Possible future owner?!

[trail_rider]

Hi everyone,
New to the forums doing some overly prolonged research for a future home away from home!
Right now our 16ft StarCraft is doing a decent job for our family of 4. However, there is obviously no way for us to spend the night anywhere on it, strictly a day use vessel. Which I realize isn't a bad thing, since we can trailer anywhere and go pretty shallow.
That being said, we live close to a great water system, and our family may be growing again in the near future, which means we will need a bigger vessel!
Throughout this research, I've already gotten 2-foot-itis, several times. Started with a 25' Cobalt, moved through different brands, and then I discovered the Carvers. For some reason, the fly bridge really draws me in. Read many, many reviews (including Mr. Pascoe's statements). Right now, I think I've settled on the 3007, however the 28 Voyager/Mariner still intrigues me due to its low rear deck height. The 3007 just has that extra cabin that would be perfect for the kids (current and future), and those awesome wrap around windows in the salon.

I have read in some places that the 3207 is the same as the 3007 set up wise, just a bit longer, which may improve ride and fuel burn? I think 30 is as big as I'm looking for right now, however if someone could make a good argument for the extra 2 feet, I'm all ears, or eyes.

Right now I'm aiming for an approximate purchase date of 2020 (yep, long ways away). Gives me enough time to finish research, save up the cash, and obtain the boss's permission.

Apologies for the long winded intro, looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions.

Cheers

Adam

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum Adam.......when you think 30 is enough go for as much more as you can afford to buy and keep, you won't regret it......the other space maker is beam width, wider is good.......

[waybomb]

Welcome and forget all about what Pascoe has to say.

I don't know what his problem is.

I've owned Carvers since 1988. Been on the Great lakes, Chesapeake Bay, and Pacific Ocean with our first one, a 2807 aft.

And as Bud says - buy the biggest you can afford.

[Viper]

Welcome aboard. A sedan bridge/convertible is my preferred design but you can't beat the room of an aft cabin. I have a young teen who won't come out unless one or two friends tag along for the weekend. Thank God for the aft cabin!!

[trail_rider]

Thanks for the tips so far! Good point about big is better, I'm basing the purchase on today's prices, not what I should expect in a couple years. I'll have to factor that into my current search parameters, that should open up a few more options!
I will say, I've always been drawn to the Carvers lines, kinda like the ugly duckling in a beautiful way. Someone said it earlier, what it lacks in sex appeal it makes up for in functionality and design.
On a side note, I do have some renovation and construction experience, so an older model isn't out of the question either. I'm not a huge fan of the older dark woods, and interiors that seem dominated by wood panelling, so depending on how complicated the project may be I would consider renovating the interior to make it more modern-ish.
I have seen some pretty impressive projects on here already.

[tomschauer]

Adam, if you have a family of four and plan on more, go bigger if you plan to weekend on the boat. You will quickly be disappointed with a 30 or even 34 express when the family puts the weekend gear on the boat, especially if you have girls. What seemed like a big boat will quickly get claustrophobic for more than a day. As Viper mentioned, you can't beat an aft for space. Gives everyone some room, especially if you are inside due to bad weather.

Good luck, hope you find something that meets your needs and keeps your family happy!

[RGrew176]

Good luck in your search. I have a 1981 3007 Aft Cabin model. It has a lot of room for a 30 footer. It also has plenty of storage, although you never have enough on a boat. I have only had it out a few times since I purchased it but I am happy with the boat so far.

You mentioned looking at the 3207 model. From what I have read its pretty much the same layout just 2 foot longer. If you find a 3207 that fits your budget I would go for it. You can never have to much room and maybe just maybe you can nip that 2 footitis in the bud by going 2' bigger right off the bat.

Hope you find one. Mine is an 81 so it has a lot of wood down below. I like the look myself and don't anticipate making any changes inside.

I have had mine out a couple of times in 4 to 6 footers on Lake Erie and the ride is OK and being up higher dry when compared to an express style cruiser.

[Viper]

Source of the post.... maybe you can nip that 2 footitis in the bud by going 2' bigger right off the bat....

Ah ya, that'll never happen!

[trail_rider]

My 2-foot-itis turned into 7-foot-itis.
I know these things ain't cheap to run, so where do you draw the line between affordable boat, and affordable operating costs? 0.75 mpg is pretty gnarly....
However, does anyone with a boat this size haul a small tender around? Maybe 8ft inflatable with a small 20 on the back?

[waybomb]

Fuel cost is the cheapest part of owning a boat. I have a non-Carver that uses quite a bit. It's still the cheapest part of owning that boat. But the enjoyment of any of them is priceless - you only live once.

There are all sorts of dinghy-holding systems out there. 20hp is a bit over the top. 9.9 on a 10 foot dinghy is plenty.