Carver Mariner 36 vs Cruisers 3750 or 375 - Input appreciated

[John Easley]

Good Afternoon,

New member, first time poster.

We currently do not own a boat but are looking at this 36' Carver Mariner on Saturday: http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2007/Carver-Yachts-Mariner-36-2931493/St-Petersburg/FL/United-States#.V088eJMrJE5 We're looking at this 37' Cruisers 375 on Sunday: http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2004/Cruisers-375-2925134/Hallandale/FL/United-States#.V089VZMrJE4.

Everything is a compromise, of course. The Cruisers has twin staterooms with a split floor plan. The Carver only has the one stateroom but the bunk is easier to get into from either side. Both galleys can accommodate two people cooking in it at the same time. The Cruisers has more enclosed topside space but the Carver has enough to accommodate the number of people we might invite along. The Cruisers has low hours diesels, which means less maintenance (?) and greater longevity but has a reputation for a really tight engine compartment. The Carver has low hours gas engines but much easier access. Working on the assumption of roughly 100 hours of engine time per year, average, it could easily be ten years or more before the gas engines needed an overhaul if they are maintained properly. Fuel capacities and range are roughly the same. Decisions, decisions.

We live in Florida. Our intention is to spend a couple of weekends a month on board, perhaps docked or perhaps out bopping around the local keys and islands. It might be just the two of us or possibly another couple. We also intend to take one or two 7-10 day trips each year to the Caribbean.

All of that said, would you be afraid of gas engines for what we plan to do? Any other insights from anyone who has owned, or has experience with, one or both would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

John and Debbie

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard John. I just sent you a PM.

 

[redneck joe]

What manufacturer are the diesels?

Will you be doing your own engine maintenance?

Rate the overall condition of each.

How many AC units?

In FL i would want more outdoor space.

How many helm stations?

Welcone to the forum.

 

[redneck joe]

ok think I found them answered a couple of my questions.

Question I'm not qualified to answer, but for those who don't want to search and help him out:

• Crusader gassers (285 hours) and volvo diesels TAMD63P (900 hours)

My questions answered:

• one helm station on both
• both look great shape

I vote Carver:
I've spent a lot of time on a 1987 32' version of the Carver and the layout is great. The extra beam and length you would have would be awesome.

One less step to get below deck and then it is all one level. Age or drinking can make that a nice feature - I've spent time on boats that have multiple step up / down and not a huge fan - even sober you can trip.

If it has engine access like my buddies besides the little hatch that is shown (engines pics just showing one side of each engine) a few screws and the entire back deck come out giving you complete access. Now his was smaller, with 350's and was still a bit tight and had to have engine pulled for a tranny replace; you might not given your extra size.

Getting to the berth by the sides is much better; I've had both and again sober, drinking and age - its all better.

Cannot tell on either the access to the helm area but pretty sure the Carver will have nice steps, once again, sober, drinking and age - its all good. If the choice is ladder or stairs; stairs always would win for me.

I like the head layout better on the Carver.

Of course a full survey by someone NOT recommended by the broker (on the Carver you can buy a 1 year bumper to bumper warranty; check into that)


All that said - I think this Carver is butt ugly (and most all of their models since mid 80's to current) and this model probably the butt ugliest in the Carver lines production over the years - however I'm butt ugly and my beautiful wife still married me and I'm thinking its because i'm very functional. IMO Carver designs the style of the boat around the function and most others design the function around the style thus the butt ugliness. But my boat is beautiful.....


Hope this helps just remember my opinions are worth exactly what you paid for them. Good luck and enjoy the shopping, especially for these nice of boats.

 

[John Easley]

Hey Joe,

Thanks for the detailed response. I'm planning to do much of my own routine maintenance. Like you, I'm leaning toward the Carver, too. If for no other reason than it will be easier to dock; the rear visibility is better. We're touring both of them this weekend so we'll know more after that. Appreciate your hands-on feedback.

John

 

[Scott Danforth]

Both Carver and Cruisers make great boats

 

[redneck joe]

Hey Joe,

Thanks for the detailed response. I'm planning to do much of my own routine maintenance. Like you, I'm leaning toward the Carver, too. If for no other reason than it will be easier to dock; the rear visibility is better. We're touring both of them this weekend so we'll know more after that. Appreciate your hands-on feedback.

John

Yeah routine stuff you should be golden for accessibility. Take some detailed pics if you have any questions on either vessel and post them for us to answer questions. There is a sticky thread on using photobucket to post.


One thing i forgot to ask what is your boating experience? Overall mechanical / handiness? Wife patience level......

 

[redneck joe]

Oh and can anyone help him on the engine comparative analysis?

 

[Slip Away]

I don't think he will be back.....