Carver Owners Forum

Hello,

I am a new member here looking to learn all I can on the above two boats. I am shopping for an aft cabin boat for some extended cruising. I am looking to stay under $50,000 and really enjoy "putzing" on boats, so fixing one up may be fine but I certainly hope I can tell the difference between worth it... and a lost cause.

My harbors travel lift is maxed at 13'4" beam.

When looking at photo's the 3607 aft cabin bed is accessible to both sides, the 355 looks to be pushed up against the wall on one side.

The 3607 looks to have a more prominent keel. Does it handle better than a 355? Anyone here replace the engines in a 3607 with MPI big blocks? Do they fit under the salon floor or are they too tall. Thanks in advance for all input.

Welcome to the forum.....they are two very different boats in detail......hull design/construction and shear line. The 3607 made from about 1982 to around 1990, the 355 introduced around 1995 was an upgraded 330/350 aft I believe and was then upgraded to a 356 after a few years.

As far as handling, there are owners here with these models who I am sure can help with that info. Good luck with your search.

I shopped both boats many years ago and noticed several of the same differences, especially with the aft bed. The decision to go with the 33/350 (as noted became the 355 and 356) was easy for me. I’m 6’-3” and couldn’t stand in nearly any part of the older style without hitting my head. The 33 (and variants) went to a taller ceiling height….maybe 6’-5”? All the difference for me. I will note the 33/350’s still had carbed crusaders and the 355 and up went to injection. Also huge difference. And added the molded in aft steps. Hope that helps.

Carverlvr2, I tried to find cabin height info and it is not easy. I am 6'2" and not being able to stand up fully in your own boat would certainly be a deal breaker. Thank you for the info.

I remember my head/hair just touching the ceiling in most rooms in the older style. You’d likely “just” clear but shoes would probably tip the scales. Personally, I like a little more clearance overhead so I don’t feel so cramped.

Since posting this request on the forum I have boarded two 3607's and a 390. I no longer need input on the comparison. Thank you.

CruiserSteve wrote:Source of the post Since posting this request on the forum I have boarded two 3607's and a 390. I no longer need input on the comparison. Thank you.

Just curious what have you discovered so far?

Hello KM1125,

I found that the aft cabin in a 3607 is very nice. I loved the storage, drawers and cabinets. I loved access to both sides of the bed. Upper and lower helms is a huge plus. Being 6'2" I was still fine with the headroom in all locations except the steps from the flybridge to the aft deck, the cut-out in the hardtop should be a bit more to the aft.

After discovering the 390, this is the boat I "need", or maybe even the 400 or 404. The travel lift at my harbor can accommodate a beam of about 13'3" max. This beam limit restricts my boat shopping list, likely a good thing. The cockpit, which the 3607, 355 and the 356 do not have, is a very nice addition on the 390 series. I feel the headroom in the aft cabin of the 390 is less than the 3607 but I will put up with my hair brushing the headliner in exchange for direct access from the aft cabin to the cockpit. I was only on one 390 so maybe there was a defect and the headliner was dropping down. With the 390, the 355 and 356 series I like how a person sitting at the settee is still in line of sight of people in the salon. This is not the situation with a 3607.

I am getting close to retirement age and plan on some extended cruising in the future, hopefully months at a time. A flybridge, better cooking area plus larger sleeping accommodations is the goal...and 2 toilets. My current boat is a Regal express cruiser, 42' overall length with 8.1mpi Horizon engines. Going back to carbs may be a difficult transition but I am not sure I can afford a 404 which would have mpi's. We will see how much the Regal fetches in the spring.