1990 Carver 3807

By Mike Gridley

Carver aft cabin motor yachts are well-known for their spacious and comfortable layouts, ideal for spending time aboard. Compared to today’s designs, which employ new shapes and complex curves, the design of the1980s and early ’90s Carver aft cabins were a bit boxy. At the same time, the design speaks volumes about the space to be found on board.

At just over 42 feet long with a 14-foot beam and about 23,000 lbs of displacement, the 3807 is quite stable yet definitely not quick, especially when powered with twin MerCruiser 454s rather than the optional diesels.

When shopping for a used 3807, a popular option to look for is a hardtop over the aft deck with plexi wing doors and a full canvas enclosure. This makes the aft deck a comfortable extension of the living space, even if it is tough to handle lines from up here when docking. One other compromise with raised aft deck or aft cabin cruisers of this vintage is the climb down to the platform when its time for a swim. However, its wide side decks, tall railings with safety lines and grab handle along the cabin make working the mid lines and moving forward to the bow when underway quite secure. Once forward, the standard windlass and large pulpit ensure the 3807 can handle whatever type and size of anchor your cruising area calls for.

One of the benefits people really enjoy in a large motor yacht like the Carver 3807 is the space in the salon down below. This is especially true with this model’s layout, which positions the galley and dinette forward and down from the salon. The space found in these Carver aft cabins really justifies the compromise when tossing lines off the aft deck, down to the dock.

Our test boat was extra special since the previous owner has invested a lot time and money upgrading the furnishings and a lot of systems you don’t see right away. Highlights included the new luxurious Flexsteel recliner settee (upholstered in Ultraleather) and new tub chairs. All of the teak panelling and trim was upgraded and every flat surface was topped off with Corian. Even the lower helm received the treatment!

To match the upgraded décor, all of the entertainment system components are custom and built-in, and the current owner continues to modernize with items like LCD TVs.

Three steps down from the salon, the spacious dinette was also decked out in Ultraleather and Corian ready for dining or conversion to a berth.

Opposite the dinette, the galley design provides plenty of space for cooking. It’s fully equipped with a microwave, three-burner electric range complete with an oven, lots of counter space, and upgraded Corian counters. There is great storage in the cabinets above and below the counters. Rounding out the galley was a 3/4 refrigerator/freezer under the helm, aft of the dinette, and large storage cupboards and drawers under the dinette.

Forward, you’ll find a fully equipped guest or day head with a separate shower. While not as easy to clean as a modern one-piece moulded head, it is still attractive and functional.

The forward stateroom features a double berth angled across the bow, adequate storage and private access to the day head. All in all, a great set up for having guests aboard.

The aft or master stateroom has a tall queen berth and plenty of light and ventilation, backed up by a separate air conditioning system. Creature comforts also include a separate head and shower.

The 3807 has large opening cabin windows with screens that provide great natural light and ventilation for when not the air in not in use in the salon and aft cabin.

From the aftdeck, a few steps lead you up to the flybridge helm and the single centreline helm seat, from where the captain has a commanding view forward and to stern.

The centre console style helm is quite large, providing room for electronics. It’s not unusual to find a mix of original electronics with newer systems on an older cruiser, so remember to carefully check over what’s there. Any immediate upgrades required should be factored into an offer.

While the 3807 has plenty of space for living aboard – and this particular boat had a long list of updates and upgrades – think of your boating style before you buy. With its 14-foot beam and modest power, these big Carvers are not intended for long cruises in open waters in heavier seas. They will tend to pound and throw back spray in these conditions and with the big block gas engines they are thirsty. That being said, the space on board is truly great for storage, liveability and entertaining.

TEST BOAT ENGINES
Twin MerCruiser 454 CI V8s
CRUISING SPEED
15 mph
TIME ON PLANE
19 seconds
TOP SPEED
25 mph