1990's 26/280 Sedans

G

garstan

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Nov 15, 2003
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12460
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I just listed my 30' Tollycraft with a broker. It broke my heart because I love that boat. But with gas prices being what they are (and headed who knows where) it just wasn't the right boat for me anymore. The Tolly is too big to tow so I would need to cruise it to where I want to go. It just doesn't make sense to spend 2000+ dollars for gas just to get the boat to where I want to cruise (Puget Sound and the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands....but I live in Portland) when I could tow a boat up there and launch for $100 or so. So I plan to downsize to a trailerable cruiser.

Now my questions. Sorry about taking so long to get here. While doing some web searching, the Carver 26 Command Bridge Sedans (later re-named the 280 Sedans) look like my idea of a nice cruiser. Nice layout. My wife and I like to sit in the cabin and be able to look out so we really aren't keen on express cruisers. We also like a flybridge.

Any comments from owners or anyone informed about these models appreciated. Are they towable? They look like they may be (but at the upper limit, I know). 3/4 ton pick-up okay, or would it need a one ton?

Seaworthiness in big off-shore water? Any big handling or performance differences between twins or singles?

Any and all comments or opinions welcomed. Thanks.
 
They are a big boat...29'10" long and 9'6 wide...I don't remember the weight. a 3/4 tonner will tow it, but permits will be needed. As far as the boat...get twins...the boat will be MUCH more stable with twins. Personally I like an express with windows..aka my 27 Montego, but the layout of the 280 Sedan is a nice one (We like to sit outside)
 
The 260/280 is a really nice boat if you want to stick to a single engine. As Kenny says, its rather "big" for that size range, and should be pretty reasonably priced today because flybridges are less popular in some markets than are the more modern express cruisers...
 
We have a 27' Santego and love it, this boat is perfect for our boating wants and needs. It is a nice blend of a sedan and express cruiser, but with an 8400# dry wgt and 10'6" beam, not sure about trailerability.
 
Thanks for your answers. I put off thanking you responders hoping that someone that actually owns one of these would chime in with opinions/experiences. Your answers are apppreciated, though.

According to Carvers brochure (1992 model), this boat comes in at 29' 11" and about 8500 lbs dry weight. On the big side for towing but I think it would be doable.
 
Last I knew I still have one...sorta. Its 2000 miles south of here, but I guess that qualifies me as a proud owner of a Carver 26 Santa Cruz.
Heres the deal and I am sure its different in all 50 states. The max. width for towing here in N.H.without permit is 102 inches.
I pulled mine with my 1 ton E-350 no problems. I then pulled it with my 1982 Cherokee Chief jeep and you want to be real careful and go SLOW.
As for ocean wortheyness?? I dont go out in anything more than 2 footers period forget no fun.
We like the boat, as for 2 engines...we have one 350/350 and after a week or so of practice...I can dock with the best of them...providing theres someone around to grab a bow line. Hope this helps.
1984 Santa Cruz "Maybe Baby" Keep em floating
 
There is a 1991(I think) 280 Carver just 2 berths down from my boat. I have been out on the boat. I have been at the wheel once or twice, but my memory is vague on the details of its handling. It did handle about the same as my 3207, as I recall, which is quite well. I could notice a little difference in handling, as my boat weighs about the same. The neighboring boat has twin 305 Crusaders, if memory serves me correctly, I really can't recall for sure. Nice boat. It rides well, very solid. But, like my boat, tends to "plow" when not on plane. Nice comfortable layout. Roomy galley.

The couple that own it have become pretty good friends over the years, as we both own Carvers. His complaint, as with most boat owners with similar hull configurations, is fuel consumption. Crusaders, I have found, can be a thirsty lot. And the hull configuration of a Carver is not one of performance, but comfort. He did add a new fuel delivery/monitoring system, the same as I installed in 2006, over the past winter. I have not seen him this year to ask how it is working out. It did dramatically help the fuel economy and performance of my boat with its larger Crusaders, however.

Twins are nice. I was very surprised by the difference vs. a single engine craft. Plus you would have the peace of mind of having, hopefully, one good engine to limp home on should one engine decide to puke. I hope that it never happens to test that theory.

I would say, with the requirements you have for your needs/wants/boating style, the 280 would be an excellent choice. I do feel that it might be a hefty load to haul all of the time, at a dry weight of around 12000#, but that is for you to decide. I think I would moor it if you would be traveling any distance. If you add in the expense of buying a good tow vehicle, gas and maintenance for the vehicle, you may be spending as much, if not more, than dock fees. Plus you could skirt the headache of towing and launching. Just my $.02.

Carvers are great boats. I'm glad I own the one I have. It would take something extraordinary to get me off of it and onto something else. I don't think you could have made a better choice.

Sorry for the tardiness in the reply.

Bob
 
I own a 280 expess, and I'm very happy with it. I do tow it with a F250 and it handles it well.
Mine is a single 7.4 with 330 hp it tops out at about 35 mph and cruises about 22 mph.
empty weight is about 7,000 lbs so I have it on a triple axle trailer. It does have a 9' 6" beam so in fla you need a permit, but its no big thing you pay a fee and thats it once a year. I have a bravo 3 outdrive and i think it handles well( i had an alpha 1 on a 5.0 before and that was terrible)
the hull seems to cut high seas well of course you have to slow down accordinglly. we trailer our boat 200 miles to daytona a couple of times a year and stay in marinas for a couple of weeks.
Hope this helps some
 
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