Hours Question

Really depends on how well the engine and tranny were cared for. If the owner did regular oil changes and general maintenance you may be fine. It would be worth the money to have a shop look over the boat prior to buying with that many hours on it.

Can you do a basic compression check on the motor? Is the motor clean?
What's the asking price?

It's a buyers market now and there are plenty of older boats out there for not much money.

What's your budget and what model are you looking into, 2001?

2500 is a lot of hours but engines are like people, some last longer than others. My dad's the original owner of his '75 Ski Nautique w 351 Waukesha, the predecessor if you will to PCM. He's running an honest 2800-3000 hours on both engine and BW velvet drive tranny. The boats always been run hard but never "put away wet." The engines strong and smooth and doesn't leak nor burn oil, compression is good, tranny I can tell is getting tired, no doubt there's a nano second lag when going into gear.

Compression check will show if the engines tired or not. Depending on results, you can tell if it's tired in the heads or the pistons. If the boat looks and feels clean and price is right, I wouldn't turn it away. If it's the original owner chances are in your favor. My recommendation is drive and feel othe Ski Nautiques to compare it to. The engines IMO seem to outlast the transmissions.

But at $9500 I'd walk on down to the next Nautique.

RobertV wrote: I agree $9500 is very high. Not sure where you are, but here in the States for that kind of money you can get a 94 or later with under half that many hours. 93 and earlier had wooden stringers that were prone to rot. Give us some more details on where you are and what you want to do with the boat. The members here are fantastic and are extremely helpful. If you are in the US check out the most recent posts on the thread "Craigslists Finds"

92 and earlier

At $9500 I'd keep looking.

Yeah, I was thinking 9500 is pretty steep.

I'm looking for something small, easy to move, that puts out a good wake without having to use ballast. 99% of the time my girlfriend and I will be using the boat for wakeboarding.   Not looking for a giant party boat. Looking to take out 2 - 4 people at most. Would like to stay around the 5k range. I've read the wake on post 1989 Nautiques isn't as good as the 2001's until the mid 90's sport. Is that correct?

Thanks again for your input. I'm in the US and will checkout "Interesting Craigslists Finds" .

did you ever say where you were located? I've got a line on an 88 (same hull) in ohio for 6K. I don't know the total history of the boat, but I can get you in touch with the guy.

I may be interested in that 2001 boat located in Ohio if vbatla doesn't want it . Any more info ?

I may have found a good deal on a 1984. I was wanting the 89 but I don't know if I can pass this one up. Is the hull the same?

I bought an 89. :) Now the project begins...is there a section in the forum with a basic checklist for someone new to boats? Recommended maintenance? First thing I need to do is change the oil. Is there a particular brand that should be run?   I need to check the impeller along with installing a bilge pump.

Vince - Since it is new to you, I suggest taking the time to check alignment of the prop shaft.

Here is a how to: video

Thanks for the recommendations! I will definitely check out the drive shaft alignment. I will check out Mobil 1. Is there a particular bilge pump I need to use? I like the idea of an automatic pump.

pics coming soon!

I'd step up to at least 800. 500 takes a while to pump.

New development...When turning the ignition key to the on position, nothing happens. When attempting to start the engine there appears to be a direct short. Is there a wiring diagram anywhere online?   Looks like the previous owner had a direct line from the battery to the ignition switch. Time to dive into the wiring. Does the 89 Ski Nautique have any fuses? thanks

Maybe it's just that the battery has a bad connection or dead.