Carver Owners Forum

We are going to look at a 2005 and a 2006 located close to Fort Myers, FL that we want to use for a week-end boat and also to cruise the Caribbean Islands by island hopping. Is this a good boat for the purpose we want to use it for?

I have a 506 and it handles well in relatively big water (5-8ft). It is a wet ride for sure. These aren't off shore boats by any stretch of the imagination but are completely competent for heading to the Bahamas and island hopping. The big thing is - as with any boat - to pick your travel day(s) with a large margin of error. I spoke with a couple last fall who took their 59 Marquis Markham Edition to the Bahamas and said it was the scariest thing they ever did and now the boat is for sale.

As long as your travel day works, you practise the 1/3 rule for fuel you should be fine. If (when) I take my boat south, I will be investing in a watermarker though as the price of fresh water is unreal. Might want to consider that as well.

I also have the 506 but the Voyagers have a better hull design for traveling on the open seas. Has a deeper V hull then the 466 & 506. But I would agree with Lyndon, picking your days is most important in any boat.

So it seems it's not the size or design of the boat as much as its the nature of the body of water u r traveling that's going to be ur deciding factor!

I also have the 506 but the Voyagers have a better hull design for traveling on the open seas. Has a deeper V hull then the 466 & 506

The 506 and 53 share the identical hull. The deadrise is the same on both boats. I am certain that the 57 is just a stretched version but am not 100% on that fact.

Confirmed - the 506, 53 Voyager and 57 Voyager all have the same hull. The 57 is a stretch version. The deadrise is the same 13 degrees on all of them so handling will be no different. The only difference is that the 57 will have a higher hull speed. The Voyager series do carry 300 gallons more fuel than the 506 so range is obviously extended.