I am about to buy a 1996 Carver Santego 380 - Please help

[Cooler]

It is really cool that the owner has all the paper work and manuals for the vessel. Lot of good information there. As long as you have access to the owner, have a conversation about how he used the vessel, what his experience is with fuel burn rate at different RPM levels, if he was a wide open throttle kind of captain. Also, find out who did the annual maintenace and look at those invoices with real focus. Most times the mechanic doing maintenance will alert the owner of something he wants to keep an eye on, or get repaired. If the owner is a DIY'er, then that will be part of the conversation. As mentioned several times, get a survey performed. VERY IMPORTANT. Finally, how many hours are on engines and what brand engines are they? I assume Crusader because Carver had a "special" arrangement with Crusader at the time. er

[cjblovinlife]

Im very happy to report that I am now an owner . Thanks again for everyones help ! The blister was fixed when it was hauled out for the survey. I definitly not a Marine Mechanic but I am looking forward to all the projects and maintenance . You tube and this forum will be my best freinds

[ColRon]

cjblovinlife, Congratulations on your new to you purchase. Happy to see another Santego owner here!

[Cooler]

Congrats! The only drawback to a Santego, is it is a very social boat. My Mariner is similar. There are times I plan to go on a cruise, and then some friend or marina neighbor will stop by to chat. Next thing you know, the folding chairs come out and we're sitting in the cockpit watching the world go by. Not so bad, less gas burned, and the conversation is always pretty funny. Good luck & happy cruising! Let us know the general findings on the survey if you don't mind. er