2006 Carver 396my

M

Mumm24

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Mar 4, 2008
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29546
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Anyone have any opinions of the 2006 396? Its "brand new" but soon to be 3 years old. Dealer is aggresively selling it. I am very tempted to trade in my 2001 Mariner even though I just put in a new head, fridge/freezer, and 7.3 Kohler...and I obviously won't get that money back! I think its just too good of a deal to pass up. I haven't been on one other than this one...looking for opinions.
 
The 396 is a fantastically roomy boat and was very popular in it's day (they've ceased production). It is definately better with diesel but okay with gas as well. I'm sure the dealer wants to get it off of their books, and I believe you'll enjoy it at least as much as the Mariner. As far as te updates you've done, they'll help, but not much. The 396 will actually be a little easier to dock, assuming it has a bow thruster (I think it was standard in 2006).
 
Has Volvo's 8.1's...the dealer said it is border line for size for diesals, but obviously gas is cheaper. It actually does NOT have bow thrusters...I just found out today when we did our sea trial!!! Is that a deal breaker?? Even though its only 3 feet bigger than my mariner on paper, it is a much bigger boat. I have got payment down to what I want so, I will either deal with not having the thrusters or have them put in.
 
I don't think thrusters are a must for a boat that size with the 8.1 power.
However, you need to test run it and see for yourself to see if it needs it or not.
 
I would buy the boat as is, and later, if you need, add the thruster. The boat will handle pretty well a low speeds, but the extra windage will take some time to get used to
 
Well...we pulled the trigger & bought it! We close in a week. Thanks for all your advise...I will put up pics when I get take 'em.
 
Congrats!!!
Very Nice boat. A friend of ours owned a 396. He loved it but then got the itch to go bigger. I am sure you will be very happy with your new boat.

Don't forget to post some picture.
 
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We're supposed to close next saturday, but the Mississippi River is flooded...so I don't think it will happen cause I can't take mine up there.
 
Something looked odd in that last pic...then I realized it has a transom seat. We never had one with that. It looks nice, and I bet it's very useful. Congratulations on your new boat!!!
 
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