Carver Owners Forum

Hi All,
I am going to view a 1995 Santego 310 this weekend and looking for some advice on the v drive versions.
Engines are Crusader 350 EFI with v drive Hurth Transmissions and prop pockets. 700 Hours.
Any advice on what to look for? Are the V drives reliable and any issues i should be concerned with. Thanks

My 3867 Santego has Velvet Drive transmissions and Walter V drive units, which are pretty well respected workhorses if I understand correctly. Have a look once you're on the boat. Hurth doesn't sound right.

Can't go wrong with the Crusader package. Parts are readily available. Whether Velvet, Hurth, or Walter, they're all very reliable. Given that v-drive layouts are typically harder to access some areas, check and see just how difficult it would be to access all areas of the engines and transmissions for servicing. Difficult access may not be so bad if you do all your own work but can make a huge difference on your boating budget if you hire others to do the work for you. Access applies to any hardware on the boat really. I've seen vacuum generators, hot water tanks, and air conditioners for example (not nessesarily Carver) that are simply impossible to get at and service without major dismantle of surrounding structures. Hopefully this application also has drip less shaft logs given the tight access to that area in this type of application. That'll minimize the amount of times someone has to get in there and contort themselves to service the logs.

See if you can get service records so you have an idea of how well she was maintained and I can't stress enough the importance of getting a survey done once you think she's the one.

Where's the boat and where would be your home port?

Hope it all works out well and keep us posted.

Boat is in Orillia.
Thanks for the feedback ,going to view this Saturday.
The ad for this boat states it has prop pockets ,any thoughts on these?

Many manufacturers use prop pockets to keep the boats draft to a minimum. Its no big deal.
They are a bit less efficient than non pocketed boats and will have a bit less bite during low speed maneuvers such as docking, but like any boat, you will get used to the handling and operation.

If you decide to move forward towards a purchase a survey and sea trial are a must. Good luck.

The Santego 310 with crusader drives is my dream boat!! Should any of you decide that you want to sell yours please contact me ...

Cheers

Stephen Silver

819-592-7369