Carver 3297 Mariner / 330 Mariner
Built 1985–1996 by Carver Boat Corp.
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About the Carver 3297 Mariner / 330 Mariner
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1985–1996
- Builder
- Carver Boat Corp.
- Length
- 32.25 ft
- Beam
- 12.33 ft
- Draft
- 2.75 ft
- Displacement
- 12,000 lb
- Hull / keel
- planing
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 192 gal
- Water
- 92 gal
- Holding
- 40 gal
- Water heater
- AC
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 192 gal
“Fuel Capacity: Roughly 192 gallons” — search excerpt (1986), yachts-bysteve.comOne listing agrees; no builder document found.
-
Water 92 gal
“Water Capacity: Approximately 92 gallons” — search excerpt (1986), yachts-bysteve.comOne listing agrees.
-
Holding 40 gal
“40 gallon holding tank” — search excerpt (1986), boats-from-usa.comOne listing agrees.
-
Water heater AC
“The fully pressurized 111 gallon hot / cold water system ... Hot water is provided by an 11 gallon water heater.” — search excerpt (1986), boats-from-usa.com · “6gal hot water heater” — broker listing (1990), seattleyachts.com · “my '88 Carver Mariner 3297 hot water heater ... It's an electric water heater” — search excerpt (1988), yachtforums.comOnly broker listings give a size, and they disagree: a 1986 listing, in wording that looks like Carver brochure copy, says 11 gal and a 1990 listing says 6 gal. The heater sits under the cockpit sole over the engines. No builder document was found to settle it.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster unknown
“Bought a 94 Carver Mariner 330 last spring ... Thinking about installing a bow thruster this spring.” — search excerpt (1994), carveryachtowners.comOne 1994 Mariner 330 owner was planning to add a bow thruster (so that boat had none); no builder list found.
-
Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source, and nothing was found either way.
-
Steering unknown
“The steering should be hynautic steering. The pump is at the steering wheel and on port aft wall there should be a stain” — search excerpt (1987), carveryachtowners.comA single owners'-forum reply about a 1987 Mariner 3297 describes a pressurized Hynautic system. No builder document was found.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Sources disagree on water heater size — left blank rather than guessed.
Called 330 Mariner 1993-96; a downsized 3697 Mariner with a full-beam single-level salon and a bridge reached by ladders from the cockpit. Very flat 6-deg deadrise (a forum post says 4 deg) gives a harsh ride in a chop. Over 650 sold per HMY. Build count (approximate, not stored): HMY: over 650 sold.
Engines fitted
-
Crusader 270 (5.7L GM 350 V8) with V-drive — 270 hp, gas, twin
standard
Cruise 14-16 knots, low-to-mid 20s top. An owner of a 1987 boat confirms twin Crusader 270s on 5.7L GM blocks.Sources: hmy.com · boatered.com
Generator
An Onan 6.5 kW appears on one 1986 listing and an Onan of unstated size on another 1986 listing; no Carver option list or review was found.
Known problems for this model
-
V-drive failures and access running gear
Engines sit under the cockpit driving Walter V-drives or Borg-Warner gears with bolted-on V-units; failures come from running low on oil, heat, worn bearings or failed oil coolers, and reaching the V-drive may require pulling the engine or cockpit sole. Watch the V-drive low-oil warning light.boatered.com · yachtforums.com
-
Aluminum mufflers and risers exhaust
Original aluminum mufflers often need replacing (fiberglass preferred), and risers should be renewed on a schedule of roughly ten years or less.yachtforums.com
-
Engine room corrosion in salt water engine
Buyers report corroded, poorly kept engine spaces under the cockpit on salt-water boats.yachtforums.com
Engines & parts
Crusader 350 / 454 inboard gas V8 parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Crusader 270 (5.7L GM 350 V8) with V-drive”
GM-based inboard engines; Crusader (now part of Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Co.) still publishes illustrated parts manuals and sells through distributors. Go2marine stocks Crusader manifolds, risers, raw water pumps and ignition parts; Osco and Barr make aftermarket manifolds, and new GM/Crusader base engines are sold by rebuilders.
