Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to tap into the experience of Carver owners here for some practical input.

I’m currently sourcing a boat on behalf of a friend — the arrangement is that I’ll help find a suitable vessel, get it seaworthy, and oversee its transport (or delivery) to the Turks & Caicos. Once there, it will mainly serve as a liveaboard in a marina (at extremely good rate for me when needed), with occasional local recreational use.

I’ve come across a Carver 42, which is mechanically well maintained but in need of some upgrades which I’ll carry out. It has Crusader petrol engines. On paper and in person, it’s in good shape, and the 42 is perfect for its intended liveaboard purpose.

However, I’m trying to gauge whether the trip from the Bahamas down to Turks & Caicos would be realistically feasible in this vessel. Shipping the boat is proving cost-prohibitive, and my preference would be to invest that budget into the boat itself on upgrades, systems, safety gear, etc. rather than on transport.

I would be using a professional delivery skipper, and a couple of experienced captains have expressed interest but I want to make sure it’s feasible generally speaking, before committing to the purchase, should I have to find a new skipper. The plan would be to make the run in multiple legs, taking the route with maximum possible fuel and marina stops, given the range limitations of a petrol-powered Carver 42.

Before we go any further, I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s either:

1. Owned or delivered a similar Carver (particularly with Crusader gas engines) on longer passages,
2. Operated one extensively in the Caribbean or Bahamas, or
3. Has insight into sea-handling, and practical considerations for this kind of trip.

I’ve searched the forum (and others) as best I can, and obviously the boat lends itself to the Great Loop, but this one off trip is more demanding.

All input welcome. I’m not trying to push the limits, just looking to make an informed, safe, and cost-sensible decision.

Thanks in advance for any real-world advice!

CP