56 Carver Voyager SE 2007

Source: Captain John B. Wenz, Power & Motoryacht Magazine

Carver’s flagship, the 56 Voyager SE is a contemporary dual station motoryacht featuring a state of the art pilothouse, spacious bridge for entertaining, and three luxurious staterooms. The 56 is feature-rich and ready for long distance cruising.

The Total Package

I’ve always been partial to the traditional pilothouse and flying bridge; the dual station configuration. Yes, I do enjoy running from the flying bridge; even on crummy days if I’ve got good foul weather gear on. But there’s something really cozy about motoring down the waterway, on a cool, drizzly day in the comfort of a pilothouse. As I recall, there was always a bench or lounge where a couple of guests could sit and observe while sharing some pleasant conversation and perhaps a mug of hot coffee. It’s a sense memory I can sink my teeth into. In recent years it seems that pilothouse seating has gone by the boards, replaced by more salon space for dockside entertaining. Sure there are lots of boats in the 50-60 foot size range with a lower helm, but in many cases your guests can’t find a seat to keep you company. The Carver 56 Voyager SE is an exception to that trend. This is a truly modern interpretation of the dual station motor yacht.

Luxurious Accommodations

All the way forward you’ll find an oversize queen island berth in the VIP stateroom with sheets, linens, carpets, and curtains all nicely coordinated. Light and ventilation are provided by an overhead hatch, four portlights, and plenty of recessed halogen illumination. For storage, you’ll find drawers underneath the berth, and 2 cedar-lined hanging lockers. Just aft to port is a guest stateroom with a convertible sofa providing bunks for two. This cabin shares the same level of detail and finish as you’ll find throughout the SE. Both cabins share a spacious head with stall shower. The head has entrances both from the VIP stateroom and the companionway.

Located amidships, where motion is minimal, is the spacious master stateroom. The master cabin is beautifully finished and loaded with amenities; there’s plenty to keep the discerning yachting couple satisfied. An oversized-queen island berth with innerspring mattress will help to provide a good nights sleep. The ensuite master head is split, and features an attractive sink, vanity, and a separate tub and shower stall.

On the Main Deck: A High Quality of Life Aboard

The galley is fitted out with enough accessories to make any chef feel at home. An undermount, two-basin sink is installed in clean, contemporary solid surface countertops. Add in a coffee maker, a microwave, a 3 burner electric oven, an electric range, side by side under-counter refrigerator and freezer, and all you need are diner guests! In the salon, two individual chairs flank a 32 inch LCD TV which recesses with a motorized lift. The rest of the standard entertainment package includes AM/FM receiver, DVD/CD changer and a satellite radio system. You and your guests will also be comfortable seated in the ultraleather L-shaped lounger which has double incliners built right in. It surrounds a folding, multi-function table.

On the Bridge: Entertaining in Style

Complementing the pilothouse, the 56 Voyager SE has a fully-equipped helm on the bridge. And, by the way, standard instrumentation and controls include details such as a rudder angle indicator and the patented Carver Docking System. You and your company will enjoy lots of seating; a U-shaped lounger seats seven adults for meals under the stars. There’s a wet bar, and room for optional equipment like an icemaker, refrigerator and an electric grill.

Back aft, there’s a roomy cockpit for entertaining or to serve as home base for water sports.

Quality Engineering

Carver’s commitment to quality is obvious, from their CAST (Carver Advanced Structural Technology) System, to the attitude of their employees, many of whom have been with this company for their entire careers. Most of what they do to build these yachts, they do in-house. And they do it well, one hull at a time.

Specifications

The 56 Voyager SE is 59’8” in overall length, 15’4” abeam and draws 57”. Standard power provides twin diesels at 500 horsepower each, and several options range up to a pair of Cat C12’s rated at 715 per side. She carries 800 gallons of fuel and 200 gallons of water and weighs in at 52,500 pounds. Construction features include beautifully finished cabinetry and bulkheads, as well as a solid hull bottom and no structural wood below the waterline. Fabricated aluminum floor frames, aluminum truss window systems, a molded fiberglass stringer system, and a vinylester barrier coat are all part of the Carver Advanced Structural Technology system.

Plumbing and wiring are professional executed. Taking a look around, it’s clear that the folks at Carver meet or exceed ABYC recommendations. Standard electrical equipment includes deep cycle batteries, a 15.5 KW generator, an inverter and isolation transformers. Mechanically, she’s fitted with four-zone air conditioning, an engine synchronizer, hydraulic steering, fresh-water cooling with internal strainers, and lots more.

Out on the Water

We were able to test the SE on both calm and choppy days. Our test boat had twin Volvo D-12 diesels rated at 675 HP. 29 by 32 inch props put us on plane in 15 seconds and our top speed at 2360 rpm was 29.8 knots or just about 34 ½ miles an hour. We calculated optimal cruising speed, using 75% of full throttle, at 1750 rpm for a speed of 22.1 mph or 19.2 knots. That resulted in a fuel range of 423 statute miles or 368 nautical miles.

Carver Docking System

One of the latest, high-tech systems on board this and the entire Carver line is their Carver Docking System. In a nutshell, it’s a user-friendly controller for bow and stern thrusters. They’ve added a wireless controller to the Voyager SE which allows close quarters maneuvering to be performed from anywhere on board. That’s a huge benefit to couples who choose to cruise shorthanded.

From her three sumptuous cabins to the spacious salon to the well-appointed flying bridge, this motor yacht is loaded with big features and small details. Add the comfort and versatility of the contemporary dual-station layout and you’ve got a winner. The Carver Voyager SE is truly the total package- style, luxury, engineering, and value.

Double Duty

Use the roomy cockpit for entertaining or to serve as homebase for water sports.

Great View

To port side is an L-shaped lounge for your guests to gather and watch how things are done here in the pilothouse.

Perfect for Entertaining

You and your guests will also be comfortable seated in the ultraleather L-shaped lounger which has double incliners built right in.

Dine Under the Stars

There’s a wet bar with a divided sink, a cooler, integral beverage holders, and room for an optional equipment.

Boat Specification: 56 Carver Voyager SE 2007

Length Overall                        59′ 8” w/ platform

Dry Weight                             52,500 lbs. w/ fuel & water

Beam                                       15′ 4”

Fuel Cap                                  800 gal.

Draft                                       57”

Water Cap                               200 gal.

Deadrise/Transom                   N/A

Bridge Clearance                    19′ w/ arch

Max Headroom                       7′ 0”