Looking at 1987 3807 Aft Cabin

D

DUSTCUTTER

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We are looking at a 3807 Aft cabin this weekend. Fresh water boat its whole life. Plan on running it down to Florida in the fall of 2016. Seeking info from this group of Carver owners. Any specific items we should be looking for? Window or stanchion leaks, soft spots in the deck ect. 660 hrs dock queen. A survey will be ordered later. This will be our fifth motoryacht. Never had a Carver before. Using it as a live aboard during the winter.

Ron
 
Nice layout and use of space like most Carvers. Window leaks, hatch leaks, moisture or mold issues are common from that time period. Closed cooling system? Also check to make sure both gas tanks are being used (got burned on last purchase). Original refrigerator could need work or replacement by now. Is stove propane or electric? Old propane lines could an issue. If it has points, look at conversion kits. I'm assuming Crusaders? Bullet proof if maintained. Typical older boat stuff but fresh water use makes it worth investing in. Anything specific you are worried about?
Jim
 
Nice boat I came very close to buying one several years ago.
 
We knew folks that had one and the deck fills leaked water into the gas tanks. If the boat has not been used make sure it hits max revs and can cruise there for several minutes. After running it, you might pull the filters and empty them into a bucket to see if there is water in the tanks. Otherwise I thought the boat handled and ran well.
Make sure you have some sort of boarding ladder or steps to go with it. Living aboard a boat without a washer/dryer is more difficult since you have to carry all of the laundry around. I agree the Norcold may be shot. If that is the case, don't replace it with a Norcold.
There are a gang of them out there so I'd be somewhat aggressive with the offers.
 
I used to have an '88, 3807. Nice boat, plenty of room, very comfortable. If you are taking it from Ohio to FL, you are going to be burning a lot of gas. I assume it has twin 454's. Running hull speed (7-8 knots) which we always did, you will get about 1 mpg. Get it up on plane and now you are down to less than 1/2 mpg.
 
I might add that when we sold our boat 6 years ago, the only major issue the surveyor found was both holding tanks needed to be replaced. The one on the port side is easy to get to and replace...no big deal. However, the one on the starboard side is a different story. For that one, you have to remove the refrigerator and take it out that way. It was NOT an easy job to do. If it needs to be done, whoever does it, do yourself a favor and order replacement tanks that are slightly smaller than original. Makes replacing them a little easier.

If you do buy it, don't hesitate to touch base with me. Any issues that come up, I may have already addressed them and may know some shortcuts.
 
The water getting past the fill cap and into the gas tank is very common with that design. The cap sits flat on the deck and water will get in if it is not tight or the "o" ring fails. Mine was cracked and looked like dry rot. I think previous owner just abandoned the tank and screwed me on the purchase. I should have noticed the valves running off one tank but missed it. Surveyor walked by it as well.
Jim
 
Many thanks for all your input. We will be there on Sunday to check things out and to take lots of pictures. Was the lower station an option? Is there a closet big enough to put in a washer dryer? A splendid. Washer/dryer in one.
Did this year of motors come with thunder bolt ignition system, ( pointless ). Our trip to Florida will be at hull speed. We are in no rush. Plan to visit as many vineyards & golf courses along the way. While eating our way through the Culinary Institute:)I have put a punch list together to keep my focus on point.

Ron
 
We only looked at two 3807's and neither had a lower station, but I think it was an available option. As far as putting in a washer/dryer, I guess anything is possible, but it would be a costly install meaning a complete redesign of a cabin. We have friends who used to have a 4207 and it did have an installed washer/dryer.
 
The worst of it will be getting it inside without ripping up the boat. We have had to remove the center window from our boat a few times for things like a fridge, chairs etc.. PITA.
 
Even the bigger Carvers run into that situation. My friend had a 44 foot aft cabin and we took the windshield out to change the the fridge out.
Jim
 
Tomorrow is the day for inspection. Adding to the list to measure entry doors. Plus all large objects that need to be replaced. Depending on what we find. We could have an offer in on Monday subject to survey and sea trials in the spring. I will report back on Sunday what we have found. More to discuss.

Ron
 
Bring a tape measure with you. Measure the widest opening and then look at the front windows to see how they come out in case you need to go there. Did I say in case? Check that thought. You will most likely have to go there at some point.
 
If you do have to remove something large, remember you can remove the companionway double doors to make the opening a few inches wider.
 
Delay: Drove out to the boat this Sunday afternoon. Owner gave me instructions that there was a door in the shrink to gain access. Brought my own ladder and camera. Arrived at boat. No access door. Owner out of town, not expected to return to mid week. Update to follow.
 
Look at the positive. Now you know nobody else is looking at it. Good to have this info while negotiating. Owner let you look at it without he or broker being there?
Jim
 
Based on that I would be suspicious of the boat because the owner is not even in touch with how the shrink wrap was done. He has not been there since it was wrapped and thus has not checked on it.
However at least he did wrap it based on what you saw.
 
I used to check on my boat after it was wrapped, but after 15 years of finding nothing and not really figuring out what I was looking for, I stopped checking. Now I just go once in a while to sit and have a beer.
Jim
 
FWIW - we had a 1988 4207. Fridge went bad. Took the doors and hinges off of it, and took the door between the aft deck and the cabin completely out - frame and all. Replacement fridge went in the same way.
 
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