350 Mariner

S

Shel

Member
Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2004
RO Number
13987
Messages
421
I have a friend who is going to look at a 2003 Carver 350 Mariner. I know very little about this boat so I was wondering if anyone here has any issues with this boat that he should look out for? This boat has 6.0 Mercs. I heard about a hint of a tranny problem on these boats, is that the case? Do these carvers have cored hulls?

Any data positive or negative would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Shel
 
Hi Shel, I have a ’98 350 Mariner. I’m the original owner and she has just over 600 hours on her (7.4L Mercs) and she’s in fresh water. I keep her well maintained and haven’t had what I would call unusual repairs. I did have one of the transmissions rebuilt at about 500 hours and 9 years old. So I would not consider that a fault of the boat. I change the oil and filters every 50 hours and every 2 years have all of the fluids, filters and impellers changed and the bottom painted and running gear inspected. We’re very happy with the boat overall.

Let me know if you’d like more info.

Nautidog
 
Thanks Nautidog, and welcome to the site.

I'm surprised that there are no comments on these boats. I'm assuming then, that this must be the best boat ever made... :-)

No one has anything to look out for on this boat?

Thanks,
Shel
 
Hi Shel,

I have only owned one since May. We purchased a 2000 with 7.4L engines and 300 hours. So far I haven't found anything that I really don't like. It is extremely livable for its size and is easier to handle than a full MY boat. Along with a rudder indicator, the only other thing that I have learned that I want on my next boat is diesel engines...

Hey Nautidog,

What rpm/speed is your most fuel efficient?
 
Hey Maxwell, you'll enjoy the boat. If anything comes up I'll do my best to help out. I don't have fuel flow meters on the ND but I believe she cruises best betweet 3000 - 3200. At that RPM we're doing about 18 kts +/-. Using the trim tabs and a GPS for speed you can get her dialed in pretty good.

ND
 
Shel (caution I am bias) I think the overall layout, large bridge, wide side decks, bow seat, large shower and a one level living area, make the Mariner very easy to like. She looks a little different - but that's part of her charm. Not knowing the options on the boat in question, Merc makes a good product and the fit and finish on the boat is well done. I would have the boat surveyed regardless and take a good look at the records.

ND
 
Thanks Nautidog,

One quick question, have you noticed any difference in handling/performance between having the fresh water tank full or mostly empty? I've heard people around the club saying how their boat runs better one way or another but I haven't been around long enough to know whether it really makes a difference. Any input?
 
Due to the heat here in Texas, I’ll sacrifice a little performance in an attempt to keep my water tank free of bacteria. I’ll keep my water tank 75% or more full and add an ounce or two of bleach. This has worked well so far. We don’t drink the water in the tank but use it to shower and do dishes. The extra weight (about 375 pounds + / -) is a tradeoff I’m willing to make in an attempt to keep the tank clean. Thoughts??

ND
 
Hey MarcJ,

my estimates are at about 3100 RPM, 18kts (~20.7MPH) I burm about 20 GPH which I believe is about 1.1 MPG (Don't tell Obama he'll try to take the ND away from me!)

ND
 
Wow ND, 1.1 mpg is really good.

Is there any table that shows the approx or expected rpm/kts/fuel burn out there for this boat? Looking through the old brochures etc. I did not see anything.

When I ran the boat back from Michigan we crossed in 3 hours 15 min. We were running a little higher RPM (3500ish) at 21kts and burned 120 gals of fuel. About 1.3 gpm...

Guess I need to settle down a bit...
 
I remember when the Mariner was redesigned I read a review in a mag (Boating??) that had a chart in it. But other than that I don't know. I will look in my ND file at home to see if I still have it. I do remember it showing that as you creep up the RPM's the fuel consumption went WAY up. They do get thirsty when you ask for more ponies.

ND
 
We've enjoyed our 2001 350 Mariner for a year now. Overall, agree with the positives - one level, shower great fridge with separate freezer (ice cream bars on the boat!!) Our visitors are always impressed, every time my express cruiser dock neighbor comes inside, he looks around and exclaims that it's a condo in here!

Cons I'm dealing with - she's nose heavy (all chain anchor rode) so the swim platform and ladder well always has puddling, the ladder gets moldy quick from it, and we need to always pull up the flybridge carpet since water flows through there. We've had a slight cabin leak (getting resolved slow but sure)

Otherwise our Key West North has been a pleasure.
 
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