So, I’m a sucker who bought something he shouldn’t have, please help before my wife kills me! I have a 85 model montego, 5.7 mercruser alpha 1, its just all bad, but the engine is shot, I secured a 88 5.7, gotta figure out which coupler will fit, looks like I will now need one that looks like a triangle, however seems there are different ones to choose from, anybody know, or better yet, has done this? Thanks in advanced!

I have bought a boat that has seen better days, just pulled the engine, so far it seems only one thing works in the engine compartment, the tilt pump ran, there was much rejoicing.

Total newb question here:

The brochure for the 1990 3297 Mariner indicates that the sofa to starboard should fold down into a double berth. My sofa appears to be the correct one, however I haven’t yet figured out how it works. The previous owner forwarded me the original documentation including all manuals, however the section of the owner’s manual for interior seating does not describe the operation of the sofa. Can anyone describe how the sofa is converted into sleeping space?

Could not start engines (Cat 3126s) today. Seems like it's electrical but don't know. Checked voltmeter before attempting to start. Batt 1 was at 11.9 and Batt 2 was bouncing around 14. When I turned key, the buzzer went all hinky, the indicator light for the windlass dimmed and engine did not turn over. Tried other engine - same result.

Switched to Batt 2. Same symptoms, same result. Switched to both. Same/same result.
I do not understand why motors would not start off Batt 2.

Odd that Batt 1 was at 11.9 since charger is functioning.

This whole thing is odd.

Thoughts and opinions welcome.

Hello Carver Enthusiasts, long time Great Lakes and Mississippi River boater here. Current Home Port, LaCrosse Wisconsin, Wisconsin's West Coast. I've recently purchased a 1998, 405 out of Texas and transporting up to Wisconsin. I'm Coming out of a 2000 Formula 37 PC, and prior a 1995 Carver 370. I can't seem to get away from the Carver aft cabin layout. Thanks for having Me. Johnny

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First the good....a guy came into the store the other day with a new stainless steel, high gloss Danforth anchor. Asked if we could consign it and I said sure thing. Then he said OR, if you would just want to buy it, you can have it for $50. Geez, OK.
Now the bad...my hydraulic steering fluid started leaking out of the helm. Checked fittings on other side, hoses, all check out good, so it is coming out of the helm pump as far as I can tell. The helm is the original, so probably needs replacement. Any suggestions on a helm brand? There are 3 hoses connected in back. Hope I can just swap out the helm without doing the whole kit. Thoughts? er

Hello. I have been fighting with overheating on one of the engines for almost a year now. I think the problem is the belt for the impeller becaus i CAN not find anything else and of course the correct belt size is a pain in the A** to find in sweden but tomorrow i will alter the mounts to get a easy to get belt to fit. If anyone needs a belt with random size i have a nice stock of belts....

But now i want/need to change the oil and filter. What Oil filter is correct. The engines has "Man 940/1" filters, is this correct or just something that fits? (They look huge). What oil should i use?. How much oil should each engine have including filter..

I could search with google or on the forum but now it is Juli and the boat is still not in the water so please help me .

So far the genset is running OK, A little surge when starting then down to business. I bought a Governor Spring, but it is different than the one I have, so I left well enough alone. Changing out the overflow hose soon, as I believe there is a compromise in it, not allowing the coolant to return to the hat exchanger. NOW, s I was poking about, I saw this little ditty off of the side of the carburetor. It is pointing forward. I didn’t see any hose/tubing that was connected too it, but it is also not painted white, so I am suspicious. Any help or ideas? Looked in manuals, but nothing that would help. THANKS, Nd HAPPY 4th!

Hello folks, I’ve searched through and read a lot of forum posts, but I want to get a bit more specific on a couple of questions. We are thinking of upsizing a few feet and doing some cruising in the Bahamas in the winter months. We currently have a 40 footer which is great, but just want a little more room if it’s going to be the winter condo. We like the pilot house style, so in the 50 foot range with a maximum boat per dollar analysis, there are a few choices - the 530 Voyager, the Bayliner 52’s, and the Navigator. We don’t need to get into the ‘offshore’ discussion, because as far as I’m concerned, the Bahamas is coastal cruising if you are minding your weather windows. I’ve crossed the Gulf Stream from FL to Nassau 6 times, sometimes we’ve waited 2 weeks for the right window, but we’re patient.

Anyway, there seem to be many 530’s for sale, with huge price variances and states of repair. Of course according to the brokers commentary they are all ‘ready to go’ LOL. Sorry, don’t mean to be cynical in my old age! I was hoping those of you with Voyagers or other larger Carvers wouldn’t mind chiming in and mentioning the goods and bads and things I should watch for. I have always had Cummins, but it seems the 2000+ 530’s usually have the Volvo options. I don’t seem to hear good rumours about Volvo, but in real life they are just a diesel, any major issues any of you have had with the TAMD75’s?

If you want to pass on any info about the 530’s on Yachtworld, please shoot me a PM. We’re looking anywhere on the east coast, or eastern 1/3 of the US as long as there is salt water access.

Look forward to chatting! Fair winds and following seas,
Mark

Currently boating in the PacNW, but need more winter warmth!

Hey everyone

First post here.

This is my second carver. I inherited a 91 355 Aft Cabin from my brother in law who passed away a year ago.

Short version, a belt snapped when he was underway and didn’t catch it until too late and overheated and blew the port engine.

He used to build race engines, so he bought a complete replacement engine to install himself. We removed the old engine and I have an engine to install. Problem is, I don’t have his skills or talent, so I need someone to do this for me.

Any ballpark on how much this would cost?