Posted: October 26 2007 at 14:49 | IP Logged

Hi,

    My first Carver was a 1999 Santego. I loved that boat, it was a great weekend or even more time boat.  We only traded up in size to do the great loop on. We need more range for the great loop than the Santego had.

    I would highly reccommend that boat as a weekend and inland(intercostal) cruising boat.  I like the one level living space, what I thought was a large cockpit for that length boat. Where we boat with our Santego was on a inland river with locks, so the easy access to the boat from the bridge was very handed.

    I would be glad to answer more specific questions.

Gary

Posted: October 29 2007 at 13:03 | IP Logged

Gary:

Thanks for the reply.  Can you provide any information on fuel efficiency based on your vessel's equipment?  (We will also be cruising on inland lakes and rivers.)

This will be our first cruiser.  Have you read any good books you would recommend concerning maintenance for all of the vessel's various systems?

Posted: October 29 2007 at 13:18 | IP Logged

I have a '97 Santego with 454 crusaders.

By rough calculation I'm getting .7-.8 miles/gallon cruising at 3000 rpm, though I'm still diagnosing why starboard burns a little thicker than port. Depending on wind, I'm able to make 15-18 knots at this speed.

Regarding literature, I've found the Carver owners manual to be relatively complete, and of course owners manual for component systems are important, too. I now have several service manuals for studying during the off-season.

Hope this helps!

Posted: October 30 2007 at 10:36 | IP Logged

To:

kipbenson4

I'm writing a story on used Carvers for Soundings magazine. I'd be interested in talking by email or phone about your boat. Letr me know if you're interested ...

Steve Knauth

freelance writer

Posted: October 30 2007 at 12:55 | IP Logged

Thanks kipbenson4 and Gary concerning the fuel efficiency of this model.  Can you tell me what top speed is with this power?

Also, I've seen some ads for this vessel powered with twin 350 Crusaders.  Would you consider this underpowered?

Posted: October 30 2007 at 13:11 | IP Logged

The 454s are 350 horsepower engines.

Posted: December 21 2007 at 21:04 | IP Logged

Hello,

I have a 1993 and have been very pleased with her.  The layout is the best I've seen in a cruising boat of this size.  I agree with the gas estimate in other posts and mine gets 18 knots at about 3000 rpm also.  Still has plenty of throttle to go above but you are on the back side of the economy curve with the 2 454s.  I did get it up to 26 knots once but not really needed unless you have to outrun a weather issue.  Shes on plane at 18 and rides great.  Beats a 11 knot trawler and you are much more comfortable.  Looks good also.

Shes up for sale now because I need to downsize.  Fishing is in my plans now and my lady won't let me get the back all fishey smelling.  Give me a private email if you are interested.