I'm happy to joint the Carver Owners site and value your ideas and input as Carver owners.

My wife and I are considering purchase of a 1987 27‘ Carver Montego Twin Cabin. We are looking for a boat with the following considerations:
- twin engine boat for maneuverability and backup in case one engine goes down
- smaller engines to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency (we don't plan on needing higher speeds)
- ability to trailer shorter distances (50 miles max) as we don't live on water, and are trying to avoid marina costs as we prepare for our trip
- roomy enough for the two of use to be comfortable as we plan to do the Great Loop in 2021
- seaworthy enough to cross a portion of the Gulf, and the Great Lakes (on good weather days)
- our budget is limited to $20,000 for the boat and trailer
- it's likely that we will not keep the boat long after the trip

Has anyone used this or a similar boat for what we're planning to do? I will mention that we completed a 1600 mile joutney from the Twin Cities to Mobile and the Gulf last Fall in six weeks on a 24' pontoon boat w/ a simple shelter and bunks aft and were comfortable. Are we on the wrong path and looking at the wrong boat?

Thank you for your thoughts in advance.