Carver Owners Forum

I purchased a 1988 27' Carver Montego 2757 a couple of months ago but have never owned a boat and don't even know where to start as far as how to operate it. I have an owners manual but it doesn't cover anything specific to which buttons and switches have which purpose and all the writing is too faded to read on the instrument panel itself. Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome aboard.

The first thing I'd suggest you do is go online and take the Power Squadron's on line seminar/test. Before you take the boat out on water.

Then I'd suggest finding a friend that has a boat, or pay a captain, to teach you how to use your boat.

You have not listed your location, but if you are in a lake of any great size, I'd suggest you take a few advanced courses and the engine maintenance course, even if you do not do mechanical work att all. Knowledge is power.

Everything waybomb said.

Take pictures of your panel. There are probably others on here with the exact same boat who may be able to provide insight into mysterious switches.

Just curious... if you've never had a boat, why did you pick that one to start?

Look around your area and find a basic boating course. Power Squadron, Yacht Clubs, Coast Guard, and others offer these on an on-going basis. You did not say where you are from, but if you would list your location, someone here could help you find some help. I regularly take folks out to teach them basic rules of the road, boat operation, and navigation. Don't go out on a strange or new boat until you have a good idea of what you are doing!

Golfgippsland wrote:Source of the post

nesskay wrote:Source of the post I have a 1988 Montego, but single engine, would they be similar? I can take a picture and send it.

Hi couldn't hurt I'm sure someone will need it in the future.

Check this thread.
In model discussion
1987 santego dash switch labeling

Maybe PM nesskay

Thanks for the reply's. I am in Manhattan, KS and I picked this boat because it had almost everything we're looking for in a boat and was very well priced. If anyone know anybody in this area that could show me the ropes, it would be much appreciated.

I’ll give you a hand just fly me over lol but seriously I’m sure one of the members on this site living near you would jump at the chance to use your fuel sorry gas and show you the ropes.

Not knocking the area at all, but I had to look at a satellite pic to see if there was any water near Manhattan, KS!!!

Turns out, looks like you have a couple pretty good size lakes there!!

What I would recommend is find someone who can give you some help, but more importantly, find a few days DURING THE WEEK where you can go out and practice. If your lakes are anything like ours, the character is quite different on weekends and more stressful when you're trying to learn something new.

Can't really add much more to what has already been said. Good luck with the boat. It should be fine for your inland lake usage. I boat on the Great Lakes and have been out on the big waters in a 12 footer all the way up to a 30 footer. Of course bigger is better most of the time.