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1997 Carver 445 Aft ACMY first big boat advice?

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by yachtnman, Jul 17, 2012.

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  1. yachtnman, Jul 17, 2012
    #1
    yachtnman

    yachtnman New Member

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    Hello fellow yachtin folks...

    I am seriously considering purchasing a 1997 Carver 445 ACMY with 502 MPI Mercs at 415hp each.

    I have taken it on a sea trial and have found the following issues:

    1) Oil dripping in the bilge under each engine below the drain plug and below the belt pulley front center of the engine and additional water after sea trial than before in the bilge

    2) Top RPM is only 4000 when it is rated 4400-4800.

    3) port engine idles at 590rpm...starboard engine idles at 990rpm.

    4) Rudder indicator does not seam to be working.

    5) RPM guages are fogging up

    6) Shifters are stiff...it is a dual helm.

    7) Very bad septic smell eminates the entire boat.

    8) Synchronizer does not seem to engage.

    9) Bottom paint is going on 9 years old...will I find blisters when hauled...very warm climate in the south....although a fresh water boat from day one.

    10) The Generator belt squeals at start up and has rubber debris all around it...pulley looks to be out of alignment.

    Are these issues I would be wise to have the owner of the boat to repair or should I control the repairs and offer a lower price to account for these lack of maintenance issues?

    Are these issues fairly easy to remedy?

    Does anyone have any performance data...real data...not from Carver that I could use such as Cruise/MPH/GPH/RPM...&......WOT/MPH/GPH/RPM?

    For anyone who responds...I greatly appreciate your assistance....This will be my first BIG motoryacht as I am graduating from a 31' Tiara Open.

    Thanks in advance!!!
  2. Pascal, Jul 17, 2012
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Gassers on a boat that size? Definitely a lake side condo... If you are going to keep it on the lake that s fine but if you plan on taking it to open waters you should go for diesels.

    Lots of issues... Not unusual but seems like a neglected boat.

    Hope the price reflects this.
  3. yachtnman, Jul 18, 2012
    #3
    yachtnman

    yachtnman New Member

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    Thanks for responding Pascal.

    Yes it will be on a land locked Lake in the South....so no big water issues and gas is readily available....I would still much rather have diesels in a boat this size but then I am not paying a diesel price.

    I am concerned that the 502's will have enough power that I will be operating them at 4000 rpm or so just to get on plane and stay there and not plow.

    I agree... the issues found are due to lack of maintenance...so not sure what else the survey will find.....
  4. talexander38, Jul 18, 2012
    #4
    talexander38

    talexander38 Member

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    have the engines checked and the low rpm could be from a dirty bottom also, the smell, the waste lines need replaced I bet, it's a DIY but it's also a PITA , I bet this boat has sat alot.....And with those 502's in that size boat you won't be hitting WOT as much as you think....you can watch the the needle drop at WOT, my 454's love gas at anything above 3800...:rolleyes:
  5. yachtnman, Jul 18, 2012
    #5
    yachtnman

    yachtnman New Member

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    Could you help me out as to what DIP and PITA stands for?

    So am I to assume that you think the 502's will be plenty of power?...boat weighs 32,000lbs with fuel and water.....add in about 3,000 lbs of gear people, washer, dryer and dishwasher...and you are pushing 35,000 lbs.
  6. AlfredZ, Jul 18, 2012
    #6
    AlfredZ

    AlfredZ Senior Member

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    DIY: Do It Yourself
    PITA: Pain In Somewhere that hurts! (If this much is no violation to the rules).

    Cheers.
  7. Ormond Bert54, Jul 18, 2012
    #7
    Ormond Bert54

    Ormond Bert54 Senior Member

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    You may have some time before virtually ALL of the systems on the boat require repair or replacement not not as much as you may think.

    The gasoline engines may be a good thing ... will save you from replacement of a diesel that could be huuuuge money.

    Did you say how many hours are on the engines? How is the genset?

    Big boats are fun for sure. A home away from home.
  8. talexander38, Jul 18, 2012
    #8
    talexander38

    talexander38 Member

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    the 502's will push her for sure. But the boat is and can't be a speed machine. At WOT you're asking the 502 to work hard, it's like asking them to go up hill all day. I spend 80% of my underway time at 8 knots. When I plane I run around 15 to 17 burn around twice the gas, but if I push harder the added speed doesn't pay for the gas. I've learned to enjoy the trip and give the Lady the helm when in open channels and relax....;)
  9. yachtnman, Jul 19, 2012
    #9
    yachtnman

    yachtnman New Member

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    Engine hours are about 550

    Genset is about 900

    Both about average for age of the boat and not excessive in my mind.
  10. yachtnman, Jul 19, 2012
    #10
    yachtnman

    yachtnman New Member

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    Do you have any experience with 502's?

    Are they good engines?

    Any issues I should know about?...leaking oil is never a good sign....
  11. talexander38, Jul 19, 2012
    #11
    talexander38

    talexander38 Member

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    the 502 has had a good record..and yes I know a few guys that has then Black and Blue ones

    whats leaking...? that's the ? some oil leaks are easy ti fix, some are walk away from unless the seller is willing to pay for or drop price..
  12. dw5055, Sep 11, 2012
    #12
    dw5055

    dw5055 Guest

    carver gas

    Did you buy the boat? Not so sure gas is the way to go with a boat that size...look at the carver 440 with diesels.
  13. Captrko, Sep 18, 2012
    #13
    Captrko

    Captrko New Member

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    Nothing wrong with Gas......depends on how much you use the boat, I see a lot of Diesel owners who sit at the dock year round....never move the boat! I am sure they are glad they bought Diesels!
  14. c33lee, Sep 18, 2012
    #14
    c33lee

    c33lee New Member

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    Oil dripping in the bilge under each engine below the drain plug and below the belt pulley front center of the engine and additional water after sea trial than before in the bilge.

    Oil not good. That you will need to isolate better. Find out where it's coming from for sure.

    Water may not be big deal....or is. Check drive shaft after trans. There should be compression nuts that do drip (1-5 drips per minute) could just need to be tightened. It also could be where the rudders are in the back.... different story.

    I would invest in a professional survey for sure.......