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What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 10:41 am
by Skinny Carp
I just bought a 1988 carver aftcab 32' liveaboard. I've never owned a boat before and I actually plan on fixing this up to live on it full time, at least for the summer. 35 year old single man so figure if I'm going to do this, now is the time. Glad I found this forum, I will probably need some advice and support!

*Pictures were not sideways when I uploaded them, not sure how to orient the attachments on here sorry*

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 10:48 am
by Phrancus
Welcome.

Boats always look like a disaster when not cleaned and maintained in time.

Clean her up and you'll have more than you thought you bought. Remove whatever is dirty and easy to take out. Looks like you have lots of space around the boat to put some tables and racks for storage. Saves you very much hassle to have room to work.

Then close whatever is leaking through where it should not. Take out the interior if makes access easier. Better do it all the way now than find more decay under the interior parts later.

And then start fixing things. Keep the parts you take out (interior is mostly boards screwed together) so you have the right size and form for replacement. Simply copy to new (waterproof) board and there you go.

Good luck and here's a thread where you can get some documentation on your boat model.

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 10:51 am
by Midnightsun
Congrats on the new future home. Does look like she needs some TLC. Definitely at the right place for some help. :captain:

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 11:14 am
by ColRon
Welcome aboard and wishing you the best in your endeavor!

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 11:33 am
by Cooler
Looks like you have a lot of mildew removing to do. You may want to buy some Starbrite mildew remover and some Amazing Roll Off cleaner to make that job easier. You may also want to look for some Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl flooring. Easy to cut for install and super easy to keep clean. Good luck! May you have lot of adventures. 8-) er

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 11:40 am
by plittle2005
Congratulations on choosing this boat! I think it is a "right-sized" boat, roomy but able to cruise into remote destinations.
You might want to go to the Facebook "Carver aft cabin yacht community" group. They mention your model boat, lots of good info.

Enjoy, enjoy!

Phil Little
'92 3307 AC.

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 2:00 pm
by pepmyster
Congrats on your new project!!!!! Keep your head up with thoughts of what it will be when finished!!!!!!!!

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 2:05 pm
by Tireless
My first Carver was a 1986 3207. It was a great boat and found it to be very reliable. Enjoy the boat and the restoration. Labour of love.

Greg

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 7:48 pm
by waybomb
Welcome aboard!

Re: What have I done?!

Posted: February 14th, 2023, 9:21 pm
by Viper
Welcome aboard and congrats on your new home. You got your work cut out for you but I'm sure she'll make a great live aboard when she's done. Keep us posted on your progress and don't be shy with the questions, we're here to help.