Parts sources: Crusader Engines, Go2marine (Crusader parts), 1-800-RUNS-NEW (GM & Crusader base engines)
Common problems (1)
-
Clogged or failing manifolds/risers exhaust
Owners find individual risers running much hotter than the others (a sign of internal blockage) and debate replacing vs. flushing; Osco manifolds are often preferred as closest to OEM.marineengine.com · marineengine.com
Maker’s service schedule (14)
| Engine oil & filter change 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 1 yr | “Change engine oil and filter — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 50 Hours of Operation / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 1 yr | “Fuel Filters - Service or replace — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 50 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Cooling System - Inspect/Replace raw water pump impeller — Every 100 Hours of Operation / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belts inspect / replace 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Drive Belt - Inspect condition and check tension — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plugs inspect / replace 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Ignition System and Spark Plugs - Clean and inspect condition — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 4 mo | “Exhaust System - Check condition and tightness of all hose clamps — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours(1) / Once Each Ye” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 5 yrs | “Fresh-water cooled models - Change coolant — Every five years” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Engine pencil zincs 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 mo | “Zinc Anodes - Heat exchanger and cooler - check condition — Every 30 days” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Transmission fluid change 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 yr | “Transmission and "V" Drive - Change fluid and clean strainer, if equipped — After 1st 25 Hrs (Hurth Only) / Once Each Ye” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Flame arrestor & crankcase ventilation - clean and inspect 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Flame Arrestor and Crankcase Ventilation System - Clean and inspect — Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Engine alignment check 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 yr | “Engine Alignment - Check and adjust if necessary — After 1st 25 Hrs / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Inspect all hoses (and cooling hose clamps) 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Hoses (all) - Inspect for cracks, swelling, weather checking or other signs of deterioration — Every 100 Hours / Once Ea” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Shift & throttle cable linkage - inspect and lubricate 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 4 mo | “Shift and Throttle Cable Linkage - Inspect and lubricate — Every 100 Hours(1) / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Electrical system - check connections and wiring 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 2 mo | “Electrical System (complete) - Check for loose or dirty connections and damaged wiring — Every 50 Hours(2) / Once Each Y” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
Service part numbers (18)
| Oil filter remote-mounted oil filter (MP7.4L and 2013 5.0/5.7/6.0L MPI) |
Crusader 22679 | “Oil Filter 22679 (MAINTENANCE ITEM PART NUMBERS)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filter MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 |
Crusader 47038 | “Fuel Filter 47038 (MAINTENANCE ITEM PART NUMBERS)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filter 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13 |
Crusader RP080026 | “Fuel Control Cell (FCC) Fuel Filter Element RP080026” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel pre-filter / separator MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: engine-mounted Racor water-separating filter 47046 |
Crusader 47047 | “25 47047 Element, Racor fuel filter (Not Shown) 1” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel pre-filter / separator 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13: primary fuel filter |
Crusader R080033 | “Primary Fuel Filter Element R080033” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water impeller MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 (raw water pump RA057031) |
Crusader RP061017 Replaces R061017 |
“Replaces Crusader R061017 (Impeller Kit with Gasket & O-Ring | Crusader RP061017)” — dealer, marinepartssource.com · “Replaces Crusader R061017 (Impeller Kit with Gasket & O-Ring | Crusader RP061017)” — dealer, marinesuppliesdepot.com |
| Raw-water impeller 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13 |
Crusader RP061022 | “Impeller , Raw Water Pump (1) RP061022 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water pump kit MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 (raw water pump RA057031) |
Crusader 40064 | “40064 Overhaul Kit, Major (includes items 2, 3, 11, 14 and 15)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: alternator drive |
Crusader 98210 | “Alternator Drive Belt 98210” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: raw water pump drive |
Crusader 10258 | “Raw Water Pump Drive Belt 10258” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, left-hand (LH) rotation: serpentine |
Crusader R066028 | “Belt , Serpentine (1) R066028 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (LH))” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, right-hand (RH) rotation: serpentine |
Crusader R066029A | “Belt , Serpentine (1) R066029A (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (RH))” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plug MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: platinum plug |
Crusader 49078 × 8 | “Spark Plugs (platinum) 49078” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plug 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13: platinum plug set |
Crusader RP030010 | “Spark Plug , Set, (Platinum) (1) RP030010 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Thermostat MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: raw-water (standard) cooling, 143 F |
Crusader R026002E | “6 R026002E Thermostat (143-degree) 1 (Raw Water Cooling Components - Figure 18)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Thermostat MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: fresh-water (closed) cooling kit, 170 F |
Crusader 98203 | “5 98203 Thermostat (170-degree) 1 (Fresh Water Cooling Components 1)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Zinc / anode MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: oil cooler / transmission cooler / heat exchanger |
Crusader R168005 | “24 R168005 Zinc, sacrificial 1 (Raw Water Cooling Components - Figure 18)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| On-board spare parts kit (belt, cap, rotor, fuses, relays, plugs, impeller, fuel filters) 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, LH rotation |
Crusader RK173089D-07 | “ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (LH) 2007 TO PRESENT, FCC FUEL SYSTEM RK173089D-07” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Model sources (5)
hmy.com · boatered.com · yachtforums.com · boatered.com · seattleyachts.com
Other Carver models
- Carver 3207 Aft Cabin 1983–1990
- Carver 355 / 356 Motor Yacht 1995–2003
- Carver 370 / 374 Voyager 1993–2002
- Carver 390 / 400 / 404 Cockpit Motor Yacht 1993–2003
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.