Carver Mariner Questions

M

Maxwell

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Hello,

We are looking at possibly purchasing a preowned (2002-2005) 350 or 360 Mariner for this upcoming boating season on Lake Michigan. Does anybody have any experience with either of these boats? In your opinion is it "enough boat" to be comfortable on Lake Michigan? Does the boat have any handling characteristics that make it a favorable or less favorable purchase than other boats in its class (aside from the obvious benefit of being part of the "carver owners" forum)? Aside from hours/price, are there any benefits by going with the 360 vs. a 350? We really like the layout but having never been on one while under way, any input would be greatly appreciated. We will definitely sea trial the boat before purchase but would like to arm ourselves with as much information as possible beforehand.

Thanks in advance for your input. Being new to this type of boating and this site I'll probably be asking a lot of questions... hopefully with a little time and experience I'll be able to answer a few before long...

-Max
 
Hi Max.

Working for a Carver dealer, I've seen countless numbers of these go through our dealership. Personally, I like the interior arrangement better on the 360 Mariner than the 350. Somehow they managed to get more space when they redid the interior. On a performance note, it is a fairly good riding boat...I've never been on one that pounded (even with the relatively flat bottom [4 degree deadrise]). Find one with big block engines or the newer Crusader 6.0 liter (375hp). The Crusader 270 (350cid) cruises at about 20 mph while the big block and 6.0Liter will cruise at around 28mph. Hope this helps.
 
Max,
We owned a 2001 350 for about 1 year. The sea trial was on Lake Michigan and it did not do well. Both of my kids got sick and 1 even flew off one of the bridge seats in the tides & the tv busted when it fell out of the cradle. We had it shipped to the Mississippi River and it obviously handled the river well. I can't say that it doesn't handle Lake Michigan, it just didn't on that 1 day.
We loved the room on the bridge & cabin...tons of space. My wife loved the bench on forward deck (which is why we bought it). Although both couches turned easily into beds, the kids wanted their own bedroom and bathroom (which they never use). The price was great and we were able to trade it in for what we wanted.

Just my experience/opinions....

Matt
 
Mumm...must've been a hell of a rough day. The Mariner is one of the most stable boats in it's size. In fact, when you take it into a full on turn, it doesn't even lean over, no matter what the speed.
 
quote:
Originally posted by RamSport47

Mumm...must've been a hell of a rough day. The Mariner is one of the most stable boats in it's size. In fact, when you take it into a full on turn, it doesn't even lean over, no matter what the speed.

Click to expand...


I guess...that was the only time I have ever been on Lake Michigan. You're right about the turn, I have done full turns at higher speeds with no problems.
 
Hi Max!
RAM is the Mariner guru, and I can help with Carver Aft Cabin experiences. When we searched, I liked the Mariner layout, but it didn't accomodate enough sleeping stations for our needs. We sleep 8 and usually use most of them with friends and family. I think the Mariner sleeps around 4-6 (RAM can validate). I loved the Mariner bridge layout (big) for entertaining. We boat on Lake Erie. Can't help you with Lake MI experience, but I would think that comparable wave heights on either would compare. I've been caught out in 6-7 footers in my 36' and feel quite safe. Obviously not as comfortable, but don't know who would be in those conditions unless you really move up in size. It's a good time to buy. I would recommend you walk some boats firsthand to identify your personal likes/dislikes before you jump in.
Don
 
We got a new to us 2001 350 Mariner last summer. We really enjoy it, having moved up from a 28 footer. We keep ours in a Chicago harbor in Lake Michigan. We have had no problem handling the waves - of course we don't go out if the weather is foul. We thought there might be an issue being top heavy, but that was not an issue; the wide beam really helps.

It has one stateroom, which works out great since we are empty nesters. Plenty of room for the family and friends during the day. The large refrigerator / freezer, layout and separate shower was exacltly what we were looking for.
 
Hope you enjoy your boat, Maxwell, whichever one you choose!!!
 
Don...yes the Mariner sleeps 6, in either 350 or 360 version. The 350 probably has more "adult" sleeping as the dinette is longer for full size people.

Maxwell...I got you e-mail ad will call in a day or two, kinda busy over the weekend.
 
We've got a '99 350 and it has suited us well - the fullsize boat fridge and the separate (two-person! a plus) shower were musts. I've had at least 10-11 folks sleep on the boat, but that was a crazy night...usually sleeping for 6 on the 350.
 
There is so much room on the insides of those boats.
It is unreal how much room there is in them.
 
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