Carver Owners Forum

Hello everyone, I'm new here as I don't have a Carver... yet.

I'm looking at a very nice 1997 Santego. I'm looking for any advice for things to look for. Of course a survey will be done, but I'd like to check out as much as possible on my own first. I'm mechanically inclined and have been boating for 10 years, mostly with sub 30' express cruisers with stern drives,so happy to accept any recommendations on focus areas.

The boat I'm looking at has about 650 hours on the 7.4 Crusaders. There is a small smoke from the exhaust during a cold start. It disappears within 20-30 seconds.

I can see a bit of oil/grease dripping from the shaft seals, but I assume that is expected to a certain extent. Other than that, the entire bilge is spotless.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Welcome Aboard. A little gray smoke coming from the exhaust is nothing to worry about. When I was in the process of purchasing my 3007 the day we first went to see the boat I had the broker fire up both engines. Just a little puff of gray smoke from both engines. Even today still the little puffs of gray smoke come out when started. Blue smoke would be a concern.

Good luck with the survey and sea trial. Hope it works out for you.

That little grey smoke is probably more steam than smoke. Nothing to worry about. Grease at the shafts is normal, lot's of water coming in would be concerning, but only if there is a stream. Ask the surveyor to check on the packing nut thread distance. That is where you would adjust if the water is coming in with excess amount. There is usually a good inch, maybe 2, of adjustment thread for that nut. Those engines are almost bullet proof. Crusaders will run 2500 hours before any thoughts of rebuild, as long as you do the regular maintenance. Some go well beyond that if they are run in the typical way. When you see how thirsty they are at high RPM's, you will not be running full throttle very much. You will want to experiment to find the most efficient cruising speed. I have 350's, and 3000RPM burns about 15 GPH in good seas. Gets me 19MPH. Good luck! Let us know how the survey goes! er

Thanks RGrew and Cooler.

I couldn't really tell if it had a blue tinge to it or not. Blue smoke would indicate some oil burn, but if it was only at start up for under 30 seconds, would that indicate valve guide seals or rings?

A puff of oil smoke on start up is most likely valve seals. Not meaning they are bad, but just have a bit of oil ( a couple drops) leak through during extended down time. This can happen on a newer car with just several thousand miles on it. Nothing to be worried about on an engine that is over 20 years old.

Are there any particular locations to check for soft spots?

jadams159 wrote:Source of the post Are there any particular locations to check for soft spots?

Welcome to the forum........considering all boats have had somewhat different lives as far as maintenance and sealing practices....especially deck fittings, canvas snaps etc., all these areas can be somewhat different. I will suggest that if you want to check things out before you contract a surveyor , pick up a good moisture meter and learn how to check a boat. There is some good info online.

This will in no way be better that an accredited surveyor as they have had years of experience and will or should know where to look on the various models and boat manufacturers. I eliminated quite a few boats on our searches, but in all cases had a pro do the final, and in one case paid off big time.

Good luck with your search..

You would want to check the area around all fittings on the deck and the thru hull fittings. A big issue with Carvers, is the deck on the inward side of the pulpit, on the from deck. If there is a storage box on the swim platform I would also check the swim platform. I agree with the others, there could be some moisture in other places and that is why I have a professional have a lock before I buy. I have done this for very boat I have owned. Carvers typically survey out very well with some minor issues, at least that has been my experience.

Happy hunting.

Greg

Welcome! Where is this Carver that you're looking at if you don't mind me asking?

BenTen wrote:Source of the post Welcome! Where is this Carver that you're looking at if you don't mind me asking?

Georgia