Currently looking at 1995 SANTEGO 380 and 36-38' aft cabins, trying to make a decision, looking for info on both, we are looking for a summer condo on water and wondering which is better/ is one better on fuel than the other and we are planning a great circle trip, which boat would be better, pros/cons
95 SANTEGO 380/36 AFT CABIN HELP DECIDING
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marykhubby
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We like the Aft Cabins for the room. it really depends on how many people you plan to house in your condo, and what your taste in boats are. We have a family of 5, and with 1 friend over for each kid, makes 8. by adding a fold out in the salon, we sleep 8 comfortably. So, family friendly! I could never do that with a Santego.
PS: the aft deck is a great jumping platform for them while we're on the hook!
PS: the aft deck is a great jumping platform for them while we're on the hook!
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yep, I agree with above...
we went aft for that reason, adults on one end, kids on the other...
If you're just a couple, then a Santego does offer you a nice lounge area, a real good size head, and the aft cockpit is nice to have when dockside, to beat the sun, (depending on which way you are moored)...
so far as performance, there wouldn't be any difference, from one to the other in my opinion, if you compare apples to apples, perhaps a little less windage with the Santego...
Our good friends have a Santego, and I think the only place you can board is the platform though, or stepping up and back down over the cockpit sides, so that may be an issue, but of course with aft cabins you have similar issues as well...
good luck! There are a lot of choices out there priced reasonable right now, make sure you don't limit yourself to just one brand/model/length...
we went aft for that reason, adults on one end, kids on the other...
If you're just a couple, then a Santego does offer you a nice lounge area, a real good size head, and the aft cockpit is nice to have when dockside, to beat the sun, (depending on which way you are moored)...
so far as performance, there wouldn't be any difference, from one to the other in my opinion, if you compare apples to apples, perhaps a little less windage with the Santego...
Our good friends have a Santego, and I think the only place you can board is the platform though, or stepping up and back down over the cockpit sides, so that may be an issue, but of course with aft cabins you have similar issues as well...
good luck! There are a lot of choices out there priced reasonable right now, make sure you don't limit yourself to just one brand/model/length...
marykhubby
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Lou
I love your logic. But my situation differs slightly - adults on one end, kids ALL OVER THE PLACE!
And can't forget about the dog either....
I love your logic. But my situation differs slightly - adults on one end, kids ALL OVER THE PLACE!
And can't forget about the dog either....
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Aft cabin suits us too. We're on one end (V-berth). In-laws on the other...
-Greg
-Greg
I also think the 80's vintage 36ft aft cabins are a dual purpose hull with a trawler like fuel consumption. There are those here that are more knowledgeable on this subject than I am though.
But I can vouch for the increased room in an aft cabin. We have literally twice as much room in our 32ft'er as a comparable sized express cruiser.
We bought the boat as a summer vacation home of sorts, since we live 2 hours drive from the boat. So we always go for a weekend or longer when we trip to the boat.
If you look at some mid-90's era and newer aft cabins, they are dual-height boarding, as they have integrated steps from the swim platform. Our boat is of that style, and is equally at home on a fixed or floating dock. That was one selling point for us.
On the other hand, a Santego is a very distinct and unique boat. A lot of thought went into that design.
But I can vouch for the increased room in an aft cabin. We have literally twice as much room in our 32ft'er as a comparable sized express cruiser.
We bought the boat as a summer vacation home of sorts, since we live 2 hours drive from the boat. So we always go for a weekend or longer when we trip to the boat.
If you look at some mid-90's era and newer aft cabins, they are dual-height boarding, as they have integrated steps from the swim platform. Our boat is of that style, and is equally at home on a fixed or floating dock. That was one selling point for us.
On the other hand, a Santego is a very distinct and unique boat. A lot of thought went into that design.
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Marykhubby,
Holy Cow, that is a boat load! We usually have our two kids, Son 14, Daughter 11, and sometimes my son who is 17 will join us from Minnesota(we're lucky we have three staterooms)and two dogs, (last year 3, just put our oldest down) then we alternate which kid gets to bring a friend on the weekends... even then though, it can get a little nuts, but a whole lot better than when we did it in our 37 maxum and 34 Sundancer...
Holy Cow, that is a boat load! We usually have our two kids, Son 14, Daughter 11, and sometimes my son who is 17 will join us from Minnesota(we're lucky we have three staterooms)and two dogs, (last year 3, just put our oldest down) then we alternate which kid gets to bring a friend on the weekends... even then though, it can get a little nuts, but a whole lot better than when we did it in our 37 maxum and 34 Sundancer...
One useful resource is www.carveryachts.com, and look up the model specification PDF files for the 1997 model year. I specify 1997 because it is the only year in that era that Carver published fuel burn specs.
For 1997, the Aft Cabins in your size range are 355 and 405. The Carver specs say:
355 - 19,300lbs, Crusader 454XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 21 MPH, 24 GPH (0.875 MPG).
405 - 27,108lbs, Crusader 454XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 22 MPH, 30 GPH. (0.73 MPG).
Santego 38 - 18,700lbs, Crusader 454XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 24 MPH, 26 GPH (0.92 MPG).
