Posted: March 24 2009 at 19:30 | IP Logged

Hello, new to this group, so I thought I should fill in the app.

We just bought a 1989 Carver 28' Voyager. Still waiting to get it home.

This is a project boat for me, looking a two years till splash down. I will be pulling both engines, Trans/V Drives, most if the systems will be redone, and most of the interior (hope to get rid of the dinett set, and just have some arm chairs.

A larger swim platform and ladder (We both SCUBA) and a hard top over the back. I will also be adding a radar, so an arch or mast is in the works.

We curranty own a 1997 26' Excel, and most of our boating is at Lake Powell, Utah, or Lake Havasu in Arizona. This boat will be sold once we get the Carver up to speed.

The dream, is to get the Carver ready, and do some of the Great Loop, and also explore the NW around the San Juan Islands. Although this boat is not considered "trailerable" we will tow to around (with permits) and a very large truck..

If I had the money, I would probably live in the Bahamas year round. But that's the "other" dream. (my wife has not heard that one yet).

Hope to post photos if anyone is interested.

Thanks

Bob

"Searching for my lost shaker of salt"  JB

Posted: March 25 2009 at 00:01 | IP Logged

Hello and welcome.  Sounds wonderful!!!

If you mean the Great Loop as Mississippi, Gulf Coast, Inland Waterway, New York and the Great Lakes, I've heard (but don't know for certain) that it is not easy to do with gas engines - gas docks can be too far apart.  If there's another loop, then I'm not much help.

As far as the hard top goes, along wth a radar arch, you are adding a lot of weight up high, which can negatively affect handling and comfort if it becomes top heavy.  It can really affect the side to side rolling.  I would go with a canvas top over the aft to keep the weight down.  And go with a low weight arch.

Geez, with the big truck and trailer, I wis you were my next door neighbor!

All the best on this project.

Ron

Posted: March 25 2009 at 10:24 | IP Logged

Thanks for the reply, and yes we are hoping to jump in around SL, and head down from there. I also want to spend some time on the Ill river, as I spend a

lot of time in Peoria Ill (Caterpillar).

I am worried about the weight as well. After I figure the size, I can calculate the weight from there. Will be using a closed cell foam as a core.

I have seen some SS arches that I may use. I need it to fold down, as the boat is already 13' tall when on the trailer.