1996 Carver 455 Aft Cabin
“Knot Sure”
Description
Price Improvement: The asking price has been lowered to $160,000!
The Carver 455 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht (marketed as the 456 Aft Cabin MY from 1999–2000) is a mid-tier cruiser notable for its unique interior layout, which sets it apart from many contemporary motoryachts of similar size.
Aft Galley: Unlike most motoryachts, where the galley is forward, the Carver 455/456 places the galley aft in the salon. This positioning provides convenient access from the bridge and aft deck, simultaneously pushing the main salon seating and entertaining area forward.
Master Stateroom: The master stateroom features a unique, aft-facing queen bed. This arrangement offers a different perspective, allowing occupants to look out of the transom window. The original 455 layout includes a spacious forward guest stateroom and a separate small guest stateroom to port with convertible bunk beds, concealed by a folding bulkhead. The bulkhead can be left open to integrate the smaller space into the forward stateroom. The 456 model transitioned to a two-stateroom interior.
Additional Amenities: The yacht features maple wood interior trim and includes wing doors, molded transom boarding steps, a washer/dryer cabinet, and a tub/shower in the forward head.
Performance: Powered by Cummins 420hp diesels, the Carver 455/456 cruises effectively at 18–20 knots.
Ideal Buyer Profile
- Great Loop aspirants
- Families wanting multi-cabin comfort
- Retiring couple planning extended cruising
- Buyers seeking maximum value in a diesel motoryacht
- Live-aboard enthusiasts
"Knot Sure" is moored in Eden Isles, Louisiana, which is around 40 miles/50-minute drive from the New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The vessel's location is marked on the Google Map at the bottom of the listing.
Scroll down to view: Specifications - Photos - Multimedia - Engine Details - Press & Media - General Arrangement - Full Details - Vessel Location.
Dunigan Marine Group is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Murray Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel
Overview
Highlights
- Three Cabins / Two Heads
- Spacious Galley Up
- Full Beam Aft Master Cabin
- Wide Side Decks
- Cummins Diesel Engines
Key Specifications
Weight & Measurements
Accommodation
Tankage
Registration & Documentation
Engines
Generators
Full Details
1996 Carver 455 Aft Cabin Brochure - Specifications - For Sale
ACCOMMODATIONS
- Layout: Three Cabins / Two Heads Layout, see attached drawing
- Air Conditioning: (4) Webasto FCF Platinum reverse-cycle units with digital controls, date unknown but not original
- Ports: Opening and Fixed
- Hatches: Opening
- Cabin Sole: No maintenance, synthetic laminate
- Dinette Table: To Port
- Settee(s): To Starboard
- Cushions: Fair to Good condition
- Master Cabin: Aft with Centerline Queen Berth, en suite head
- Guest Cabin: Forward with Centerline Full Berth, en suite head
- Guest Cabin: To Port, aft of fwd guest cabin, storage or can be converted to office
- Engine Access Compainonway Steps: Rebuilt to be lighter, unfinished wood
- Headroom: 6'6"
- Boat Smells: None
- Interior Wood: Fair condition, reflective of a 1996 model
- Interior Vinyl: Fair condition, reflective of a 1996 model
- Interior Cabin Sole: Good condition, replaced before the current seller
- Guest Head: Marine electric toilet, sink with tub/shower
- Master Head: Marine electric toilet, sink with separate shower
GALLEY
- Stove/Oven: Electric 3-burner cooktop
- Refrigerator/Freezer: Full-size, front-loading, 115V
- Refrigerator/Freezer: Free-standing on aft deck, 115V
- Icemaker: Aft deck galle/bar, 115V
- Microwave Oven: GE Convection
- Sink: Stainless steel
- Water: Hot & Cold
- Water Heater: 115V
- Cabinets: Yes
ELECTRONICS
- Plotter: Garmin MFD, 2023
- Speed/Depth: Garmin, 2023
- Radar: Garmin, 2023
- AIS: SiTex added in 2023
- VHF: Standard Horizon Explorer, 2023
- Loud Hailer: Standard Horizon, 2023
- Stereo: Yes, with speakers, 2023
- Compass: Yes
- TV: Salon
- TV: Master Cabin
- Autopilot: Inoperable
- Camera System: Still in the box, not installed
- Alarm System: Still in the box, not installed
ELECTRICAL
- 12v system: Yes
- 110v system: Yes
- Generator: Westerbeke 12KW with 2800 hrs, with Soundshield
- Battery Charger: Victron Quattro II Charger/Inverter 120 Amp / 3000 Watt, 7/2025
- Batteries: (5) AGM batteries (2x200Ah House, 2xEngine & 1 Genset) added in 7/2025, in lieu of only (2) 8D,
- Battery Cables: Replaced and properly secured, 7/2025
- Shore Power: 50 AMP service, with ABYC breaker added in 2023
- Interior Lights: Yes
- LED: Electrical panel and flybridge, added in 2023
- Nav Lights: Yes
- 12v Outlet(s): Yes
- Flybridge: Toggle switches added and rewired in 2023
- Galvanic Isolator: Added in 2023
DECK & HULL
- Hull Color: White
- Deck Color: White
- Draft: 4'7"
- Canvas: Windshield and Stratglass, replaced in 2024
- Cushions: Flybridge and custom bow cushion replaced in 2023
- Hard Tops: Topsides Awlgrip 2/2026
- Aft Deck Bar: Water, icemaker & storage
- Swim Platform: Large platform with ladder
- Cockpit Shower: Yes
- Anchor: Viking 25KG, 150' of chain, 150' of rode, all replaced in 2023
- Windlass: Electric windlass & chain counter, replaced in 2023
- Dinghy: Bris 10' air bottom, 2025, not registered
- OB Engine: 5HP Mercury Propane 2024
- Dockside Water: Yes
- Spotlight: Yes
- Bottom: Paint removed down to gel coat, 40 blisters repaired, barrier coat and bottom painted in 2/2023. The bottom is maintained by diver every 2 months
MECHANICAL
- Engine: Cummins 6CTA (420C) 420 HP with 2400 hrs, starboard
