Hi Carver-folk!
Just finalized everything (pretty much) today on a brand spanking new (hah!) Riviera 2807. Having it shipped to my front yard soon, will work on upgrading the electronics and fluids while saving thousands in storage-bucks this winter. The survey was very comforting - no moisture throughout except swim platform and bow pulpit - none! Everything in great shape, the only negatives: no upgraded electronics and needs a few maintenance items such as replace trans lubrication, keep an eye on thru-hulls, one electrical connection using twist-on caps. Need gfi plugins in 2 places. That's about it. We will replace the full canvas top, 2 pieces, in black of course. upgrade the batteries and look to adding solar so we don't have to be a dock queen. Wish there was a way to install a windlass on this boat!

Next: find a maintenance manual online. Any leads? I have the owners manual from the generic online thing but it contains few details about engine care. 2 x 220 hp Crusaders. I have been working with a single 36 hp VP diesel for 6 years so it is a challenge gazing upon a pair of big V8s.

This boat from way back in 1983 has the look and feel of a recent vintage, which says a whole lt about how Carver builds them.

I kook forward to learning from you folks as I start having serious fun with it in my yard over the coming season!

I have read some comments here critical of the layout of the Riviera. They give me a chuckle. This layout is prefect and so superior to the tedious and overworked open-stern (a la Sea Ray) with the curvy couches and downstairs living quarters (no aft cabin). Of course, each to his or her own, different folks, and all that. But seriously . . .

Happy to be here!