Carver Model Comparison, History, Summary?

[Mr. Ted]

Hello there folks, and thanks for putting together a great site.

We are initiating a slow-motion hunt for a Carver aft-cabin, 355 or 356 or 366 (or similar) and I'm realizing it would be very helpful to have some sort of model evolution, or summary, or even history of these beautiful aft-cabin boats.

There have been a lot of evolutions and tweaks and launches over the last 40 years or so and I'm curious if anyone can point me to a summary, or compilation, or explanation of years/changes/dimensions/features/performance of the main 355-and-onwards lineup.

I tied up beside a late 90's 355 and then a slightly newer 356 moored just beside him. I immediately fell in love but didn't know enough to discern structural, powertrain, detail, finish differences between the two, not to mention years of production.

I've searched the site and haven't found exactly the info I'm looking for in one place. I am such a detail freak that I tend to go a little OCD when researching something like this.

Any help would be most appreciated. There's nothing I like more than researching what I'm hunting for as much as possible. I think I enjoy that part as much as anything!

Thanks,

Mr. Ted

[buster53]

If I’m not mistaken, the 360 is a sedan, not an aft cabin.
The 355 was replaced with the 356 and I don’t think there’s a lot of difference between the two. The 356 was replaced with the 366 which is a completely different boat.
If you want details on the different Carvers, just go to yachtworld.com. Punch in the year span and size range you are looking for and any number of boats will pop up, most with a lot of photos to check out as well as specs and details.
Give us a size and year range as well as a budget figure and we can give you a host of details and info on the various boats that check off your boxes.

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum..... Try a google search for Carver yacht brochures....

[g36]

If you like the look of the 355 take a look at the bigger brother 405/406, pretty similar outside and different on the inside layout, both are roomy but there were some things we liked better on the 405. I'd advise getting aboard all that you can and make some real life choices not only at pics. Good luck.

[buster53]

You can also take a look at the 396, also a bigger 356 or the 404 which is identical to the 356, but with an added cockpit

[Mr. Ted]

Great thanks, these are already some good leads.

Will continue searching along those lines - and with this added info it will save me some time.

I'm sure I'm duplicating threads but if anyone would like to add info about what separates these models, your own experiences in each, or which one fits which mission (or direct me to a thread that does the same), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again,

Mr. Ted

[buster53]

Source of the post
I'm sure I'm duplicating threads but if anyone would like to add info about what separates these models, your own experiences in each, or which one fits which mission (or direct me to a thread that does the same), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again,

Kinda hard to do. There are so many wants, needs and expectations when owning a boat. Best to cme back with specific questions about specific models you have been aboard. Also best to decide what boxes you need checked for your boat.

[km1125]

The best thing I found like this is something called the Powerboat Guide book. (it's actually several, covering all manufacturers). If you can find this online somewhere, it's a great resource. I have them all downloaded, but I forgot where I originally got them.

Powerboat_Guide.jpg

Here are some sample pages. I like how they give some of the progression or comparison of models in the description:

Carver355_356_powerboat_guide.jpg

Carver_360_powerboat_guide.jpg

Carver_390_powerboat_guide.jpg

[pepmyster]

We have the 360. Unbelievable room and comfort. Nothing but good things to say. Wait, there is one. I wished they made the walk-about wider. But what you gain inside is great!

[Mr. Ted]

KM1125 - a huge thank-you. That is exactly what I'm looking for. That's perfect. I will peruse that site and look for the info there.

The pics will be a big help in organizing this info in my head when I'm out looking at the models I think we could swing and it will work as a quick reference guide.

Again, thanks for your help. If anyone else would like to add in any more info, it's all appreciated, believe me. It's quite an intimidating step into this world and all info is welcome.

Thanks again guys,

Mr. Ted