Carver Owners Forum

Looking at 03 and 04 396's and wondering if anyone can share performance spec's/opinion's for both Volvo 8.1's and Volvo TAMD 63P Volvo Diesels. Thinking at this size it's on the line of needing the diesels but... Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Depends on how you are using the boat. If you are planning longer cruises, diesels are preferred. If you are doing short cruises, and using the 396 like a lake condo, then gas engines are less costly to buy. The 8.1's will provide plenty of power, the boat should cruise at 18 mph with a 25 to 30 gph burn. I do not have one, but a friend of mine is also looking at a 396, so we just went through some research together. He is looking at 7.4 gas merc horizons. You have 8.1's in your 360, so performance should be similar adjusting for another 5K lbs. Good luck. er

That boat really needs diesels. I use to have a 3807 with 7.4 Mercs. That boat was a dog and a gas hog.
Now, my current 356 with 8.1 Crusaders...I’m very happy with that combo.

The diesels are safer. Spending the night on a gas boat with gas generator may cause you to be uneasy.

I'd be uneasy with ANY generator running overnight. I would agree that diesel fuel is safer though.

Both engines you mentioned are good builds. As mentioned, it really depends on your boating habits, budget, condition of the boats in question, etc. Also consider that not all areas have easy access to diesel fuel, and while gas techs are common, a good diesel tech is a little harder to come by. No ignition tune-ups on diesels to worry about but there are other things that have to be maintained or else. And hardware/components associated with diesel engines are usually more costly than their gasoline counterparts. You're right in that the size of the boat is on the edge of being best with diesels. I typically put that benchmark at 38-42 feet depending on the boat's design. Would love to have diesels in my 38 but the 3807 is a big boat overall for a 38. A 38 express
or smaller design aft cabin on the other hand would be fine with gassers. Pros and cons to both but you can't beat a diesel though for distant cruising.