638 Santego; 380 Santego

A huge sales success in her day, the Carver 380 Santego (originally called the 638 Santego in 1989–92) combines the interior dimensions of a small motor yacht with the outdoor seating of an express cruiser. Carver sold a ton of these boats—the Santego’s “express bridge” layout with its step-down interior and elevated helm offered the advantages of a flybridge boat in a more stylish, low-profile package. With just one stateroom below, the Santego’s single-level interior was clearly designed for entertaining. A sliding glass door leads from the cockpit into a huge full-beam salon with facing circular sofas and hi-low table to starboard. Forward of the salon is a home-size galley with stove/oven, double-door refrigerator, and built-in microwave. A wet bar and large head compartment with stall shower are opposite the galley. Forward, the private stateroom features a walkaround queen bed, two hanging lockers, and head access. Topside, the helm console is aft on the roomy bridge with lounge seating forward and aft. A cutout in the bridge coaming opens to access the bow area. On the downside, the bolt-on swim platform looks cheap. Crusader 330 gas engines cruise at 16–18 knots.