Carver Owners Forum

Hey everyone. I'm new here. Actually purchasing the boat in the thread title. I've never owned a boat this big before, nor an I/O. I currently also have a '72 Glastron V-176 Swinger with a 1972 100hp Johnson outboard... so to say the least, this will be new for me. This will have the Mercruiser 5.7l, 1989 as well.

This boat will need a good cleaning on the topside and will need to be totally redone in the cabin. The previous owner said it ran last year. I know when I've purchased older outboard boats I always check compression, but it may be more difficult on this. What else should I look for and check out while I'm there. I plan to check floors/stringers/transom, at least as well as I can.

I'd love any info people have on this motor and this boat. I'm looking forward to the project and learning from all of you in the forums!

Welcome aboard!

Expect to do some outdrive maintenance. If there's a water pump in there, then replace the impeller (or the whole pump). Also plan on inspecting/replacing the bellows, as they are a frequent source of water leaks on an older installation. If you plan those two activities it will be less expensive and MUCH LESS inconvenient, as either can ruin a weekend if you discover they're an issue while you're already on the water. While you're in there, evaluate the coupler and u-joint in case they need attention (like lubing the u-joint).

Start with a safety check. CO detectors, smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, etc... whatever your local laws require.

Then look into when the last time a tune up was done. Sure it might run, but that 5.7 should be glass smooth with a proper tuneup. Cap/Rotor/Wires/Plugs/Coil/Oil and filter/fuel filter/ water separator/
Clean the spark arrestor so it's clean again. Inspect the carb for varnish.

Check your hoses for hardening, cracking and age.

Look at the ground busses that are in the bilge area and make sure they aren't green. Remove, sand and clean if they are discolored. Check all wiring for loose and corroded connections.

Pour some Campers Friend head cleaner in the holding tank and let it work it's magic and then pump it out as many times as they will let you. hot hot hot water down that tank to clean it all up.

Check the fresh water pump filter to make sure it's clean and clear. Might even bleach the tank since it sounds like it's been sitting.

Then break out the pressure washer and buffer. I bet that thing will clean up nice. Might need a wet sand, but you can determine that later.

I like to take care of things in order. Safety first, then mechanical and reliability, then comfort, then the pretty stuff.

Welcome aboard. All good points the guys mentioned above. Are you sure the engine is a Mercruiser? I ask because the drive is a Volvo. If it is a Mercruiser, there's been a repower. As mentioned above, I'd check the drive and transom assembly closely as they can be expensive to repair. If you can, remove the drive and inspect the transom assembly components closely, especially the bearings as some models require engine removal to replace them. Bellows, input shaft, u-joints, etc. as mentioned should be checked as well as the condition of the gear lube. You should also check how easy the remote shifts with the drive removed as this will give you an indication of the cable's condition. Don't shift with the drive in place on the hard.

Unless it's a model I'm not aware of, the impeller will be on the engine, not in the drive. If that's the case, they've retrofitted the Merc engine with Volvo pump components. It may not be an issue if it was plug-and-play but if they had to butcher something to make the assembly fit, I'd be concerned. Also consider that some components for these drives NLA from Volvo but may be available through other retailers though usually at a premium.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome Aboard and lots of great advice already posted. Best of luck getting her shipshape.

Hey everyone, thanks for the posts and thoughts. Great stuff shared. Now I have to figure out some things about this new boat I have.

One thing I did learn - it is not a Mercruiser, but a Volvo Penta - AQ271C. I've also learned I need to replace the bellows which can be a pain according to a good friend of mine. So far, none of my pumps are working, so I have to dive into that a bit more too. I'll be taking these things on a little at a time and I'm sure I'll be posting here for help. Thanks everyone!

Welcome I've had a Volvo powered runabout for many years the bellows can be a pain but definitely DIY. My model has a exhaust bellows and the bellows for the drive universal. You can change exhaust one fairly easily but the drive one is more work of course . If you'll give them a good inspection and if you find any cracks/splits it will have to replaced.

Can anyone tell me what out drive I have? I'm probably missing a marking somewhere, but I can't seem to figure out what model I have. DP290 by chance? Thanks!

There were a few similar models in that era. Could be a 290, 280, or DP series. A few more closer shots from different angles might help.