New Member Intro

[dbarnes]

Hello Forum and fellow boaters. While I'm not truly a Carver owner yet, I am prospectively traveling this weekend to sea trial what I'm hopeful to be my first Carver, and first motor yacht. My boating life has been long and very enjoyable. I've owned a VIP Vindicator, Baja 25 Outlaw, and Formula 292 Fastech and owned these individually over approximately 15 years of boating. After a 5 year cool off period of not owning a boat, I now woke up to smell the coffee and realize slow and comfortable is now more my speed!

I'm looking at a Carver 360 Sport Sedan with twin 8.1 Volvos. I had some concern over a boat this size not having Diesel power so I would very much appreciate any insight you have. I'm well aware the hull design can make nearly just as much difference as power to weight ratio. My intent with this 360 Sport Sedan is to get my feet wet before diving into something along the 466 size. To me the 360 Sport Sedan has the layout I want... just large enough... while potentially not overkill for my first motor yacht.

Any pluses or minuses any of you have to share would be very valuable as I intend to sign if all goes well with the trial, Sunday 8/11.

Cheers and many happy boating hours to you!

[buster53]

I have a 356. Not sure if the hull shape is different, but probably a heavier boat. I have 8.1 Crusaders. Comfortably cruise around 20-21 mph. Will top out at 35.

[buster53]

I hope you are getting a survey in addition to the sea trial

[RGrew176]

Like the above post if you are seriously considering this boat a survey and a sea trial is a must. Both of those should be part of any used boat purchase. Good luck as you move forward in getting back into boating.