1991 38' Carver Santego      Ted Rankine: This week on foot-itis we are looking at a 38-foot Carver Santego. The Carver Santego is very different style of boat because you have got an open back deck, and with a lot of motor yachts of this size you only get half cabins.      Mike Burns: You can get onboard the Santego easily with all of the gear and pets and have no problem finding room and getting organized. After boarding you can just step into the cockpit, and very easily using the molded staircase to get up into the bridge.

 So if ladders are a concern for you the Santego is a good compromise, compared to some bridge boats.A 38-footer is really 41/8th, overall, and that is with 13-foot, two-inch beam.

     Jim Payette: This Carver has a great deck to enjoy the sunshine, especially for those who like to be outside. The interior layout in the Santego is really different compared to most boats, as this boat is all one level.

     Mike Burns: The Santego is also an extremely large boat with lots of room. This boat is perfect for a cruising couple. In the front of the boat is your main accommodation that is easily closed off for privacy.

     Jim Payette Payette: Both the dinettes are easily converted to sleepers that can accommodate six people.

      Mike Burns: Both dinettes have a little a curtain that draws around so you can still have a bit of privacy there, but still retain your space during the day. You can easily open the curtains during the day and keep all your space and move-ability.

      Jim Payette: Let's have a look at the engine department.

      Mike Burns: This Santego has a little bit of water in the gills, but nothing abnormal. You are generally going to have a little bit in that area but always make sure it is a minimal amount of water. Make sure you also always check the rudderpost for anything that looks abnormal.
     The best tool to check with is your ears, listen for any noises that you deem to be not normal. You can really hear that everything is running nice and smooth in this Santego at the moment.
     And again if you get a mechanical inspection they are going to go through the boat with more of a fine toothcomb, however you can do everything yourself up to the compression readings.

     Jim Payette: When you are out on the sea doing a trial run of a boat what are some things you would be looking for?

     Mike Burns: When out on the water check the mechanical systems, make sure they are up to speed, also check out the electronic system. This Santego has been in storage for quite a while so we do not know if everything is hooked up properly or working to its full potential.
     This is boat well equipped with electronics, there is even a radar unit here by Raythecon. This is probably the original equipment for the year of the boat. Although there will have been obvious technology changes since then, this equipment is still fairly up-to-date and useful.

      Mike Burns: On this Carver we have an open raster, check to make sure it is moving freely and there is no grinding.

      Jim Payette: When you are water testing a boat you want to put it through its paces. This includes doing a whole shot and some turns. It is actually a good day for a sea test. The water is a little bit rough so you really get to see how the boat handles in all weather.

      Mike Burns: Make sure you run the waves at different angles, checking your trim and making sure the tabs are working properly. Also make sure the throttles are nice and clear.

       Jim Payette: I have noticed the Santego is a pretty heavy boat and that you need to make use of the tabs to keep the nose down.

      Mike Burns: Some boats are a little quicker to pass out of the hole, but you have got a lot of weight here. Once the boat is up on a plane though, she is not very tender she will need the odd tab adjustment, but it is only going to be minor corrections.

      Jim Payette: This is a very solid boat too.

     Ted Rankine: I guess the other thing you are looking forward too, when you are testing a boat this size is how well the boat cruises. As most people who own this style of boat is going to want to be living aboard. So you really want to get a sense too of what it is like to live on it. You know if you are doing a lot of cruising, you are going to be spending a lot of time sitting in the elm seat. And this boat's is extremely comfortable and from it you have great visibility. I could see myself sitting here for a good five, six hour run.

* taken from a transcript of our Footitis Used Boat Profiles on PowerBoat TV 2004 Episode 7 - Order A Copy of the Show