Hello, my friend has a 2000 355 aft cabin and when pulling for winter storage noticed one of his shifters lazy for about 2-3 seconds when shifting into forward or reverse from neutral. It has always been very responsive and all of the sudden started this...thoughts???

I am in the Toronto area and have started shopping for a 1988 to 1991 Santiago 34 or 38. This would be my first boat.

I like the floating living room layout of this model and the flybridge and was wondering if any current owners of this model or anyone who recently shopped for one what lessons did you learn - what should I look for??

Not concerned about interior - I know alot have already been upgraded and new cusions, curtains etc is not a major thing - as a new boater I am more concerned about the expensive repair stuff that I do not have enough experience or knowledge to notice.

Should I be concerend about internal ribs or framing?? Is anything done in wood that can rot over time??

I see alot of this model in the Florida area at very good prices - cheap enough to afford shipping - never really looked into that, so mabey that is just a bad idea and avoid it - but are there any concerns about a salt water boat that would be used in fresh water like the Trent system??

I am seeing prices rannging the mid 30's to low 40's with a few that spike to 60's or as cheap as under 20. Is a 1989 38' santiago at 59K overpriced compared to a 34 at 35k???.

Any advice is much welcomed as I begin this process - thank you.

I just bought a 1997 Mariner 350 and absolutely love it. While in the process of learning the boat I discovered a thru hull valve in the forward bilge on the starboard side. This is a large diameter valve. It is closed and the hose goes towards the bow and then I lose sight of it.
I have no idea what it is used for. Anybody have any ideas?
thanks,
Dave L.

I Will replace all the Engine instruments in my 2587, 1990, with original Carver gauges.
I need help to find out who manufactured them.
Is it Faria, Teleflex, VDO, etc.?

I had heard that converting to fresh water would take away most of the smell and actually be better for the system. I also heard it's not very hard to do. Does anyone know about this?

I have a 1995 355 Aft Cabin with 454 carburated Crusaders with 480 hours. In June we did a comression test and both motors were all over the place. We knew we would be having problems. The port motor began to run a little rough, was kind of hard to start and would die while docking at the worst times. I used spray and cleaned the carbs and air cleaner.eventually it wouldnt start but it would turn. I had a guy look and we tried to start it and he said the starter was dragging and then the starter wouldnt even turn. He thought a new starter would get it going. Then we pulled a plug and found a slight rust on it. Since then, I have been going around with different mechanics who all have different ideas on repower. Some say rebuild what I have, some say get long blocks and start over from there, some say change to a 5.7 Mag, some say 6.0 minimum. Prices are all over the place and really high from 18k to 40k depending on the option. Last night I was speaking with a mechanic who suggested a valve job might be all we really need. Is there a way I can determine that? Any options? I am going to the boat this weekend. I am anxious to get it going again quickly. There are a lot of bad mechanics out there. I am not a mechanic, but have a small amount of knowledge and ability.

New to this site. Purchased a new to us 95 carver 355 last October. Still straightening out little minor things that showed up on survey and a few things that didn't show up,but so far we love the boat. I have come to the conclusion that surveyors often times have a routine and pencil whipping the inspection so factor in several thousand dollars to cover missed items.
Too bad it got cold right after purchasing and have not really had a chance to take her out much. She is winterized and waiting as of now. Look forward to learning and contributing.

Sea trial picture

Hello everyone. I am a new boater (never have owned before though I have piloted many) and new (to me) boat owner.

Closed this past Saturday on a 1998 Carver 355 on Lake Lanier, GA.

Looking forward to warmer weather (damn snow/ice go away!) and getting on the lake. This looks like a great forum for getting answers about Carver's and I hope to contribute myself at some point in time.

Hello all,

I just signed a deal on a 2000 Carver 506 with the upgraded Volvo's. Have always been a Silverton guy and was actually trying to find a Silverton 453MY, but was unable to find a clean one.

Then I stumbled upon this 395hr fresh water example. Offer accepted after several sign backs conditional on an inspection from my Volvo tech followed by a survey and sea trial.

Hoping I can offer something to this forum and take something away from other Carver owners!

I am about to purchase a Carver Santa Cruz 25'. Before I do, I was wanting to know if parts are readily available for these older boats. I have owned an older runabout and had some problems finding parts. Just wanted to see what I am getting into with this project. If you have any other information on this boat please share. What "hidden problems" should I look for on the boat before purchasing? What problems may come in the future? etc. Thanks for any help and advise!