The 36 Mariner is Ready to Entertain

With two spacious entertaining platforms in the cockpit and the bridge you won’t have to cut back on your guest list.

By Capt. Chris Kourtakis

Carver has been perfecting the Mariner line since the 1970’s. In 2004, Carver introduced the 36 as its newest model in the Mariner line, which offers a single floor plan designed with a classic layout, that allows its owners to enjoy the boat whether it’s at a dock or cruising the seas.

Functional Cockpit Layout

The cockpit is spacious and quite open, and with the high padded gunnels and stainless steel railing you also have added safety back here. A heavy duty transom door will give you access the molded-in swim platform with integrated fold-out ladder on the port side.

The shore power and freshwater hook ups can also be found on the port side behind a fiberglass door. Inside, you will is also find a hook for your dock lines. If you are worried about storing your fenders, Carver has that covered as well, with two large in-floor self draining storage compartments.

Open Bridge

A couple of easy to use steps from the cockpit give you access to a spacious bridge that no one else has on the market. Seating 10 plus adults comfortably is easy with the rear bench and two face-to-face benches. The captain and their companion will ride in style with adjustable pedestal seats with arm rests.

Just in front of the companion seat is a self draining wet bar with cold water tap and optional ice maker for mixing your favorite cocktails. The standard deck hatch in the floor allows you to pass your favorite snack up from the galley to the bridge.

Every captain will feel in control with the split shifters, Teleflex gauges, stereo remote, and room for all of their favorite electronics.

Bow Access Made Easy

Easy to access walkways on either side of the boat with high stainless steel railings lead up to the optional sun pad and additional bench seat for a great view of the open waters ahead.

Luxury Continues Below

Entering the salon starts with an easy to use tinted sliding glass door with standard screen. As you walk down the three steps you’ll notice Carver’s attention to every detail right away.

On the port side, there’s an L-shaped lounge that allows you to relax in style while you watch the standard 20-inch flat screen TV with DVD player. Carver’s unique idea for a storage drawer under the bench makes accessing your gear quick and easy. You will never have to lug the family shop vacuum on board either with the central vacuum system also located under the lounge.

Rolling the dice or playing cards has never been more comfortable then at the four-person conversational dinette located immediately on the starboard side of the salon. The cherry wood table can be dropped down for additional sleeping berth.

Fully-Equipped Galley

The galley is located just past the dinette on the starboard side. With a built-in microwave, two-burner electric stove, coffeemaker, and abundant amount of storage, this galley is fully-equipped to entertain your guests or make a snack for the kids. The Nova Cool refrigerator and ice maker are conveniently stacked to the left of the stainless steel sink.

More Room in the Head

Plenty of storage can be found behind the vanity mirror or below the sink. The standard Vacuflush toilet is easily accessed in the spacious head. The glass door leading into the separate shower stall with a removable head and seat, allows you to enjoy your time on board as much as you would in your own home.

Amenities Continue in the Main Stateroom

You’ll find two steps on either side of the queen-sized berth that make accessing easy, especially after a long day of cruising. The deck hatch overhead allows fresh air and sunlight to fill the room.

The cherry wood cabinets adorn the outside walls, and two hanging lockers allow you to bring aboard your favorite outfits. If that is still not enough, the V-berth has two additional drawers for clothes, and two additional cabinets built right in for easy access.

The Engine Room

Accessing the engine room is easier than I’ve seen on most other 36-foot yachts. The stairs in the salon can be raised with a hydraulic lift, which gives you better access to the front of the motors and the transmissions. Gas-assisted shocks help you access the engine room from the cockpit area when needed. This is nice because most engine access points are found in the salon.

Once you are in the engine room, you will notice Carver’s attention to detail with labeled wires that are tied back and out of the way. The engine room is completely gel coated white for a clean look and easy clean up.

Performance and Ride

On our test ride the 36 Mariner delivered a top speed of 31.7 mph at 5000 rpm, with a best cruise speed of around 22 mph at 3500 rpm. At this speed you can cruise around for about 355 miles on a full tank of fuel. Captaining this boat is made easy with Carver’s great hull design which allows her to handle very well in all types of water conditions.

• Top speed for the Carver 36 Mariner (2006- ) is 31.7 mph (51 kph), burning 50.9 gallons per hour (gph) or 192.66 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Carver 36 Mariner (2006- ) is 22.0 mph (35.4 kph), and the boat gets 0.79 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.34 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 177 miles (284.85 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 375-hp Crusader 6.0 HO MPI.