lot more frequently, even if you flush the system every time you leave salt water. I believe you are looking at replacing parts every five years or so. If your going to boat mainly in salt water you really don't have a choice, but if your going to boat in non salt water, look at a boat inland. If you have to boat in salt water, yes go with a closed cooling system. I know there are desalting chemicals out there, but probably not environmentally friendly. Mike