Hi, have 2004 Crusader 6.0s... hopefully a simple question...to change the t-stat on the heat exchanger, do you need to drain off any of the coolant? I can’t tell if the housing is below or above the degas bottle fluid level... thanks!

I have a Raymarine E120 chart plotter and would like to install AIS. Is there a compatible system out there? I’m thinking the Raymarine AIS 650 or 700 as possible options but I recall reading some compatibility issues. Anyone have insight or have one installed?

Hey Gang,

We have a gorgeous 1998 355 Aft Cabin here in Washington State. I’ve installed a new Garmin radar combo kit with “ClearVu" and CHIRP. We’re planning on installing a new through hull transducer this winter. Strictly Puget Sound cruising. So max depth of 500’.

Any suggestions on transducer type and also importantly, what is the deadrise angle I should plan for? There are a few options available and I don’t want to goof that up!

Thanks for any advice you can give us!

Cheers, Greg

Hi all,
I recently purchased a 3607 carver with 2 x 350 hp engines.
I have not used the boat yet as i bought it winter stored 300 miles away and will fit it out and sail it home in spring.
the fuel tanks hold 250 gals us,
travelling at about 8-9 knots what kind of fuel consumption should i expect? (hourly?)
Does anyone know where i can buy a main replacement hatch .Size 19.5 in X 19.5 in.cutout size. New or used?
Does anyone know the size of the thru hull fittings located just above water line. We have 2 ac's .?
Thanks for any assistance.

I have a 2000 396 Aft Cabin. The admiral really wants a seat or two on the bow. I recently saw a seat on the aft rail of a sail boat which connects to the rail on the back with a small leg on the front. Has anyone installed such a seat on the bow rail.

A company (www.zarcor.com) that makes such seats for sail boats sent the following response to my question:

"For several reasons, we do not custom make seats for the bow of power, and Sailboats. Thank you for your interest."

I found a site which described a DYI solution instead of a custom seat as well as a company out of Australia (http://www.hitekmarine.com.au/bowrailseat.htm) which makes an easily removable seat.

Hi, I am selecting one of a handful of Carver 396's that are for sale in my area. One I am looking at has Volvo Penta 8.1 engines. After some research, I seems they are more or less mercury engines. I am very much a DYI type so easy access to parts and a reasonable cost is critical to me.

I read some comments the Volvo diesels are not so reliable but that the gas Volvos are a different animal all together. I am only interested in gas as my MO is sit at the dock a lot and make mostly short trips with the wife in the harbor.

Are parts readily available at a reasonable cost? (basic maintenance parts and typical DYI parts like exhaust, risers, pumps, alternators, PCM, etc )

All other things being equal, is there any reason to avoid a boat with the Volva Penta 8.1?

I am planning to have a professional survey done on any boat I purchase.

Thank you
Russ
Stony Brook, NY

Hello everyone. I posted this on the Carver 430 FB page. It was suggested I also copy it here as there are many Carvers similar to my 430.

As the boat is hibernating and things are slow at work, I though I'd take some time to try and get a little better educated in preparation for the spring. I make no secret of the fact that we are new boaters with our first boat. On my 91 430 I have 3 Air units. I know for sure one is located under the forward bed. I read on an earlier post that there is one sitting above the generator. No idea how to access that one or how to service it if needed. Any idea as to where the third unit is located? And speaking of service....what service do they need either routinely or periodically? As to the cooling of the units........I know that forward of the stbd engine I see 4 raw water intake seacocks. Starting most forward and going clockwise the big one is the main raw water intake seacock for the stbd engine. To the right of that there is a smaller intake which I believe to be for the forward head. Behind that is a similar sized hose that I believe is for the aft head. To the left of that and behind the engine raw water intake is a smaller hose that I believe is for the air conditioner units. It goes to a strainer basket. After that I can't say. I'm guessing it goes to a pump. Is the pump accessible? Is there an impeller that might need to be replaced? Is there only one pump for all 3 units? Feel free to jump in on this conversation. Any helpful advice is appreciated.

Hi All,

I am new here, so I'll do my best to adhere to protocol.

I am in the very long process of restoring a 1974 Carver Santa Cruz. It seems to have an electrical issue which led me to looking for the production wiring diagram. So far with no luck. Can someone tell me if the wiring diagram is available and if so how to get it?

Thanks all PT

I am currently ordering replacement amps and speakers for my 3607 however I am basically locked out of my boat until spring. Does anybody know the size of the stock speakers? 6, 6.5, or 6.75 inches?
Thank You.

My 2002 444 MY had not seal on the cockpit lazarette hatch. Needless to say it is letting water in the lazarette. I attempted to put a seal on the top of the rounded edge of the deck (the part the hatch rest on when closed), and another piece on the hatch itself to make a seal. It did not work. Anyone know the correct seal or gasket for this application. If not suggestions would be nice. Should the gasket actually make the seal on the top of the deck to bottom of the hatch, or on the lip of the hatch sealing to the side of the rounded “gutter”?

Any suggestions would be great, or hopefully someone has already addressed this issue. Thanks.