Forum Newbie

[MDA's Friendship]

I'm a 1996 Carver 440 AC owner since 2007, based since purchase at Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin, Florida.

Over the last six years I've learned a lot about maintaining / repairing / cursing the myriad issues that are part and parcel of owning a larger vessel. I showed up to my "new" boat toting barely more than a screwdriver and pocketknife, and zero spares; I now possess a relative arsenal of tools and parts that might impress a US Navy Chief.

One thing that's always royally bugged your fellow bilge dweller about this experience is the seemingly endless, time-consuming process of procuring replacement parts and supplies for this beast. I have all the search technology. I know how to use it fairly well, I believe. Is it just because it's a Carver 440? Because it's MY 440?! Or is it just because it floats? The Carver Yachts website is of no help. Dealers don't seem too interested unless you're a recent customer of theirs. Mechanics have been a source of info, but generally only for commonly used replacements that they are going to sell you at full retail anyway. Marina scuttlebutt has been even less fruitful.

If any of my fellow owner/operators out there are keen on stopping the whining, could you help me out by passing along some of your "favorite" websites / online sellers / local (or even distant) marine retailers who can help me out when I'm looking for OEM or even "substitute" OEM parts or supplies? And, remember, "WORST" Marine does not count.

Thanks, folks. Safe and happy cruising to all.

MDA's Friendship

[waybomb]

Welcome!

Like you, I do everything. But I won't do carpets and countertops.

I use ebay quite a bit. But before I buy, I'll check websites like Defender to make sure the low price on ebay is the best price out there.

As for advice, this site should be of help, especially as it grows.

Most parts on your boat aren't made by Carver, just purchased by them. So you don't need Carver for help. They are in the boat building business, not the repair business.

[MDA's Friendship]

Guess the challenge is sourcing their parts. A lot of their 1996 parts (non-powerplant) I have found to be from TaylorMade; but their online catalog hardly lists anything I need, specific to my Carver. It's not as if you can dial in your make and model and find what you're looking for. Seems like they just have generic things like fenders, cleats, hatches, etc.

I've used EBay a lot, but , again it's difficult to find anything specific to my boat. And their search engine sucks, IMO.

But thanks for the reply. I'll keep looking.

Friendship