2866 Santa Cruz

Introduced in 1976, the Carver 2866 Santa Cruz was an entry-level coastal fishing boat with a small, space-efficient interior and very large cockpit. Popular with light-tackle anglers, she was constructed on a solid fiberglass hull with moderate beam low cockpit gunnels. The Santa Cruz was a relatively good-selling model for Carver and she remained pretty much unchanged during her production years with only minor cosmetic updates. Her single-level floorplan is set three steps down from the cockpit level and includes a V-berth forward, a convertible dinette to port, a complete galley, and a standup head with shower. Needless to say, the interior decor, with its inexpensive fabrics and cheap carpeting, is completed dated, and none of Carver’s 1970s–1980s products were ever noted for their fine finish. Most 2866s were sold with a lower helm station. The engines are accessed below the cockpit, and the small flybridge has seating for two guests. Several inboard and sterndrive engine options were offered over the years. Among them, twin 230hp gas engines cruise the 2866 Santa Cruz at 16–17 knots and top out in the low 20s.