Carver Yachts C43 Coupe Review

Carver models are very popular in the United States; the small flotillas are very well known around cruising areas. Carver intends to also make the new sleek and very sexy 43 Coupe join this category of popular models. This will be a brand new style, different from what former Carver owners are used to and even though they might not quickly identify it as one of Carver’s, they may get to like it a lot.

Accommodations

It has a single-level main deck; this makes it easier to move from cockpit to helm. The large glass doors at the back can be opened fully to merge rooms (indoors and outdoors) into one large open space. Expansive glasses on both sides’ helps to highlight the space more, as well as a standard electric moon roof which has an integral shade for reducing transfer of heat.

The portside galley is strategically located at the far rear, allows the diners seated inside or at the large U-shaped starboard or at the optional cockpit table to be served easily. The cockpit can seat a lot of people with its L-shaped transom seat to port and the two-person settee located in the aft starboard quarter. There is a passage in between the two settees which leads to the enormous swim platform.

The single level side decks make it easily accessible and also safe. The 43 houses two staterooms: a large master forward, which has a queen size berth and an ensuite head; and a guest room to starboard with berths that are placed side by side. The head connected to this room can be used both as a dayhead and a wet shower. The two heads are made with Raritan electric MSDs and high quality plumbing fixtures. The head in the master has a large enclosed shower. According to Carver, the headrooms in the master and saloon can beat any other head in quality and style.

Constructions

The 43 is constructed with the CAST system (Carver Advanced Structure Technology), just like all other models of Carver. The system uses the best lamination components below the water line to make sure that the hull is of good quality and satisfies expectations. A structural liner is used to make the hull stronger and steadier; the hull-to-deck joint was designed in a full circumference and is joined with polyurethane sealant and open molds form more stable components.

The CAST system improves on the firmness of the boat by making use of continuous-welded 3161, stainless steel rails, as well as aluminium floor and cabin trusses. Welded aluminium radar arches are used to remove stress-cracking; the windows are made of aluminium and are leak-proof without frame. Corrosion is prevented in the aluminium parts that are susceptible to salt air, by coating them with acrylic urethane top coat.

Tinned-brass connectors are used for connecting the wires; injected-molded harness plugs are used to stop entry of water, and to prevent corrosion. At every 16 inches apart, the wiring harness is machine-tied to give a strong support which a technician would approve of.

Performance

C43 uses diesel V-drives from Cummins; the test boat has two available versions of the QSB 8.7 which are: twin 380 horsepower engines and the optional pair of 480 horsepower engines. The engines that were bigger performed very well, as expected, with a very amazing speed of 32.6 knots. The helmsman could choose any cruising speed he liked because from 2000 to 2500 rpm, the boat hanged around at 0.9 mpg; the helmsman can also pick any running angle he wants since the 43, as a V-drive boat, runs bow-high. The helmsman can plug a little trim tab to pick a running angle of his choice.

The 43 doesn’t have a flying bridge because it wants to maintain its sleek coupe nature. As a result of this, the sightlines are a bit affected by this, but the 43 makes up for this by making the helm position high enough for there to be good sightlines forward. Expansive glass is used on the sides and aft to make docking easier for the 43 than most bridge boats. Docking can be much easier if you order a 43 that has Carver Docking System which joins bow and stern thrusters with marine gears.

LOA: 42’0″
BEAM: 13’10”
DRAFT: 3’7″
DISPL.: 24,150 lb.
FUEL: 342 gal.
WATER: 131 gal.
TRANSMISSION: ZF/Hurth 851V/1.64.:1
TEST POWER: 2/480-hp Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel V-drives
GENERATOR: Kholer, 6.0 kW
BASE PRICE: $571,650