Carver Owners Forum

I'll preface this by saying I do plan to comb through the forum to read up on as much as I can, but also want to ask for any and all advice on the 506 - model year changes, things to look out for, common issues, engine manufacturers, etc.

As a kid, I grew up with a Silverton 402 and many of my favorite childhood memories are with the family are on that boat. By the time I was a teenager, I was very confident handling that boat in tight spaces. Now with a wife and young kids of my own, we've already started to scratch the itch with a Rinker 246 Bowrider that we trailer, but also want to get into overnighting like I did years ago. We really like the layout of the 506 MY. So, we're keeping a lookout for a freshwater example (we're on Lake Erie). All things considered, summer '27 would probably be the most optimal timing for us (our kids are still diaper-aged), however, that could get pushed forward or back depending on a variety of factors, including finding the right boat. So, have the time now to try to become as much of an expert on the 506 as I can be without owning one.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome aboard!
We bought our first Carver when our son was 3 months old. Went on a 3 week vacation in the boat when he was 14 months old. Great memories.

Started power boating when my boys were 4 & 1. They were always entertained by the adventure of overnighters and medium range trips. Their behavior was different when they were cruising the marinas. They even stuck with family vacations much longer than their friends, and didn't lose interest until they hit driving age. Our peers were losing their kids interest at age 10 - 13, but our boys hung with us. A boat seems to keep families together better than long car rides. At least for us it did. Good luck. 506 is a great choice! Good luck in your search! er

Welcome aboard! We've had our 2000 506 for a couple of years and really like it. We have the fully enclosed fly with the optional A/Cs. Ours was in the Chicago area for many years and got an engine refit from the TEAC's to D12-675s. While the power is nice, the fuel consumption can be heavy. The boat is very comfortable and I've found it easy to maneuver in most conditions (except high winds). I've done some normal upgrades (nav, hoses, etc.) and have found the boat very reasonable to work on. Construction quality is good to very good (no wood core). Standard components are of good quality, but getting old. Our Charles ISOBoost transformer no longer has the boost function operating. Only PITA job I've encountered was a failed forward grey water pump with tough access. She lives on Kentucky lake, but we'll be up your way on the loop in summer 2027, with new solar, house batteries and other needed upgrades.