Carver's story over the past 60 years has been an interesting journey, from its founding in Milwaukee by Charles Carter and George Verhagen to its current makeup and ownership. Having come through the lean years since 2008, Carver offers fewer models but they are improved.
Over the past few years, a few new flybridge cruisers launched into the marketplace have broken new ground for the builder. The all-new Carver Yachts C40 does. It joins the C34, 41 Cockpit Motor Yacht, 44 Sojourn and 54 Voyageur.
The C40 is truly a bold new design with her low-profile extended bridge and hull design, which carries the beam well forward, creating a flared bow that adds extra interior space. The overall look of the C40 is both bold and appealing.
Starting aft, the C40 has a large integrated swim platform with a hidden swim ladder that provides great access to the cockpit. Twin transom lockers conceal the shore hookups and hide a ton of gear. The cockpit is quite large and open or it can be fitted out with wraparound split transom seating with integrated storage. Shelter from the elements is provided by the large bridge overhang.
Moulded steps provide ease of access to the wide side decks, while the sturdy 316-litre stainless railings and handrails on the bridge sides provide security moving forward. The steps also create space for storage and the optional refrigerator or icemaker. Additional options include a table and seagrass snap-in carpeting, which is also available for the flybridge. Moulded stairs lead to the bridge, which is a real focal point for the C40. To port, an L-shaped settee dominates the bridge, providing plenty of seating and storage. Aft on the bridge extension, protected by a low rail, is a great sun lounging area. Protected by the Venturi windscreen, twin swivelling captain's seats face forward with an excellent view. The helm is a pod design that allows ample space for installing multi-function displays (MFDs) flanking the LCD Vessel View engine and system display. If you don't wish to install your own electronics, Carver offers Raymarine e Series MFDs and other electronics.
Double opening glass doors provide superior access and fresh breezes for the salon. Carver offers two layouts for the C40's spacious salon - with or without a lower helm. Unless climate dictates the need, personally I would opt for a good flybridge canvas package and forgo the lower helm.
The salon is an open concept design from the aft bulkhead forward to the companionway. Carver has used natural tones for the fabric upholstery and nylon sculptured carpet that effectively lightens the space. Couple this with side, forward and aft expanses of glass, LED lighting and a bright white ceiling and the salon is bright both day and night. Carver also designed this space for living, with a settee immediately to port providing storage and a section that moves over to the high/low table for dining. The high/low table is surrounded by an additional U-shaped settee, with a filler cushion that converts the dinette into a berth for two. Forward of the settee is a glassware cabinet where the optional lower helm would be installed.
The standard salon entertainment system consists of a 23-inch LCD TV, DVD player, AM/FM/CD marine stereo and speakers. For comfort, Carver offers a single zone 16,000 BTU air conditioning/reverse cycle heat unit or a 28,000 BTU dual zone system that also adds a second 30-amp shore power connection. Additional features in the salon include below deck storage, opening salon window sections with screens, diffused air ducts and accent lighting.
All wood accents (including the galley cabinetry) are stylish dark walnut and the flooring is "Dusky" walnut. The counters are solid surface with a double stainless sink and electric cooktop with ventilator. Under the counter are a side-by-side Nova Cool refrigerator/freezer and a microwave.
Accommodations are forward and down two steps. In the companionway, immediately to starboard, a door provides privacy and access to the guest mid-cabin. A second door reveals the guest head. The mid-cabin has twin berths or a filler cushion to convert the sleeping area to a double bed. In the cabin are a hanging locker with a light and mirror, LED lighting, two reading lights and an opening port with screen.
The master stateroom fully forward features a queen island berth with a high-density foam mattress. The foot lifts to access storage in the island. Additional storage is found in port and starboard hanging lockers and port and starboard overhead lockers. Lighting is provided by six overhead lights and two reading lights. And, yes, opt for the 19-inch TV with DVD player for the stateroom and the Carver decor package of sheets and towels.
For those wonderful nights aboard at anchor, the C40's master has four opening ports and a large overhead hatch with screens and shades for ventilation. Thank you, Carver. I am seeing all too many cruisers from other companies that are hermetically sealed, forcing you to run the generator and air conditioning when away from the dock.
The C40 has two heads, spoiling the owners with a private head. This well-appointed space has solid surface counters, vanity with vessel sink, a walk-in shower with a bench seat, exhaust fan, electric toilet, opening port with screen and LED lights. The guest head is smaller, eliminating the shower stall, but maintains the remaining features.
When ordering your C40, Carver has a few options you may wish to consider. Obviously, you will want a generator and you can select a 7 or 9 kW Kohler diesel with sound shield. Standard power is a pair of 305-hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels. Our test model had the optional 380-hp QSB6.7s. To smooth things out around the dock, you can add a bow thruster and stern thruster or opt for the Xenta joystick control that seamlessly integrates a bow thruster with the digital throttle and shift controls.
Carver has been a popular name in cruisers for decades with a full lineup, including aft cabins and cockpit motor yachts. For 2014, Carver really stepped up their game with the launch of the C34 and now the C40.
TEST BOAT ENGINE
Twin Cummins QSB6.7, 6.7-litre, 408 cid, 380-hp in-line 6-cylinder, 24-valve turbo diesels
ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
N/A
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
3000 / 30
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
2000 / 20
SPEED TESTING provided by Carver Yachts
EDITOR’S NOTE: While we had a chance to spend time aboard the C40, big east winds following the Fort Lauderdale International Boat show prevented us from filming on water. However, we will have the opportunity to run the C40 through its paces in the near future and will post the updated Power Profile on BoatTest.ca.
SPECS
According: usboattest.com
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