From the top
Let’s start at the top. The word “Command” is apt for the
C52 bridge. First, it has a commanding layout thanks to a
low profile and good looks. There’s a cushioned L-settee
forward to port that does duty as a bench seat or a chaise
lounge. Either way, it keeps one in close proximity to the
captain. With multiple seating configurations, there’s a
comfortable position to suit just about everyone.
Aft of this seat is the wetbar station. The self-contained
unit has a Kenyon electric grill, a sink and faucet, a Norcold
fridge and ample storage. It’s the perfect place to grill up some
hot dogs, throw down a cold one and enjoy the moment.
Hosting friends on-board? There’s plenty of dining space
up top with the large U-shaped settee that wraps around
the high-gloss teak table. Soft, cushioned backrests make
this a great spot to relax at any time, and serving a meal is
a breeze with the wetbar within arm’s reach.
Sporting a full hardtop — secured aft by the integrated
radar arch and forward by contoured, painted metal
stanchions — the C52 can be an open-air deck or enclosed
with curtains to beat the elements and extend your boating
season. Either way, there are commanding views from every
seat, making cruising a spectator sport.
Accessing the flybridge is easy, thanks to the molded-in
staircase that leads from the aft deck. Due to an upper helm
station, the operator can be part of the party, too.
Positioned forward and to starboard, the helm is a full-function
workstation packaged in a smart helm/console layout that doesn’t
take up valuable real estate. Twin Raymarine 12-inch chartplotter
displays flank a 7-inch VesselView7 engine monitoring system
around the steering wheel pod, leaving the left dash area for
breakers and ancillary controls, like trim tabs and spotlight.
To the right is a Raymarine autopilot and a Cummins joystick
controller. The right side arm console houses the VHF and
electronic throttle controls, which are well positioned to alleviate
fatigue if you have to jockey the controls for a while.
The captain has a single bolstered swivel adjustable helm
seat, which is well padded and comfortable. The overall low
profile also gives the captain an unobstructed 360-degree
view, perfect for safe operation and enjoying the ride.
There are several virtues that help make the C52 a quiet
running yacht. When cruising at speed, I was able to keepa normal conversation with my test captain, which was a
bit surprising. The Venturi windscreen, which doesn’t look
like much, actually deflects the wind up and over your head
when seated at the helm and forward seats. Stand up and
you have the wind in your hair; sit and it’s a quieter ride.
Additionally, the twin Cummins QSC 8.3 600-hp
diesel engines are fairly quiet. At times, I had to strain
to hear them, occasionally looking at the gauges to see if
the engines were actually running when dockside. Add in
generous engine room insulation and powerplants that are
set far aft courtesy of V-drive transmissions, and you have
the makings of a great boating experience.
All that is not to say the C52 is a lightweight. Power
up the ponies and at wide-open throttle she gets up to an
impressive 30 knots at 3,000 rpm; that’s a nice cut of speed
for a 42,000-pound yacht. Pull back to 23 knots (at 2,500
rpm) for an easy cruise speed. Let the axe bow slice and
dice any seas you may come across. With the changing
conditions on the Great Lakes, the C52 may be what the
doctor ordered for your cruising grounds.LeveL with me
Carver displays its innovative styling throughout the C52. There’s
sufficient freeboard forward to beat down the green water, but it’s
not overbearing to the point where it looks like a wall of fiberglass.
Hullside windows neatly blend into the hull’s contour. A sleek
profile with an unbroken sheer, a swept-back windscreen and
a streamlined bridge accent the overall sleekness of this model.
On the main deck, Carver has taken style to a new level.
There’s great space management, which maximizes the
entire 15-foot, 8-inch beam. Stepping aboard from the
integrated swim platform, you’ll see the aft deck with a
U-shaped settee, sufficiently sized for sitting or lounging,
and flanking a teak dining table. Enter through the aft glass
doors that fold back seamlessly — blending the aft deck
with the main salon — and you’ll find the port aft galley.
Designed in a simple L-shaped layout, the galley is
full-featured with appliances that include a recessed
Cuisinart microwave convection oven, a two-burner Kenyon
induction electric cooktop, an undercounter Nova Kool
fridge/freezer unit, twin stainless steel sinks with covers,
and about an acre of counter space.“with thechangingconditions onthe greatLakes, the c 52may be whatthe doctorordered Foryour cruisinggrounds.”40 j u l y 2 0 17 | lA KE lA ND B O A T ING .C O MBT_CarverC52_JUL17.indd 40 5/25/17 10:46 AM