Hello CY owners,

We are in the market for a carver 350 mariner specifically as we like its interior design. I saw one listed locally for a decent price and decided to visit it. I am not new to boating but this will be my first motor yacht. We plan to take half/full day cruises few times a year in local Galveston Bay. No long trips planned at this time.

This boat per broker was in probate after PO passed away and has been docked here at his marina for 1 year without being started or operated. We liked it cosmetically so I put a deposit on it pending survey and sea trial. At this time batteries are shot and will not turn over engines (They appear to be regular car batteries from O’Rileys.) The broker didn’t have a jump box on him. AC was on and cooling on shore power when we visited. Broker opened center hatch revealing generator but didn’t open engine hatches as we were standing on them. Later, I returned to take some pictures and was able to open engine hatches and inspect engines from the top. I am new to this boat style (outboard guy) and need your help here.

The Starboard engine was bone dry underneath, and the center of engine bay dry also (this is where an automatic bilge pump was installed) but the port engine had 2-3 inches of water under it possibly not making it to bilge pump in center. This could be rain water (likely) or from a leaky v-drive seal. I just noticed that shaft coming out of that engine’s v-drive (3-4 inches long) to the outside was submerged.Someone was working on the generator and airbox was open (air filter missing). Also, there is a coolant style pipe disconnected on top of generator. I understand that this boat is 22 years old and due to sitting in saltwater, appears to have lots of rust in the engine compartment.

Engines are 350 XL FI crusaders. I am fuel conscious and have a Ferrari when I have the urge to speed. This is for trolling/cruising only not to race, still I need opinion on 350's in this Hull. Broker claims, this kind of hull will be okay with these. Also is some water ok in bilge? I noticed, level of water was not enough to reach the center bilge pipe. Just confused why there is no bilge pump in starboard side of engine. lots of rusty parts but the boat sits in salt all its life.

Any advice? The owner today has agreed to have local marina start engines and put back genset for a sea trial.