Wow talk about a seller's Market!

[TNT8808]

My mind is wide open to discussion. We like the accommodations and styling of the Carver 53 but I'm all ears in getting any info especially from folks with first hand knowledge about the boat. As usual when you talk to Carver folks, they think their boats are the best made, trouble free bots ever made. Talk to a Searay owner and Carvers are junk. We are still in the discovery mode for sure. We also like the later Navigators, Compass, Symbols. One thing I find interesting in terms of pricing is the relatively high value of Bayliners of the same size and vintage. I was always under the impression that they were lower budget boats. We don't actually like the interior materials much so they are not on the radar for us.
Carpe Diem

FWIW...my dock mate has a 53 voyager pilot house, and he loves it. Only issues he's had is the water heater has developed a fatal leak, and the location makes it impossible to replace without (1) cutting out the cabinetry in I believe the master stateroom or (2) moving one of the engines. He's been quoted $5k for either solution. I believe he's going to have it relocated to the port stern area instead for about $2,500. Also, the Volvo's with the above waterline exhaust make an enormous amount of soot while underway. They can normally clean the side of their boat, swim platform, and dinghy pretty easily if they were only out idling about but I watched them this past weekend after a 10 day trip and they spent 2 days scrubbing the soot off the dinghy.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

FWIW...my dock mate has a 53 voyager pilot house, and he loves it. Only issues he's had is the water heater has developed a fatal leak, and the location makes it impossible to replace without (1) cutting out the cabinetry in I believe the master stateroom or (2) moving one of the engines. He's been quoted $5k for either solution. I believe he's going to have it relocated to the port stern area instead for about $2,500. Also, the Volvo's with the above waterline exhaust make an enormous amount of soot while underway. They can normally clean the side of their boat, swim platform, and dinghy pretty easily if they were only out idling about but I watched them this past weekend after a 10 day trip and they spent 2 days scrubbing the soot off the dinghy.

I will definitely be looking to buy a Cummins powered one for sure. The 2000-2002 models have the the 450 Diamond series engines as an option. The water heater location is a bit worrisome. I just don't get how some boats are designed with major appliances being impossible to replace like that.
Thanks for the share
Carpe Diem

 

[CaptRonn]

I just don't get how some boats are designed with major appliances being impossible to replace like that.

Carpe Diem

For the most part, recreational boats are not designed to be maintained. The engineering required would cut into the profit margin, and boat manufacturers have the "get it out the door and sold mentality".

 

[Carver370]

FWIW...my dock mate has a 53 voyager pilot house, and he loves it. Only issues he's had is the water heater has developed a fatal leak, and the location makes it impossible to replace without (1) cutting out the cabinetry in I believe the master stateroom or (2) moving one of the engines. He's been quoted $5k for either solution. I believe he's going to have it relocated to the port stern area instead for about $2,500. Also, the Volvo's with the above waterline exhaust make an enormous amount of soot while underway. They can normally clean the side of their boat, swim platform, and dinghy pretty easily if they were only out idling about but I watched them this past weekend after a 10 day trip and they spent 2 days scrubbing the soot off the dinghy.

They have something going on with those engines / fuel if they are sooting anything up. I have been involved with quite a few Cummins and Volvo powered 53/56/57 Voyagers and none of them soot up the transom, sides or whatever is on the platform.

 

[DougLas]

1990 39 Express with low hours. There were interested lookers but no buyers. Not sure why boat is a very clean freshwater boat. With under 600 hours on gas engines. Most of the 1989 to 1990 Express are listed at $49 t0 $53. Ours price is $42 We had one offer that was $20,000 "really!"

 

[Garintheair]

1990 39 Express with low hours. There were interested lookers but no buyers. Not sure why boat is a very clean freshwater boat. With under 600 hours on gas engines. Most of the 1989 to 1990 Express are listed at $49 t0 $53. Ours price is $42 We had one offer that was $20,000 "really!"

Two months ago a clean 1988 390 sold as a repo for $8,000.00. Freshwater boat with full canvass and windlass although with no generator nor heat/ac. It seemed an odd configuration for that boat

 

[Pirate Lady]

I meant financially.

Unless your budgeting for a newer boat, buying NEW could be expensive. Speaking for myself only. I'll only pay cash for my toys. NO MORE PAYMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG. if you werent in South CA i'd swear you were the guy on Hopkins Creek that has NO PAYMENTS as the name of his boat plastered along the whole side.

 

[DougLas]

Two months ago a clean 1988 390 sold as a repo for $8,000.00. Freshwater boat with full canvass and windlass although with no generator nor heat/ac. It seemed an odd configuration for that boat

I have seen 39 Express for $29,000 mostly earlier ones pre 90s with wood seats for captain and companion. When they were looked at closely they were junk.

 

[sbw1]

No matter what you buy, Sea Ray, Carver, Bayliner, whatever, it should be such a small percentage of your net worth that regardless of its depreciation, it is of little concern to you. Boating is frivolous fun. Don't become boat poor.

 

[Juliery]

View attachment 93966 No matter what you buy, Sea Ray, Carver, Bayliner, whatever, it should be such a small percentage of your net worth that regardless of its depreciation, it is of little concern to you. Boating is frivolous fun. Don't become boat poor.

Terrific advice and precisely one of the reasons I am delighted to own a 1993 SeaRay 290! Mint condition with freshly rebuilt 7.4 and Bravo 2. Should keep this old guy on the water and out of the bank for a long time.