Both excellent boats. The Carver may be a bit lighter. Are you looking to buy one or the other? At those ages it isn't brand, it's CONDITION! Good Luck.
the early 80's saw alot of things changed in boat construction... Many things like window frames went from wood to fiberglass... I would look for differences like that.... I have an 80 carver 26' cruiser.... It spent months on the river bottom before I got it...... It was a major project but the water damage was mostly limited to rusty pump motors and mud... the woodwork didn't discolor or warp the cabinets show no signs of damage..... I did have to replace the 110 outlets and of course the engine was full of mud and water but I was amazed at the craftmanship of the boat..... I will likely always have a spot in my heart for a carver
Agree with the poster who mentioned CONDITION and the one that best suits your needs. Also, consider the most bang for the buck! Finally, I would be asking a SURVEYOR. Just my two cents.
Never saw a Carver but had friends with 2 SeaRay's. Very well designed and built but you pay for what you get. I'd buy one if I was in need of the quality they produce and out boating on big water.
