New Member Considering Purchase of 1997 Carver 310 Santego

[TonyC]

Hello all,

We are considering the purchase of a 1997 Santego 310. It is a fresh water boat powered by Low hour twin Merc 5.7LX motors with Bravo 2 outdrives. Appears to be in good shape and plan a marine and motor survey.

Boat will be used solely in Lake Michigan. Mostly for day cruising but will include some weekend trips. Days of fast boat needs are behind us. I understand that this boat will cruise at approximately 23 MPH (3200 RPM) while burning 1.2 MPG. However, we plan a slightly slower pace.

Can anyone share some thoughts on this boat. General handling in calm seas? How does it handle the occasional seas of 3 - 5 foot? Concerning fuel economy, can anyone share experience at less than cruise speed ... say 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 RPM? Thoughts on mechanical, systems and other areas? Overall impressions are also welcomed.

Thanks!

[Ramsport47]

My partner and I have a 1998 310 Santego with twin Merc 350 Mag inboards. In calm water, she is a fantastic performer and in Lake Erie 3 to 5's, she will ride them out without pounding (unless you're running her too fast for the conditions). She has great room inside and is not give the "top heavy" feel of most flybridge boats. Ours cruises at 28 to 30 MPH at 34 to 3600 RPM while returning approximately 16 GPH in economy. Surprising, not much worse than our previous 27 Montego with twin 3.7LX Alphas

[TonyC]

My partner and I have a 1998 310 Santego with twin Merc 350 Mag inboards. In calm water, she is a fantastic performer and in Lake Erie 3 to 5's, she will ride them out without pounding (unless you're running her too fast for the conditions). She has great room inside and is not give the "top heavy" feel of most flybridge boats. Ours cruises at 28 to 30 MPH at 34 to 3600 RPM while returning approximately 16 GPH in economy. Surprising, not much worse than our previous 27 Montego with twin 3.7LX Alphas

Thanks Ramsport47/Kenny for your valuable information. A flybridge "top heavy" feel is a concern of my wife. We were told that this "top heavy" concern is not as big an issue since the cabin is set lower in the boat reducing the height of the flybridge. She likes the bench seat in front of the helm. We both like the molded stairs (not a ladder) leading up to the flybridge. Far more stable and secure!

Thanks for the info on handling. Lake Michigan like Lake Erie can be more "chunky" than calm. Backing off on the throttle is not an issue for us.

Your GPH number is a tad better than we were told. Does your GPH increase slightly when backing off to say 20 - 25 MPH or does the reduction in plane negate this?

Finally, we were out your way (Port Clinton) this past weekend looking at a Mainship Pilot 30. We both like the Downeast style but were set off by the spartan cabin and noisy motor. Looks like the 310 Santego is our better choice.

Thanks again!

[Ramsport47]

We typically run at cruising speed, so I can't honestly comment about the economy getting better at slower speeds, but I assume it does...although all boats have a sweet spot of speed/ economy. The boat stays on plane at a relatively low speed...down into the teens, so you should be okay. The one you're looking at should actually do a tad better as stern drive boats are typically more efficient than inboards. We also like the Downeast style of boats, but feel like they don't offer the room or amenities that we want...and noise...yes, noise...dislike that!