Looking at 1987 SN 2001 *Pics*

rebel skier wrote: [QUOTE=bb12] Taking the wife to check it out this weekend. Wish me luck!

Put the boat in the water and run it with the wife. My wife did not get why I needed another boat until she heard it rumble.

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That's funny, twin wives of different mothers I guess haha.... When we went to check out the SW my wife crawled underneath to hold the crappy leaking fake-a-lake, i fired it up and she quickly popped back up and said "Buy It!"

AAM196 wrote: Woah... you are looking at around $200 per manifold and $140 per riser + gaskets... The cost for that isn't what would worry me... it is the fact that the previous owner knew of obvious damage (probably caused by neglecting to properly winterize) and patched it like that rather than properly fixing. Wonder what else he patched.. How cheap is the boat, and how mechanical are you is what would determine if this is right for you.

This seller doesn't realize the boat needs new manifolds and risers. He is a pretty honest and stand up guy. My guess is he got taken when he bought it last year.

He's asking $4500, but I'm guessing it could be purchased cheaper especially given the fact that it needs about $1000 worth of engine work. And replacing the manifolds and risers is probably beyond my mechanical knowledge...I do have a good buddy that is pretty mechanically inclined that could help me.

Now I'm worried there could be more things that will pop up along the way now that I know it wasn't properly winterized at some point.

Thoughts?

AAM196 wrote: Well, keep in mind we are only speculating based on some random cell phone pics. Also keep in mind one would expect to pay around $6,500 for a decent example of this boat. $4,500 is cheap even if it needs some parts and work.

I know, $4500 is cheap even if it does need work. I'm just trying to determine the cost of the new risers and manifolds. I just want to know what I'm up against before I pull the trigger...There is a inboard dealer in town- I'm thinking I may ask him if I can get the boat inspected and go from there.

Well, getting an inspection is a good place to start but honestly unless your heart is set on a classic SN... sounds like you'd be better off with a newer boat. Even after clean inspection and the manifold issue is fixed, something else can/will come up. Could be a bilge pump, an alternator, trailer lights need rewired etc... or something not so minor!

Braden,
I didn't see any mention about how mechanically inclined you are. A manifold R&R isn't really bad so you may want to take on the project yourself? The only frustrating issue is the corroded bolts but, the link that Chris posted above tells all. Plus, we're always around to help out.

Braden,
When you take it to the dealer, get a quote from them for the R&R on the manifolds. Then take it to the seller and nicely tell him you want the cost deducted from the selling price.

BTW, I'd say the risers are good to be used again.

8122pbrainard wrote: Braden, When you take it to the dealer, get a quote from them for the R&R on the manifolds. Then take it to the seller and nicely tell him you want the cost deducted from the selling price. BTW, I'd say the risers are good to be used again.

Thanks for the advice! I've been wrestling with how to approach the situation...That makes me feel better that the risers are probably okay to be used again.

If you can change your own oil you can replace those risers (edit) / manifolds.

First off he needs manifolds replaced not risers. Secondly, it will NOT be as easy as changing oil in car.

Take 4 k in cash and just do it. Even if u need to throw 3k into it...

8122pbrainard wrote: Braden, Looking at the latest pictures, it sure looks like someone applied some kind of patching compound to the bottom of that manifold. Probably a back yard hack with something like MarineTex. I guess they weren't winterized and they froze. Count on new manifolds plus the labor to replace both port and starboard as well as the risers.

Poorly worded?

Yes, I sure did and even mentioned risers myself! I even went back through the thread and even missed it! Double

I have the same exact boat. Mine is an 87 and I did some normal R and M just like you will on this one and paid a little more than you are looking at. But sounds like you got a lot of potential for a great boat.   Here in Eastern NC I had mine in the water 4 times so far this year and once you put her in and get that first taste of owning your Ski Nautique 2001 boat you will not be able to wipe that smile off your face. Check the stringers , hear it run on a hose ,check the oil and trans fluid ,and give it a good once over and pull the trigger. Looks like a nice boat from the pics! GO FOR IT!!!!! Then enjoy the boat with your family!!!!!! Oh and P.S keep it original!

Looks nice to me. With the estimate on repair I would think you could take it home for $4k. Good luck and don't worry so much. After awhile the repairs and breakdowns become character building challenges! I like it. (The boat, not the challenges.....)

If you are sweating the shipping charge of a part... don't waste your time with this boat! Really! You will become one of those people saying "you know what B.O.A.T. stands for...
or guess what the two best days of my life were?" We all hate those people.

Just a few years ago, a hundred dollar bill wouldn't even fill your gas tank on the lake. Most of here on this site would tell you that was the best $100 we spent all week.

If come spring you are on the water in a reliable, nice looking, seaworthy 87SN for under 6 grand... you are ahead of the game!

I stand by my statement. How is replacing manifolds significantly different than changing oil? Both involve unbolting or unscrewing things, and then bolting things back together. You don't need to be "trained" to do either... I'm struggling to see how somebody who can change his own oil, that is somebody who owns some basic tools and has the strength necessary to use them, would find it significantly difficult to take off old exhaust manifolds and then install new ones.