Carver 355 / 356 Motor Yacht
Built 1995–2003 by Carver Yachts
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About the Carver 355 / 356 Motor Yacht
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1995–2003
- Builder
- Carver Yachts
- Beam
- 13.25 ft
- Draft
- 3.25 ft
- Displacement
- 19,300 lb
- Hull
- fiberglass
- Hull / keel
- planing
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 318 gal
- Water
- 70 gal
- Holding
- 36 gal
- Water heater
- AC + engine
- Generator
- fitted on some boats
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 318 gal
“total gallons as 318 (though sometimes as 320) gallons” — search excerpt (1998), carveryachtowners.comOn an owners' forum, an owner reports finding 318 gal quoted, sometimes 320. No builder document was found.
-
Water 70 gal
No figure was found beyond the spec database behind our earlier figure.
-
Holding 36 gal
No figure was found beyond the spec database behind our earlier figure.
-
Water heater AC + engine
“It's a 11 gallon heater with the engine plumbing in the back of the heater” — search excerpt (1998), carveryachtowners.com · “Water Heater: 6 Gallon” — search excerpt (1996), s3.amazonaws.comAn owner of a 1998 355 describes an 11 gal heater with an engine-coolant loop on an owners' forum; a 1996 listing says 6 gal. No Carver document was found. Our earlier note that owners have replaced failed heaters fits forum threads but isn't confirmed.
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
-
Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source, and nothing was found either way.
-
Steering unknown
A 2025 owners'-forum thread asks whether the 1999 356's steering is hydraulic or mechanical; the only reply is a guess (hydraulic), not evidence. Carver's 1999 and 2001 parts manuals for the 356 couldn't be checked.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Sources disagree on length, water heater size — left blank rather than guessed.
Called 355 Motor Yacht 1995-98. Solid fiberglass hull with integral platform; aft-cabin layout with two staterooms and two heads; hardtop standard. Owners mention later boats with 8.1L (385hp) gas engines.
Engines fitted
-
Volvo Penta gas V8 inboard (model not stated) — 310 hp, gas, twin
factory option
HMY: among several engine options, twin Volvo 310 hp gas inboards cruise at 16-18 kn. No source read states which engine was the base package.Sources: hmy.com
-
Crusader 454 XL — 330 hp, gas, twin
factory option
Seen on 1995 355 Aft Cabin boats; a 1995 listing gives twin Crusader 454 XL at 330 hp each.Sources: harbortownemarine.com
-
Cummins diesel (model not stated) — 330 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
HMY: Cummins 330 hp diesels cruise at 20-22 kn.Sources: hmy.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
Kohler 6.5 kW on two listed boats; no Carver option list or review found.
-
Kohler 6.5CZ — 6.5 kW
On two listed boats (1995, 1996), both gasoline-engined; generator fuel not stated. Factory vs dealer install not documented.“Generator: Kohler 6.5 CZ23” — search excerpt (1996), s3.amazonaws.com · “twin Crusader 454XL 330 HP engines with 1,060 hours and a Kohler 6.5 kw generator” — search excerpt (1995), harbortownemarine.com
Generators are often replaced or added — check the unit's own plate before ordering parts.
Known problems for this model
-
Leaking aft auxiliary fuel tanks fuel
Owners report the aft auxiliary tanks tend to leak (some owners simply disable them), and some main tanks have also been replaced.boatered.com
-
Leaking exhaust ports exhaust
Leaks at the hull exhaust outlets are a recurring complaint.boatered.com
-
Water heater failures plumbing
Several owners have replaced failed water heaters.boatered.com
-
Blisters near the stern hull
Blistering toward the stern has been noted on surveys.boatered.com
Engines & parts
Crusader 350 / 454 inboard gas V8 parts: good
Factory optional engine — you entered “Crusader 454 XL”
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 (4)
hmy.com · boatered.com · carveryachtowners.com · harbortownemarine.com
Other Carver models
- Carver 3207 Aft Cabin 1983–1990
- Carver 3297 Mariner / 330 Mariner 1985–1996
- 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.