Carver Owners Forum

Hi...how hard is it to prep a 2000 Voyager 53 for over the road transport?

Or does anyone know if Table Rock lake near Branson, MO has a waterway to the Mississippi?

Thank you

Well, there is a waterway to the Mississippi River, but don't think I'd EVER attempt it in a boat that big. First, you'd have to get past the Table Rock dam and the river is probably very shallow until you get to Bull Shoals Lake, where you'd run into another damn dam. Probably have quite a few bridge clearance issues along the way too. So that's out.

That boat would have gotten to the lake over the road. I'm not sure of the prep but there might be others who can give you a lot of info on that. Too bad the Carver folks aren't still around because they'd be a goldmine for this kind of info.

Thanks for all the information. I know the carver wasn't "born" in the lake, so at some point it had to travel over the road. Just depends on how permanent the bonding and fasteners were...and then getting a small crane or large forklift to lift the top off of her.

I'm talking myself out of the move already!

Thanks again!

If it's the right boat for you, I wouldn't talk myself out of it just because of the move.

Sometimes the toughest part of the prep is pulling wiring out because that wasn't intended to come apart for stuff that was added after manufacture. The boat was designed to come apart and be reassembled. Sure, you might (actually probably will) have to break some caulk seams but that's not a big deal to restore and with age some of that caulk probably should be redone anyway.

Someone on here downloaded a bunch of Carver's documents before they shut down the site. I wonder if he might have the "Assembly Instructions" for the '53?

You might also search out shippers, who frequently transported boats from the Carver facility. They might not have the details but might be able to point you to shops that have had to reassemble or disassemble boats for shipment. Might even query the local boatyard(s) on Table Rock lake.

I can check who Carver used for their delivery transports. Hopefully get a contact number. The assembly process usually takes place at start point and destination point. Check those 2 points for expertise in assembly capabilities. Send me a PM if you want transporter connection points. Good luck! Great vessel! er

Great advice, thank you both!

I have a copy of the setup instructions that the dealers used after delivery. If you read it backwards, would probably tell you what you need. Not sure how to attach a file though

Beautiful boat, but I’ve got to pass. Best for the boat and my wallet for her to stay where she is.
Thank you all for the great help!

Just for grins, one of the transports Carver used for years is Joule Yacht Transport. 800-237-0727. At least you could call for estimate and assembly capabilities. There are other boats out there. Good luck! er