Carver Owners Forum

Hello Folks,

After a month and a half of dry-storage for a full bottom job, some fiberglass repair, wax, buff, etc got the boat on the water. This Boat is new to me, and fuel tanks were empty/filled with watery gas when I got it, so I had them pumped. Fresh 20 ga each tank I took off for fuel station and starboard engine died after about 1.5 miles. I figured either gas evaporated or tanks are too big for 20 ga (4 of 5-Gal red pales each). Another possibility is that guy pouring in gas miscounted the gas going in that one tank as the engine started back after fillup.

My fuel gauges are inop right now possibly due to senders stuck on E, being low on fuel for over a year. but real worry to me is that each tank seems to only take 90 Gallons. Per my manual, specs, and web, 2003 Carver 396 fuel capacity is 365 gallons total with two 180 Ga fuel tanks. I am only getting half that and tanks are full to the brim.

PO told me one of the senders was stuck on E and the other one worked. Now both are on E. Not moving at all. I also cannot get any power to cockpit electronics (radar, depth finder, etc - this has to be a flip switch or breaker as I tested them before the bottom job. I am sure I am not flipping something right - first Carver.

Am I missing something? Is there a valve, a third tank or something. Were some made with 90 Gal tanks? Really confused because, with twin 8.1L and genny, I am not sure what range will I have. Please help. First big gas boat for me.

You know, it almost sounds by your explanation that the guy you got to pump the tanks M/T failed to get them dry or only got some out. Do you know how he accessed the fuel in the tanks ? Fill hose/engine fuel feed line or thru the tank level sensor holes.

Sometimes full is not really the actual tank capacity because of angles and such. If you want to check your actual boat, call Carver with your hull number and find out what they installed, then you will know for sure. Also there are usually plates or stickers on the tanks with makers name, part number and capacity, you will have to have a good look.

Ok, I know I have a different boat but the 356 and 396 are similar.
I have a second circuit breaker panel under the bench seat on the bridge. Have you looked for a second panel?
Also, I do have 3 fuel tanks. One on each side of the engine and one in the swim platform. Look around the stern to see if there is another fuel fill up.

BTW, I had bad fuel as well and got it pumped, but my guy did extra. Not sure if this is standard pump out procedure or just my guy does it...
After pumping the tanks as empty as possible, we put 5 gallons in each tank and he polished that to get any crud that may still be in the tanks.

Do you have a fuel gauge switch on your dash? Hopefully someone with a 396 will chime in, but I bet you have at least three tanks, two gauges and two gauge switches.
The gauge switches are momentary contacts. They should be marked port / starboard. When the switch is in the middle (normal position) your gauge will read empty. Turn and hold to either side and it will read the selected tank. The second gauge is most likely for your aux tank(s) and works the same way.

PS, ignition has to be on for the gauges to read.

buster53 wrote:Source of the post Ok, I know I have a different boat but the 356 and 396 are similar.
I have a second circuit breaker panel under the bench seat on the bridge. Have you looked for a second panel?

Regarding that second panel, I have several breakers right next to my battery switch including a breaker each for my primary panel and the secondary panel. It might be as simple as that breaker for the second panel got turned off by accident which basically turns off everything on the bridge.

I will check the panels out. Its odd that both tanks read Empty after putting in at least 80 gallons each. I didnt check the panel under the staircase and the one in master bedroom.

I thought only diesel had 3 tanks. Also, I have two separate gauges for port/starboard fuel so no need for a flip-switch.

If you put 80 gallons in each tank, you have power to your dashboard and ignition switches are on and both gauges read empty...yes, gauges and/or senders could be bad but very unusual for both to go bad at the same time. I'm guessing a hidden switch has been turned off. Confirm all breakers are on, both primary and bridge panel and the breaker that turns both panels on.

I will update this weekend, No energy to visit the boat - I am dead tired after the long weekend 1200 mile roundtrip to the Gulf shores. Maybe one day I'll travel from Galveston to Gulf Shores in my Carver.