|
Later
that afternoon I sea-trialed a 466 on Green Bay’s Fox River, where
near-smooth conditions precluded any rough-water tests. Performance was
lively, with an average top speed of 29.6 mph, a smooth, moderate bank
in turns, and an optimum, three- to four-degree running attitude on plane
with just a little tab necessary above 2500 rpm. The layout of the automotive-style
dash was a savvy one, having a central pod with big Beede gauges on top,
just below the Ritchie compass and rocker switches for deck equipment
beneath. I liked the way the gauges were prioritized, with a rudder-angle
indicator and synchronizer dead center, tachs on either side, and multifunction
dials all the way outboard.
Underway, visibility forward from the bridge’s centerline helm seat
was excellent, and thanks to a set of sweet, single-stick Volvo Penta
electronic controls, an optional QL 10-hp bow thruster, and some decent
visibility aft via a large opening under the hardtop, docking the vessel,
whether alongside or stern-to, was easy. Moreover, the ride was stalwart,
thanks to a robust, all-glass hull bottom (with Knytex substrates and
a vinylester barrier coat), hull sides, decks, and superstructure cored
with Divinycell and/or Baltek-AL-600/10, a hull-to-deck joint bonded with
screws and polyurethane sealant, and aluminum truss reinforcements around
the frameless cabin windows.
My dockside examination of the 466 after the test-drive confirmed what
I already knew: Carver’s forte is luxury and lots of room to enjoy
it. The interior layout pays homage to a floorplan that’s done good
service for years: a VIP stateroom forward, master aft, and saloon/galley-down
between. The goodies Carver manages to discretely merge into this expansive
scheme are truly astounding.
Take the master. In addition to a raft of aircraft-type cabinets overhead,
two voluminous cedar-lined hanging lockers, alcove bookcases, two integral
cherry dressers with Karadon countertops, and oodles of drawer space,
our test boat had a queen-size berth with innerspring mattress that lifts
electrically to reveal stowage. In addition, there’s a large ensuite
head with a separate, also-large stall shower, L-shape Karadon counters,
and a deep, user-friendly stainless steel sink.
The saloon was equally replete. Anytime you combine a pair of Flexsteel
incliner-equipped UltraLeather settees (port and starboard), with a top-shelf,
built-in entertainment center (JVC TV and VCR, Harmon-Kardon AM/FM stereo/CD
player, Kenwood CD changer, and Bose speakers), you’re dealing with
ItotalI kick-back relaxation.
A look around the machinery spaces of the 466 took me back to what I’d
seen earlier on the assembly line in Pulaski. The engine room, accessed
through a hatch in the saloon sole, is gelcoated white and efficiently
lit with fluorescent lights. An integrated lattice of aluminum box beams
supports the weight of the sole and other componentry above. Massive,
double-gusseted engine mounts are bolted through all-glass, hat-section
engine bearers, with cutouts outboard for easy access. Farther astern
in a lazarette accessed through hatches concealed in the master stateroom
cabinetry, I examined rudder stocks actuated via indestructible-looking
tiller arms of graphite composite, mounted on a beefy rudder shelf and
centered in the same kind of Tides Marine dripless shaft logs as the prop
shafts.
I finished up the 466 with a topside tour. While I liked the shippy appearance
of the big windlass at the bow—an option from Maxwell—and the
extra safety of wide side decks with thigh-high bowrails and stanchion
bases welded inside and out for maximum strength, what really rang my
bell was a small yet significant detail: The cleats on deck are massive—12
inches horn to horn—and run through with four big bolts and secured
with thick aluminum backing plates, fender washers, and aviation-style
nuts with nylon bushings. PA good job? More like a Great Lakes job, I’d
say.
Carver (920) 822-3214. Fax: (920) 822-8820. www.carveryachts.com.
Next page > Carver 466 Specs > Page
1, 2, 3, 4,
5-->
|