- Engine: Cummins 6CTA (420C) 420 HP with 2400 hrs, port, removed, partial overhaul (no records), repainted with an estimated 150 hrs since
- Engine Headroom: 4'
- Air Conditioning: Salon 30,000 BTUs, Fwd 13,000 BTUs, Aft 16,000 BTUs, and Flybridge 16,000 BTUs
- Air Con Flush Connection: Aft and Salon, garden hose fitting to all freshwater or acid flush with ease, added in 2023
- Air Conditioning: Portable units in aft and salon are used to reduce power consumption while at the dock, or to be used while the vessel is out of the water
- Washer/Dryer: The current seller has not used them, date unknow but not original to the vessel
- Prop: (2) four-blade
- Steering: Hydraulic
- Water Heater: 115V
- Bilge Pump(s): Replaced in 2023
- Oil Change Pump: Reverso installed in 2022
- Filter(s): (2) Engine Racor 900MA with Gauges and (1) Genset Racor
- Oil & Filter: Changed 5/2025
- Impeller: Changed 5/2025
- Macerator Pump(s): Replaced in 2023
- Water Tank(s): 160 gallons
- Fuel Tank(s): 464 gallons
- Holding Tank(s): 80 gallons
- Gauges: Upgraded to Seaview Marine Diesel Gauges in 2023
- Tank(s) Monitoring: Maretron NMEA Monitoring, added in 2023
- Fire Suppression: Fireboy installed in 2023
- Freshwater Pump: Replaced in 2023
- Raw Water Pump: Port Engine, replaced in 2025
- Aft Head Black Water Hose: replaced in 2023
- Guest Head: Raritan Elite Macerator Electric Toilet, freshwater installed in 2023
- Master Head: Electric Toilet with Macerator, freshwater
- Trim Tabs: Currently inoperable
- Horns: Replaced in 2022
- Spare Parts: Yes
Efficient Cruise Speed: 11 knots at 1600 RPMS, estimated 6-8 gph per engine
Efficient Fast Speed: 16 knots, estimated 15-18 gph per engine
Top Speed: 24 knots, estimated 22-25+ gph per engine
The 1996 Carver 455 Aft Cabin was created for owners who wanted:
- True live-aboard capability
- Separate private staterooms
- Entertaining space equal to larger yachts
- Easy owner operation
- Condo-style comfort afloat
She became one of Carver’s most recognizable aft-cabin layouts because it successfully blurred the line between yacht and waterfront home.
Walkthrough
Step aboard Knot Sure, a spacious 1996 Carver 455 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht, a model known for delivering exceptional interior volume, comfortable cruising accommodations, and the livability that has made Carver a longtime favorite among coastal cruisers and liveaboard owners.
Boarding from the large integrated swim platform, you immediately appreciate the easy water access and generous space for boarding from the dock, launching a tender, or enjoying time at anchor. A molded staircase leads up to the aft deck, one of the signature features of the Carver 455, offering a large protected entertaining area with hardtop coverage and wraparound seating—an ideal setting for outdoor dining, relaxing with guests, or enjoying the view at sunset.
Moving forward, wide side decks with sturdy handrails allow safe and comfortable access to the foredeck. The foredeck provides ample space for anchoring duties or relaxing while underway, while the elevated profile of the yacht contributes to the expansive interior living space below.
A short staircase leads up from the aft deck to the flybridge helm, where the captain enjoys excellent visibility and a commanding view of the surrounding waters. The flybridge offers generous seating for guests, making it a perfect gathering space while cruising or entertaining underway.
Stepping down into the salon, Knot Sure immediately showcases the spacious interior layout that has made the Carver 455 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht so popular. Large windows surround the salon, filling the space with natural light and providing panoramic water views. Comfortable seating and tasteful cabinetry create a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
Forward of the salon, the galley is positioned to remain connected with the main living area while still offering a functional workspace for meal preparation. Equipped with generous counter space, refrigeration, stove, microwave, and abundant cabinetry, the galley is well suited for extended cruising or comfortable onboard living.
Just forward of the galley, the dinette provides a dedicated dining area that can also serve as a casual gathering space for meals, conversation, or planning the next day’s cruise.
The forward guest stateroom features a comfortable berth along with storage lockers and convenient access to the guest head, offering a welcoming space for family or visiting friends.
A highlight of the Carver 455 layout is the private aft owner’s stateroom. Located aft for maximum privacy, this spacious cabin features a large centerline berth, generous storage, and an ensuite head with separate shower stall. The arrangement creates a quiet and comfortable retreat, making Knot Sure particularly well suited for extended cruising or liveaboard use.
Throughout Knot Sure, the thoughtful design of the Carver 455 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht is evident—offering multiple entertaining areas, excellent interior space, and the comfort expected in a cruising motor yacht of this class.
Whether you are searching for a Carver 455 for sale, a spacious aft cabin motor yacht, or a comfortable cruising vessel ideal for weekends, extended trips, or liveaboard life, Knot Sure presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy classic Carver design and proven cruising comfort.
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
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