|
In contrast to the new exterior, Carver chose not to alter things too much below decks. The 43's layout is similar to that of other models in its Motor Yacht line, with the two staterooms—one fore and the other aft—separated by the saloon and each served by en suite heads. It's a layout that, while conventional, maximizes both comfort and privacy.
The aft, full-beam master stateroom, three steps down from the saloon, affords a real retreat. Its location enjoys generous sunlight through windows on three sides, and with 6'6" headroom, a walkaround queen to port with stowage below, a 25"x27"x37" cedar-lined hanging locker, and a vanity/desk to starboard, the 43 proves she's not just a weekender but is able to cruise a week or more. Up front, the forepeak VIP is cozy, but what it lacks in size and stowage capacity it makes up for in comfort. The en suite shower is to port, separate from the head and occupies potential stowage space (so there's no hanging locker), but there is stowage to port and starboard above the V-berth that'll easily handle more than a weekend's worth of a couple's belongings.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
|
The 43's roomy saloon and well-appointed galley further exemplify Carver's commitment to making maximum use of space. The former has a welcome full-beam configuration and 6'8" headroom, and it benefits from plenty of natural light from the big side windows and forward-facing, three-panel windshield. It's also tastefully furnished, with a pair of Ultraleather chairs to port and a starboard settee that converts to a double berth. Like the galley—forward and three steps down to port—the saloon's finished in Carver's trademark cherry. The galley has the essentials, like a large Nova Kool 'fridge/freezer, two-burner cooktop, Sharp microwave/convection oven, Black & Decker coffee maker, and plenty of counter space. But perhaps most impressive was the stowage: A family of four could easily put enough groceries here for a week or more.
The dead-calm conditions prevent me from commenting on the 43's ability to handle snotty seas, but I was impressed with her average top speed of 32.1 mph and quick acceleration to WOT, courtesy of optional twin 480-hp Yanmars. However, despite her good performance results, I concluded that the test boat was underpropped for two reasons: First, the Yanmars are rated at 3300 rpm, and at WOT our test boat twin diesels were running at 3400 rpm. Second, fuel burn was about 8 gph less than it should theoretically be.
Also notable was how quiet she ran: At WOT I measured 77 dB-A on the flying bridge, allowing for easy conversation. A look into her engine room, accessed via the saloon's sole, revealed beefy sound-attenuation panels of fire-resistant aluminum-faced melamine foam on the removable access panels as well as the bulkheads.
While the exterior look of the 43 represents a new direction for Carver, the builder clearly has not forgotten what made it successful. It has successfully translated the innovative lines proffered by the BMW design team into a boat that's recognizably a Carver, with all of its Midwestern sensibilities of versatility and value firmly intact.
Carver Yachts
(920) 822-1600
|
PAGES:
|
|
2
|
 |
This article originally appeared in the December 2005
issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
|