Click for Northern Lights Click for Perko Click for Westport Click for YF Listing Service Click for Mulder

Newbie question...

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Cubsfan, Apr 18, 2009.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Cubsfan, Apr 18, 2009
    #1
    Cubsfan

    Cubsfan New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Chicago
    Hi, I'm looking at purchasing my first boat, a 1990 Carver 27' Montego. The boat is in great condition. My question is around the motors. It has Volvo motors, others I see on the internet for sale have Merc motors. Were Volvo / Merc motors an option? The motors have what seem to me to be really low hours (under 200), I'm wondering if they were replaced and the hour usage reset. Also, this boat has a 'wing' (not sure the nautical term:eek: ), the other 1990 models don't seem to have it. By wing, I mean the wing that spans over the helm.
    Thanks for any help / info provided.
  2. Capt J, Apr 18, 2009
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,435
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    If they are gasoline inboards, there is a 95% chance that they have been changed sometime in the last 18 years. 200 hours would mean the owner used the boat 12 hours per year. It is very common to change straight inboard gas engines with a different brand when repowering. So chances are it had mercruisers like the others and the previous owner got a deal on the volvo's, or the dealer had the volvo's in stock. Gas inboards usually only last 1000-1500 hours of usage. Although I have seen exceptions to the rule.
  3. Cubsfan, Apr 18, 2009
    #3
    Cubsfan

    Cubsfan New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Chicago
    Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, they are gasoline inboards, I'll see what service records exist and if they tell a tale.
  4. CaptainMoto, Apr 18, 2009
    #4
    CaptainMoto

    CaptainMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    Messages:
    12
    Location:
    Kenosha Wisconsin
    CubsFan,
    Referring to a copy of "PowerBoat Guide" is see that several engine options were offered on that boat. I do not have the absolute answer for you, but I suspect Volvo would have been one of the many choices. The reference also has a few Specs: LOA 29'2 , Beam 10'0, Draft 2'10, Weight 6,900#, Fuel 120 gal., Water 41 gal., Deadrise 8 degrees. This deadrise is very shallow and will enhance stability at rest or at non-planing speeds (like trolling). However, if your intentions are to cruise Lake Michigan I would predict a bumpy ride in any choppy conditions. FYI the "wing" is referred to as an arch. Also, 200 hrs on an 18 year old boat is a little suspect, but if you have some info from the owner about it's history it might be accurate. One thing to keep in mind is that low hours does not necessarily = no engine issues. Lack of use and age can be more destructive then constant use. I'd suggest a close inspection of hoses, clamps, belts etc. Internal corrosion can be a hidden time bomb that won't be easy to spot. Take it for a sea trial before you sail off in your dream boat.
    On the bright side, this was a very popular model from 1986-1993. It's got lot's of cabin features not common in boats of that size.
    Good Luck
    Safe Boating
  5. K1W1, Apr 19, 2009
    #5
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,394
    Location:
    My Office
    Hi,

    I am pretty sure that the Gas Engine of that vintage are actually Chevrolet engines just marketed as Volvo with the Stern Drive Setup
  6. AMG, Apr 19, 2009
    #6
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2004
    Messages:
    5,378
    Location:
    Sweden
    These boats had both 4 cyl, V6 and V8 Volvo Penta engines. The latter usually from Chevy blocks. Then they can be both with raw and fresh water cooling and with Single or DuoProp drives. What kind of engines is it in this boat?
  7. Cubsfan, Apr 19, 2009
    #7
    Cubsfan

    Cubsfan New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Chicago
    The boat has two Volvo 4 cylinder engines. The cooling is a closed system. I think I solved the mystery of the arch, the previous owner installed a radar system and probably retrofitted the arch on the boat to carry the radar system. Maybe.
    Thanks for all your replies. We are looking at an old Bayliner and another Carver today.
  8. AMG, Apr 19, 2009
    #8
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2004
    Messages:
    5,378
    Location:
    Sweden
    These engines, especially if they have been in the lakes since new, will probably have many years to go. Not too expensive to keep running either.