And just for fun, I looked at my boat for the '97 model year:
325 - 15,100lbs, Crusader 350XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 21 MPH, 22 GPH (0.92 MPG).
OF course, these figures are subject to a lot of factors, but one would think that the differences between the boats would be constant, regardless of what factors may influence the actual figures. So it looks like aft cabins have a slight lower fuel mileage, but again, they look to be a bit heavier.
My guess as to why the Santego 38ft (with a heavier boat and larger hull) matches my 32ft boat in fuel mileage is perhaps my 350CuIn engines are working a bit harder than the 454s.
Nevertheless, all of the mileage figures are pretty close together.
I have neither been aboard a 355 or Santego 38, but judging from photos, I'd dare say there may be a bit more room in the 355. Afterall, the "poop-deck" on the aft cabin offers two levels of occupancy.
Cynically speaking, maybe the best boat for fuel consumption is the one that has the largest holding tank - as if the boat is a gonna be a floating condo, that means fewer trips to the pump out. [8D]
For 1997, the Aft Cabins in your size range are 355 and 405. The Carver specs say:
355 - 19,300lbs, Crusader 454XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 21 MPH, 24 GPH (0.875 MPG).
405 - 27,108lbs, Crusader 454XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 22 MPH, 30 GPH. (0.73 MPG).
Santego 38 - 18,700lbs, Crusader 454XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 24 MPH, 26 GPH (0.92 MPG).
And just for fun, I looked at my boat for the '97 model year:
325 - 15,100lbs, Crusader 350XL, 3,200RPM, cruise 21 MPH, 22 GPH (0.92 MPG).
OF course, these figures are subject to a lot of factors, but one would think that the differences between the boats would be constant, regardless of what factors may influence the actual figures. So it looks like aft cabins have a slight lower fuel mileage, but again, they look to be a bit heavier.
My guess as to why the Santego 38ft (with a heavier boat and larger hull) matches my 32ft boat in fuel mileage is perhaps my 350CuIn engines are working a bit harder than the 454s.
Nevertheless, all of the mileage figures are pretty close together.
I have neither been aboard a 355 or Santego 38, but judging from photos, I'd dare say there may be a bit more room in the 355. Afterall, the "poop-deck" on the aft cabin offers two levels of occupancy.
Cynically speaking, maybe the best boat for fuel consumption is the one that has the largest holding tank - as if the boat is a gonna be a floating condo, that means fewer trips to the pump out. [8D]
marykhubby
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JHFlyer
If it's helpful I previously posted pic's of our '82 3607 Aft Cabin on the POST PICTURES OF YOUR CARVER forum on this Carver site. Go to page 3, about 1/2 way down, a Nov 16th post. I threw in a few small photos of the interior so it will provide you with an idea of the space. Naturally, seeing an aft cabin for yourself is the best option to understand if you like the setup or not. I neglected to post the Aft Master so I'll throw it in here for you. AWBoater is right, ours has the "trawler" type hull. Comfortable for cruising (I know) and fairly economical (I'm told).
KastlerC
Yep. Can be a little nuts sometimes but we have a great time. Couple of times we just load 'er up and head out to a cove and hang out on the hook. Kids buzz around on the Jski's while the adults enjoy some R&R with a few cold ones. Had 18 on her last summer one beautiful calm day. Yes, plenty of PFDs to go round... evem the dog straps one on!
If it's helpful I previously posted pic's of our '82 3607 Aft Cabin on the POST PICTURES OF YOUR CARVER forum on this Carver site. Go to page 3, about 1/2 way down, a Nov 16th post. I threw in a few small photos of the interior so it will provide you with an idea of the space. Naturally, seeing an aft cabin for yourself is the best option to understand if you like the setup or not. I neglected to post the Aft Master so I'll throw it in here for you. AWBoater is right, ours has the "trawler" type hull. Comfortable for cruising (I know) and fairly economical (I'm told).
KastlerC
Yep. Can be a little nuts sometimes but we have a great time. Couple of times we just load 'er up and head out to a cove and hang out on the hook. Kids buzz around on the Jski's while the adults enjoy some R&R with a few cold ones. Had 18 on her last summer one beautiful calm day. Yes, plenty of PFDs to go round... evem the dog straps one on!
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Well, I would have to go the other way. Sure we all like our boats, that's why we have them. You have to ask your self, how many people and how often? I like being two steps off the dock and two steps into the cabin. Standing at the door and looking forward theres a lot of room, all on one floor. Wifey and I love the space and no stairs. Check out the storage space under the rear deck, I was thinking of finshing off another room. (just kidding - place to hide maybe)...Sorry guys!
Hey Don, I love that boat of yours! I have always coveted the 3607 since I first stepped aboard one a few years back. Something about having that bathtub in the master stateroom 
...
My wife hates the entry, though - six steps down from the aft deck. So if we ever go to 36 feet it will probably be a 36 Mariner, either the old displacement style or the newer "Nike sneaker" style...
Either way, they are all great boats, IMHO...
...My wife hates the entry, though - six steps down from the aft deck. So if we ever go to 36 feet it will probably be a 36 Mariner, either the old displacement style or the newer "Nike sneaker" style...
Either way, they are all great boats, IMHO...