Need Boat Buying Advice

[Bucketmouth]

Hello,
I am new to this forum. I currently do not own a Carver, but I am seriously considering it. I am looking at a 1977 Carver Santa Cruz with a 240 Penta stern drive. It appears to me to be well maintained. If anyone could tell me anything about this model it would be greatly appreciated. Value, pros,cons adn stuff to look out for. Thanks

[waybomb]

If you like the boat, hire a SAMS surveyor to survey the vessel. If there is something wrong with the boat, he'll find it. Based on your lack of knowledge, it may also be wise to add on a driveline survey as well.

Best money you will ever spend.

Don't fall in love with a boat before you get a survey report. That would be the worst mistake you could make, falling in love first.

When selecting a surveyor, ask around and look for the SOB that found everything wrong. He's the guy you want.

[apconnelly]

The advice about a surveyor is great advice. I attempted to purchase a 2004 444ES and it looked pristine.....Got hull and engine surveys and boat needed a minimum of 22K in repairs. As previous poster stated, survey cost was best money spent!
Now currently have contract on 2005 41CMY with surveys scheduled for 9/16/14.
Hopefully, in early Oct., I will be an owner....

Needless to say, never short cut the survey process....saved me a bundle of money and future frustration!

[Lyndon670]

Before I bought my 2001 506, I looked at what appeared to be a pristine 2002 466. The survey discovered almost 200 blisters in the hull and a tick under 46k to make it right. If any boat was a boat that would make you skip the survey, this would have been the one. Low hours, beautiful shine on the gel coat, and berths that still had the factory plastic from Carver. Needless to say, my $1300 was worth every penny.

[Lyndon670]

As for the value - on a boat of this vintage, the value is only what someone will pay for it. It has depreciated to the point that it is below chart value, so there is no monetary value attached to it anymore. If you are open to my question, what do you think it is worth?