Carver Owners Forum

Hello, I am new to the forum and just picked up a gas 1986 Aft Cabin from estate sale. Couple questions that hopefully a member can help answer. How are the fuel tank senders accessed? I see them on top of tank, but insufficient clearance to remove. Hatch under carpet? Behind wall panel? Where are drain plugs located in keel or bottom? Are engine room lights AC or DC? Where is switch located? Thanks for any assistance in getting her back on the water.

Ok, based on my experience with aft cabin Carvers, most likely access is behind the wall panels and it can be done, but it is very tight access.
Garboard drain plug is probably mid ship at the keel…lowest point, but my current boat has it on the transom.
Unless a previous owner made any changes, all installed lights are 12 volt. Switch is probably in the salon/galley area…just keep looking and yes, the bulbs maybe burned out and that is why you can’t confirm the switch is actually working.
Being gas, you will be best served running that boat at hull speed, around 8 knots. I had a gas 3807 and that boat was a dog. A gas 4207 has to be a dog with fleas.

Removing the sending units really doesn't require to much room. If you can get to the screws and have maybe 8-12 inches above the tank maybe even a tad less you should be able to maneuver it and the float out to replace.
Switch for engine room lights might be on a wall close the engine access hatch. Will be 12vdc Have you got one with a small indicator light near it? Or switch that doesn't seem to do anything ?

Welcome aboard!
It's been years since I had our 4207. The switch for the lights is on the wall adjacent to the steps. It should light up when the lights are on, since when the steps are closed, how else would you know they were on?

As for the drain. Quick story. I was installing rudder indicators. To do so, to run the wires, you have to take the mattress off, then the hatch under the mattress, which gets you to the storage area under the mattress. But then another hatch to get to the bilge. I went in from the top. Only problem is I slipped in and was stuck. I mean stuck. I am pounding on the hull screaming for my wife. She was on the dock and never heard me. Fortunately she came aboard, heard me, came downstairs, and proceeded to laugh her ass off and got the dock-mates to come see my predicament, all laughing, snide remarks, etc., all before pulling me out.

Lesson learned. Next time, climb into the storage area under the mattress before getting to the bilge. You won't fall in and get stuck like me. The drain is down there.

waybomb wrote:Source of the post She was on the dock and never heard me. Fortunately she came aboard, heard me, came downstairs, and proceeded to laugh her ass off and got the dock-mates to come see my predicament, all laughing, snide remarks, etc., all before pulling me out.

I think I can speak for us all when I say we still need pics of this.......

Thank you all for your quick and thorough responses. I'll try to stay out of the "Basement" waybomb! Happy summer to all.