Patrick, I have been enjoying your Carver videos. I’m considering a Carver Riviera. I see that you like the 32 for your “growing” family. What are your thoughts on the Riviera vs the 32 for a couple with occasional overnight guests (parents, friends). I like the separate aft cabin of the 28. Do you feel the 28 is sufficient for primarily a cruising couple? I’m looking at the Rideau canal, Trent-Severn, Georgian Bay and St. Lawrence as the cruising grounds. Growing up my parents had a 28’ Bayliner (similar lay-out to your 32) with the midship cuddy. I wasn’t a huge fan of that berth for an adult (again why I’m leaning towards the 28 Rivera). Any thoughts would be appreciated (by the way I’m 6’3” so headroom comments are also appreciated). Thanks for the videos, it’s been great to get to see the boats “in action”. It definitely gives me a nice perspective vs just a walk through of the boat.
Mike, I’ve got a soft spot for the Riviera as it was our first powerboat. Ours was a 1983 and for a 28 it had a ton of room. My biggest complaint with it was using the drop down table as a berth for my wife and I and it was not overly comfortable. The forward berth I could stand up in and I really appreciated the cockpit layout. The mid mounted engines have decent access and the boat handled very well with the shaft drives. For a couple I believe it would be a great boat and for day trips or overnight with another couple the two cabin layout is amazing. There is a solid deal on one in Collingwood that I saw on Kijiji that might be worth a look. Best of luck, please reach out with any other questions, and thanks for watching.
Great question. First thing is these are older boats and generally need a little love. If you’re handy no problem if not it can be expensive having others do the work. The boat itself is responsive and relatively easy to dock with its twin engines. The Mariner might be more sensitive to crosswinds with its higher profile. Both are great boats but you be spoiled as any other 30-34 will feel small. Best of luck and please reach out with any other questions.
@@patricksmotors9070 Thanks. Spent much of the COVID lockdowns watching the UK narrowboat creators as well as other more US-centric liveaboard creators and keep thinking "why not give it a try"? For years I have been looking for a place to build a small house without success. This is a natural extension. Start small, get used to it, then perhaps move up to a 40-47 foot vessel if it works out.
Sounds like a lovely plan. It truly is my happy place and I would love to live on the water (at least for summer!) and the community is lovely. Best of luck!
Love it. Nice review and points brother. Hope y'all have had fun! Looking at a cabin cruiser ourselves
I can’t say enough good things about Carvers. Fantastic bang for your buck when it comes to space and build quality. Happy hunting and best of luck.
Patrick, I have been enjoying your Carver videos. I’m considering a Carver Riviera. I see that you like the 32 for your “growing” family. What are your thoughts on the Riviera vs the 32 for a couple with occasional overnight guests (parents, friends). I like the separate aft cabin of the 28. Do you feel the 28 is sufficient for primarily a cruising couple? I’m looking at the Rideau canal, Trent-Severn, Georgian Bay and St. Lawrence as the cruising grounds.
Growing up my parents had a 28’ Bayliner (similar lay-out to your 32) with the midship cuddy. I wasn’t a huge fan of that berth for an adult (again why I’m leaning towards the 28 Rivera). Any thoughts would be appreciated (by the way I’m 6’3” so headroom comments are also appreciated). Thanks for the videos, it’s been great to get to see the boats “in action”. It definitely gives me a nice perspective vs just a walk through of the boat.
Mike, I’ve got a soft spot for the Riviera as it was our first powerboat. Ours was a 1983 and for a 28 it had a ton of room. My biggest complaint with it was using the drop down table as a berth for my wife and I and it was not overly comfortable. The forward berth I could stand up in and I really appreciated the cockpit layout. The mid mounted engines have decent access and the boat handled very well with the shaft drives. For a couple I believe it would be a great boat and for day trips or overnight with another couple the two cabin layout is amazing. There is a solid deal on one in Collingwood that I saw on Kijiji that might be worth a look. Best of luck, please reach out with any other questions, and thanks for watching.
How do you feel about a 30-32 ft-ish Montego or Mariner as a "first boat" for a novice?
Great question. First thing is these are older boats and generally need a little love. If you’re handy no problem if not it can be expensive having others do the work. The boat itself is responsive and relatively easy to dock with its twin engines. The Mariner might be more sensitive to crosswinds with its higher profile. Both are great boats but you be spoiled as any other 30-34 will feel small. Best of luck and please reach out with any other questions.
@@patricksmotors9070 Thanks. Spent much of the COVID lockdowns watching the UK narrowboat creators as well as other more US-centric liveaboard creators and keep thinking "why not give it a try"? For years I have been looking for a place to build a small house without success. This is a natural extension. Start small, get used to it, then perhaps move up to a 40-47 foot vessel if it works out.
Sounds like a lovely plan. It truly is my happy place and I would love to live on the water (at least for summer!) and the community is lovely. Best of luck!