Secret Boat Quest Expansion

When I met the wrecking crew this winter, I mentioned my nefarious scheme to have an Air Nautique in the near future. Adam dubbed it my "Secret Boat" because it is a tough sell with the wifey BUT I know she will love the upgrade. The "near future" is getting closer.
My problems:
1. I am cheap-I want a good deal.
2. It turns out that I seem bracketed to the 98-2003 AN/SN DD family which includes the Pro Air. I would REALLY like the FCT2 tower for my boat lift and canopy.
3. I really want a working ballast system for the way we ski/board. We are going from footing to swiveling (not me, the wife) to boarding to ATB's and it will be the "back up boat for the ski team.
4. I really like a boat close by in Tarpon Springs, but it has the FCT1 tower, and I am concerned it will not fit under my canopy on the boat lift. I will be looking at it soon (Thanks Bobby) but if I am spending the money, I would like to get as close to my dream boat as possible.
5. There are other boats out there, but they will be a 4 day trip for me.
Here they are:
Tulsa
or
Detroit

I like both boats, but the yellow appeals to me on a Banana George level. Has anyone seen these boats? I will be driving two days up to get them from Winter Haven if I want to get them and two days back. Once I spring the secret boat plan on my wifey, I will probably need to move fast. Any tips on the 2003's? Were the instrument/keyboard issues solved by then? Any inputs are welcome!!!
Tom

2002 was the last year of the Air/Sport, in 2003 the 206 and 216 were introduced, the 206 is the Ski Nautique Open Bow (SNOB) with the 216 being the somewhat replacement for the Sport/Air. Sport is 21' long, 206 is 20'-6" and the 216 21'-6". The 206 will be the best all around boat for what you guy's do, best slalom wake and tracking of the group and will do everything else well. I would jump on the yellow one, Tullfooter or another CCF member may be nearby to look it over for you prior to making the trip to pick it up.
BTW, if the 206 has a ballast tank (trick tank) in the trunk it adds about 200lbs, if not you could plumb a bag system back there which could probably hold more weight. No issues with 2003 and beyond gauges.

seacamper wrote: So the next question is.......is it worth it to spring for a $2000 New Beginnings FCT2 to replace the FCT1? Will a used FCT1 bring anything on craigslist?

I wouldn't let the FCT1 stop you from buying a potentially really nice boat. Is it worth it to replace with a NDT tower? That's more of a personal question but the FCT2 tower when folded is still taller than the windshield. The FCT1 will really not bring much if anything on CL. My advice is if the boat checks out mechanically and cosmetically and you are happy with it overall and it fits your budget, buy it. Run it as is for a while and down the road if you don't like the tower you can always replace it. But you will have to drill new holes for another tower and fill/fix the ones from the FCT1 which is an added expense. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks Guys. Here is the link:
Tarpon Pro Air

As an update, the Detroit boat is sold.

That's too bad about the Detroit boat, I could have probably driven out there to give it a look, maybe even towed it part of the way down for you to make that trip easier. Good luck with your hunt, glad the Mrs. is onboard, kindof.

IAughtNaut wrote: That's too bad about the Detroit boat, I could have probably driven out there to give it a look, maybe even towed it part of the way down for you to make that trip easier. Good luck with your hunt, glad the Mrs. is onboard, kindof.

That was a sweet boat. I wonder what kind of lift went with it? That would have sealed the deal for me. Plus a Catamaran.

seacamper wrote: What is up with this one? Is that tower safe?https://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=41932

Safe? Yes. Appeal to a particular taste? Definitely. The good news is, that's boat's like an hour from me, I could be down there this afternoon. No pics of the engine though...

just looked again, not in love with the snaps...

I like the colors, I've never particularly been a fan of that graphics package, but I'm down with the green and grey

I like the '99. That red is just a nice looking red in my opinion. Also, the price isnt too shaby

Hey Bret,
Thanks, that may work out. I am going tomorrow to look it over and ski a bit and put the deposit down. The check will be fedexed tomorrow after everything checks out. I guess we will wait for the check to clear before I bring the boat home, so it may be there this weekend until I can bring it home. I will PM you my number.
Thanks
Tom

Hey Jbear,
The lift is coming by freight mid May, which calls for a mini reunion where I provide beer and food, and the Wrecking Crew becomes the Construction Crew. We have to put the lift and canopy together, then figure out how to get the boat up on it!
Tom

seacamper wrote: Hey Jbear, The lift is coming by freight mid May, which calls for a mini reunion where I provide beer and food, and the Wrecking Crew becomes the Construction Crew. We have to put the lift and canopy together, then figure out how to get the boat up on it! Tom

I am down for that..just let us know when the lift hits town....Wrecking crew to build..yeah..sounds about right!




john