Carver Owners Forum

This will sound like a strange question but I will describe as best I can. My 98 350 Mariner is new to me and in great shape w 500 hours but it is my first "taller" boat. When I pilot it, I can't but feel a little unstable when in the cockpit. I feel like I get pushed around by 2-3 ft waves and the boat feels somewhat slimy and unresponsive. It may be just me getting used to it but was curious if this is normal or if anyone has any advice...maybe I am being too tentative with it and running at too low of an RPM (it feels this way more pronounced at 2000-3000 RPMs)

Mariners have a haul that I believe is referred to a planeing haul. What you are experiencing is normal for that model. You will not be able to steer the boat well at low speeds and will have to steer it using the engines like a zero turn mower or a skid steer. We loved the boat all out except for this issue and switched to the 355 AC/MY, which one can steer at idle and doesn't skate in waves or wind as bad as the Mariner.

Wow interesting! So you are saying at lower speeds w engines forward vary the throttle instead of steering? Or how would one go about doing that? Also what speed or rpm range dod you notice it? Which boat did you have that did that?

1986 Mariner, steering with the engines is at idle, and slight throttle if needed. But don't be shifting transmissions at higher rpms. May I suggest getting out on the open lake and practicing on a calm day. Steering your vessel with just the engines in and out of gear, may it be forward and reverse as needed. You'll get the hang of it and be a pro in no time. Practice spinning the boat too!

Hull speed is probably about 8 knots. It probably won't pop up on plane until maybe 16 knots or so.
In between, it's going to feel weird.

So waybomb, did u have a 350 then? How dod u steer it between 8-16 knots w throlttles like a zero turn as u or someone said?

I only steer with engines at low speed also, so easy!!!!!!!!!!!! 360 Sport Sedan

We have a 350 and I agree about the bow being very touchy with a cross wind.....but under power it is just fine, use the wheel, very stable. It does not like dead slow in any sort of crosswind, throttles only and pay attention.

I miss the keel on this boat........ ...

grizer wrote:Source of the post So waybomb, did u have a 350 then? How dod u steer it between 8-16 knots w throlttles like a zero turn as u or someone said?

No, I have an older 3697.
All my boats, in between hull speed and planning speed act odd.
I leave the harbour at 5 knots, steering, with no problem. Tabs up.
Out on the lake I get her on plane and steer.
The only time I use throttles only is heading into a tight spot, ie, slip, gas dock, etc.
All three Carvers I owned had somewhat of a keel and wanted to go straight.
Heck. The 2807 I could leave New Buffalo toward Chicago and barely had to have any steering input at all. It wanted to go straight.

I have noticed that twin engine boats (inboards) are a little more laborious when they are moving. Every move is calculated. My 350 Mariner does steer at low speeds, but everything is exaggerated with a lot of over steering. Remember to keep your rudders centered when your steering with the engines and reverse will be less responsive then forward.