35/38 Montego, 35/38 Santego Economy and Ride

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ChefJunk

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Can anyone share their knowledge on the ride and handling of the 35/38 Montego/Santego models that share the same hull?

How about fuel consumption? I am curious how these models perform and any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim
 
Hi Jim,

Both boats run fairly decently but the Santego seems to be a little better balanced. We're considering both for our next boat as well. We love both of them but are tending to lean towards the Montego as we like express cruiser exterior accomdations better...not the the Santego doesn't have GOBS of seating on the bridge. Expect real world economy in the 22 to 26 gph range and maybe as high as 30. The Santego was alot more popular and, as such, there are far more available on the market. They have 19 degree deadrises, so they ride quite smoothly...considerably smoother than your 32 Montego.
 
Thanks Kenny. What are your guesses on their cruise speed with average load and conditions? Do you think 1mpg is attainable? Do these have hollow stringers?

Looking at a Trojan 12m express as well, with dirty d's for power. Love the quality of the boat, needs some tlc, but doable. Found a Doral 360 I like, but a little out of my price range at the moment.

Don't know about the 538 Montego, I looked at the one on 5th street in town the other day. Liked it, didn't love it. Side decks are narrow, aft cabin is tight, love the galley, forward berth is nice, great engine room, cockpit/helm could have been designed better. Clean boat, low hours, but no where near being worth $75k.

Liking my 32 more and more every day, if I can get ahead of the cosmetic and electrical issues, I might be happy. It's still an ugly boat (from the outside) no matter how much lipstick I put on it though!
 
The stringers are hollow, so no moisture worries there. Cruising speed about 20 to 22 MPH...probably slightly less than 1 MPG. The Trojans are nice quality, but from what I hear, they use alot of fuel because of the hull design (rides fantastic though). The thing I like about your 32 Montego is that it is such a big boat for it's size...compares very favorably to 34 to 36 footers of other brands. I actually like the way they look...high in front, low in back...makes it look fast.
 
Thanks for the info. I like that aspect of the look also, i just don't like the sharp angles and sated look of the forward deck. I like the look of mine better from the windshield back, and vica versa. I'll probably end up keeping mine, it's paid for and the depreciation is almost $0, just maintenance and upgrades. Should be pretty easy to unload when I go to sell.

However, if the 38 had wider side decks or a windshield access setup, I think I would be all over it. They say they are putting it in to do some checks and I said to give me a call if they do. Seems a bit late to do that.

Jim
 
quote:
Originally posted by ChefJunk

<SNIP>

Looking at a Trojan 12m express as well, with dirty d's for power. Love the quality of the boat, needs some tlc, but doable. Found a Doral 360 I like, but a little out of my price range at the moment.

<SNIP>

Click to expand...


The 12 Meter is a diesel boat, and will be more efficient.

The DeltaConic Hull design is amazing, you need to experience it to truly appreciate it.

RWS
 
Ken,

When you say the Santego feels more balanced than the Montego, are you talking about the weight in the rear? My current montego is quite ass heavy so i'm used to that, didn't know it that's what you meant. The engines on the big Montego look to be a little further forward proportionally. Although mine was ass heavy and fully loaded with 3 of us on board, I managed to get out of the hole in about 35 seconds which isn't bad. She only got to 32 mph sog at wot, but thats with alot of gear, flesh, and fuel on board. I want to unload her to see what my actual top speed is sometime soon. I want to get my fuel flow monitors fixed first. At 3400 rpm, 25mph, it was reading 18 gph total and that can't be anywhere near correct.

Jim

RWS,

What are your guesses to the efficiencies of a diesel powered 12 meter? Any concerns with their fully cored hull? Assuming they managed through hull fittings properly, but everyone gets lazy sometimes!

Thanks,

Jim
 
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