Carver Owners Forum

We are looking to upgrade to a little more space than our current 3607. I have read that the 4207 with gas engines is underpowered, especially in rough waters. We boat on Lake Michigan. Would the 3807 also be considered underpowered? We are not looking to race the boat but would like to safely make it back to port if we hit rough waters.

I had a 4207 with gas on Lake Michigan. Sold it because it could get scary in big water.
I never had a 3807, but people I know enjoyed their 3807 boats on Lake Michigan and never complained to me about any issues. I've heard they are good vessels.

I used to have a 3807 with carborated Merc 7.4’s. If I recall, cruising speed was around 14-15 knots, but to help the wallet, we usually ran hull speed, about 1/2 that. Doubled our mileage.
Adequate power for some, underpowered for others. I can’t imagine a 4207 with gas.
I currently have a 356 with fuel injected 8.1 Crusaders. Plenty of power and way better fuel economy.

I wouldn't think that the 3807 would be that much harder to push around than a 3607, but I certainly wouldn't want to have gas in a 4207.

I had a 3607 with the 350HP Crusaders and it would do ~28MPH top speed and cruise easily in the 22 MPH range. I'm surprised at Buster's comment above with the 14-15kts speed, I would have expected closer to 17-18.

km1125 wrote:Source of the post I wouldn't think that the 3807 would be that much harder to push around than a 3607, but I certainly wouldn't want to have gas in a 4207.

I had a 3607 with the 350HP Crusaders and it would do ~28MPH top speed and cruise easily in the 22 MPH range. I'm surprised at Buster's comment above with the 14-15kts speed, I would have expected closer to 17-18.

If I recall, and it’s been 11-12 years, we cruised around 3200 and it was about 15 knots. But like I said, 95% of the time, we ran hull speed…just way too expensive to get up on plane. The difference was 1 mpg vs 1/2 mpg.

My current 356, I cruise at 3100, which gives me 19 knots. Top speed…30 knots = 35 mph.

Another thing to consider is hours on those engines, and what actual engines are in there. If they are getting tired, in need of some maintenance, etc. then the vessel may be a bit underpowered. Also, what are your expectations? Do you want the comfort of bad weather cruising capability? Or can you just avoid heavy seas altogether. If you're looking for a fast boat, you're going to be disappointed. Good luck! er

The 3807 isn't meant to be a fast boat with gassers in it. I have 7.4L plants and haven't had any problems in rough waters but awareness of impending conditions is key. No matter what you're running though, Mother Nature, awareness, and experience dictate whether you'll get home safe or not, not the type of engines you have. I also enjoy boating, that is I enjoy the ride to a destination just as much as the destination itself, so I don't need to get where I'm going in the least amount of time possible. We didn't get her for speed, that was the last thing on my mind.

terkim99 wrote:Source of the post We are looking to upgrade to a little more space than our current 3607. I have read that the 4207 with gas engines is underpowered, especially in rough waters. We boat on Lake Michigan. Would the 3807 also be considered underpowered? We are not looking to race the boat but would like to safely make it back to port if we hit rough waters.

I have come to understand that around 38'....20000# and up is the tipping point for gas to diesel especially with aft cabin, flat aft section high off the water designs. Of course there are some newer design gas engines now with gobs of HP.

I remember a story about an old Lake huron commercial tug/fishing captain. When asked how he got thru the inlet when the lake was rough , his answer was, " I don't go out in that, the boat stays in port." Take from that what you will.

Good luck with your search.

I have a 390cpmy with gasser 454’s during sea trial wot we hit 30mph tak8ng her home at 3200 16mph
Gets right up on plane, only have seven hours run time on one nice day so can’t say how powerful battling sea conditions but sense she would do fine..