I have had a recent experience which leads me to this statement.
The customer support has been GREAT. They are always willing to help and always do everything possible to address any situation that I have encountered in the last couple years. But I must take issue with the documentation in the Owners manual. (for model year 2005 in the least!)
This is the second incident where the documentation does not reflect reality.
The first time happened last year when I wanted to do something about the intrusion of 'water in the forward bilge' when cruising in my Mariner. I determined that the water migrated through a thru hull fitting. The documentation implied that the most 'forward' thru hull fitting would be my target. I installed a clamshell to abate the situation, only to realize after the fact, that the 'aft' thru hull should have been the target. I went a season with with water in the bilge and a clamshell that should not live what it now resides.
The most recent adventure had to deal with the 'house' battery.
I tested the batteries before the season and determined that 2 of them needed to be replaced. According to the original documentation, one target was the 'house' and the second a 'starter' for starboard engine.
When shopping at a local battery specialist, I mentioned that I would like to purchase a deep cell AGM that would be able to power the refrigerator overnight and still have juice. He sold me the unit that would absolutely, undeniably and without question 'do the job'!
This at $350.00! Ok, its a boat..just do the job!
On Memorial Day we were on the hook and I figure let's give it a go. After 2 hours...DEAD!
It couldn't recharge vacu-flush, no water pump, no nothing. DEAD! What the HECKFIRE!! It is a $350.00 battery that is one week old!!!
I schlep it back to the place and the battery tests perfect. The guy tells me it is something on the boat. Maybe a short or something is draining the battery. Oh no..another headache...another expense!!
My friend brings down an amp meter in order to determine the draw of the fridge, etc., and we figure out that the battery labeled 'house' on the original documentation is actually the 'generator' battery. The battery labeled 'generator' is really the house!
What a pain!!! I love Carver... I HATE their documentation!!!
The good news is that its an easy fix. A little switch-a-roo and problem solved.
The bad news was that it was yet another cause for stress, grief and wasted time.
But.... I still love the Carver brand!