1986 carver mariner

swim335

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2009
RO Number
31362
Messages
5
I am looking at purchasing a 1986 fresh water carver mariner. She has just over 1000 hours. Looking for a solid family boat for local lake. Any opinions about this boat would be apprecited..
 
quote:

Originally posted by swim335






I have the same boat, in great shape with less than half of those hours on it. It's in Ohio though. Like most people's boats, it is for sale!

These are great boats and there are a lot of them out there. I prefer the Mariner layout over the voyager layout (personal preference). The only downside I have found of the boat is the relatively low deadrise bottom. It doesn't take a hard chop too well. But is is super comfy at the dock!

I am selling because there is a 3067 Santego I am interested in buying. If it doesn't sell, I will not be disappointed as I am happy with the boat.

Please ask any questions about this model and I am sure we all would be happy to answer them!
 
Chefjunk,
Can you give me some more info on your boat? Do you have any pictures? Been looking on line and found one in New Hampshire. I live in Atlanta so, I would need to have it shipped anyway.
 
I didn't think you would be interested being that it is so far away, but no problem!

The pictures I have are older and need updating. I am heading to the island for the weekend so I will bet some updated photo's.

BTW, asking $24900, but that doesn't mean much these days!

Thanks,

Jim
 
I have an 86 mariner too. It's a great boat and the 86 was the only year they had a keel on the hull. It handles slop a little better than the 87 and newer models with the flat hull. It also protects the props as the keel will find the shallow areas before the props will-kinda like having prop pockets without the handling issue. The Crusader engines are superior to the Merc engines. I've had mine for 8 yrs and have done most of the maintenance myself. With a 23 yr old boat, replacing the fuel tanks would be something to look at or hope for. Carver set these aluminum tanks down on plywood with just thin rubber strips to act as standoffs-not a superior method. I just replaced both of mine within the last 2 years when the port tank first started leaking. The port engine must be removed to pull the port tank. Its a great family boat. We sleep 4 fairly comfortably, been vacationing on it for a week at a time and found it very roomy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
 
cmariner32,
Thanks for the info. How is the boat holding up structuraly and cosmetically? I notced on some mariners the gel coat is dull. Is that becuase of the age or the color carver used?
 
On our 89 the gel coat is standing up remarkably well....here's a couple of pictures from last fall....judge for yourself:

IMG_2898.jpg


IMG_0890SMALL.jpg
 
My bad. I keep forgetting that there was a 28 Mariner. The 28 Mariner hulls-and the entire boat for that matter is different than the 32-33 Mariners. 87 and newer 32-33 Mariners (3297 models) share the same hull as the 32 Montego. The '86 Mariner (3297) was the only Mariner with a keel.
 
I recently bought a 1985 Mariner 36, and i love it. It also has a keel, so maybe just the 32 is without?
 
I have a 1986 Carver 32 with a keel. It is in nice shape, comfortable to stay in and fairly easy to pilot and maintain. It handles chop well, with a 12' beam.
 
all 28 Mariners and Voyagers had keels...only 1986 32 Mariners had keels...in 1987, they removed it. Oh, and the 3697 Mariner had a keel as well.
 
oh great. now i have keel envy. my 1996 voyager 320 does not have one.
 
I too have an 86 Mariner 3297. I love it. Plenty of little projects, but what boat doesn't have these. Structurally sound, engines are great (same Crusaders as cmariner32 above) Enough room to sleep 6, but gets kind of crowded. I don't have the gas tank issue mentioned above. Handles great, twin engines are the only way to go... but these are perfectly powered for this boat, not speed demons, but can comfortable cruise at 3200 rpm and go about 23 mph.

Working on the engines or in the engine compartment is a breeze with the way they are located under the rear deck area. I had a little blistering on the gel coat, but a good sanding and 3 coats of bottom paint has cured that and last 2 years haven't seen any signs of blistering when hauling out for the winter.
 
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