Carver Owners Forum

Hello everyone, after years of running around in open boats with outboards, I decide to take the plunge and get something bigger, more comfy for a family of 5. I put my eyes on a well maintained Carver 280 express cruiser mid cabin year 1994 with only 400 hrs on the clock, inside its still in very good condition, powered by twin mercruisers 4.3/v6 and I would like some more info on the hull of these models, and consumption and all the other stuff I need to know, because information on the net seems to be very limited on this manufacturer, so if there is anyone out there with any info I would very much appreciate it! Thanks a lot...for now...

Can't help you with that model boat, but welcome aboard!

I can most likely help you, but would like specifics on what you're looking for in information on the hull and boat.

Ramsport47 wrote:Source of the post I can most likely help you, but would like specifics on what you're looking for in information on the hull and boat.

I meant how do Carver boats compare with other American hulls like SeaRay, Chaparral, Four Winns etc?

It is difficult to compare brands as hulls and other factors are different between brands. I previously owned a 1996 Bayliner 2855 Ciera SE cruiser. It was powered by a single 7.4 Bravo III drive not the twin engines your boat has. My performance numbers were really good in my opinion.

I generally cruised anywhere between 2600 RPM to 3400 RPM. Once that boat was on plane it pretty much ran similar numbers compared to the RPM's. At 2600 RPM I cruised at 26 MPH and going up to 3400 RPM I cruised at 35 MPH. I topped out at 4900 RPM at 51 MPH top end with that boat.

There is probably a lot more info out there for Bayliners due to their larger numbers sold. Of course numbers differ between I/O's, inboards or outboards. You did not say what drive system you have on your boat but considering the size I am leaning towards you having I'O's instead of inboards and there would be differences in performance between Mercury drives and Volvo drives.

Hopefully someone here has the same boat and can give you real world performance numbers.

Thanks a lot for your help, boat is equipped with I/o mercs