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I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

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GrizGnar
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Vessel Info: 1985 Carver Mariner 28’
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I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

Postby GrizGnar » August 4th, 2019, 12:51 pm

Ahoy everyone! I just bought my first boat for 3k. Yes, she’s a fixer upper but not bad aside from the engines. Both engines were blown, so I pulled both and bought two new ones. Upgraded from crusader 305s to Chevy 350s. They’ll be put in on Wednesday. Going to get her all dialed in and ready for Key West for the winter. Does anyone know where I can find a full enclosure for the fly bridge and a snap on shade for the main cabin window? As well as a few other parts that are specific to 85 Carver Mariner 2897? Thanks in advance.

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BenTen
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Re: I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

Postby BenTen » August 4th, 2019, 1:22 pm

Welcome Aboard! Congrats on your find, great prices are out there for boats if you're willing, and able, to perform work yourself- if not the initial purchase price will quickly become a distant memory.

As for your question: most all canvas items are custom made so check with a local shop for quotes or buy a machine and learn to sew. Personally, after getting a quote for 5k to redo my enclosure I'm leaning towards learning to sew....
Thanks,
Ben in SC
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buster53
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Re: I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

Postby buster53 » August 4th, 2019, 5:08 pm

Ok, just a quick question on those 350's. Where did you get them? The Crusader 305's are most likely, marinized GM blocks. Who marinized your 350's? Most are either Crusader, Merc or Volvo...at least 90% of marine 350's (5.7's).
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RGrew176
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Re: I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

Postby RGrew176 » August 4th, 2019, 11:06 pm

Here's hoping that everything works out well for you. Best of luck with your Carver.
Rick Grew

2022 Stingray 182 SC

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Re: I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

Postby mjk1040 » August 5th, 2019, 6:38 am

Welcome! Pictures?
Mike :down:
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1986 Carver Mariner 32'
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Re: I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

Postby Viper » August 5th, 2019, 10:24 am

Welcome aboard.

When you say Chevy 350s, are they automotive 350s or marine, or are you simply referring to GM? If they started off as automotive engines, you should make some changes before installing them....there is a difference. If marine engines, what brand?
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Re: I just bought a 1985 Carver Mariner 2897 for $3000

Postby bud37 » August 5th, 2019, 1:43 pm

Welcome to the forum......I agree, any brand specific parts for older boat will probably have to be made special or found at a marine salvage yard, canvas and bars will be a local canvas shop.
The above is strictly my opinion always based on years of doing...remember to support local business , it pays back.

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