1985 Carver Mariner 3697

Step aboard and the first thing you notice is how easy this Mariner is to live with. Wide side decks and sturdy railings make line handling feel secure, even when the afternoon breeze pipes up. The flybridge offers excellent sightlines forward and aft, so docking in tight fairways is far less stressful than you’d expect for a 36-footer. Inside, big windows keep everything bright and open, so you don’t feel buried below. The layout invites social time, with plenty of room for friends to spread out without getting underfoot. Ample storage throughout means you can actually bring the gear, provisions, and extras you want for longer weekends aboard.

This Mariner really shines in protected and semi-protected waterways where slow cruises and long dockside evenings are the norm. The broad beam and high freeboard give you a steady ride when afternoon chop builds, while the flybridge lets you see traffic, channel markers, and marinas clearly. With generous interior volume and climate control, you’re comfortable whether it’s a cool shoulder-season morning or a warm summer night. Twin inboards and a solid hull form are well suited to no-wake zones, winding channels, and frequent docking. For a home-base slip lifestyle with regular short hops to nearby coves and waterfront restaurants, this model is right in its element.