Which boat should I buy? |
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MechGaT
Senior Member Joined: March-09-2015 Location: Chattanooga Status: Offline Points: 271 |
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I agree, definitely test drive 3 or more. Looking at a few of them, thinking it over between test drives, and giving the folks here a chance to give you feedback will help you make a decision you will be happy with for years to come. I would be leery if he says you must pay full price before you have even seen it. For what it sounds like you are going to be using it for, you could be very happy with the '94.
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'92 Sport Nautique
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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We are putting the 1997 maroon one in the water right now.
Test drove one yesterday. Will get I the python and 1994 today as well. Thanks for the help. |
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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1997 clean maroon and cream color. Trailer in good shape. Tires and bearing seemed in good shape. No major wood rot. Idles well. Seemed fast on the throttle. Responsive.
The guy did say he changed to oil... There was clean oil sloshing around the bottom of the boat under the engine compartment. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... Bimini top. Interior very clean. $13,000 final answer. Off to the next. |
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MechGaT
Senior Member Joined: March-09-2015 Location: Chattanooga Status: Offline Points: 271 |
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Maybe he spilled a little while changing it? Definitely something to look at more closely. Could you wipe it up and see if it returns?
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'92 Sport Nautique
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Wow..... Spotless red Python. Near mint condition. Off to purple 1994.
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Gary S
Grand Poobah Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
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You had better be taking pictures of your adventure for us
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Would anyone here even consider 1992? The Python owner had a nice one in his barn. $8000. 1000 hours. I worry about the wood.
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DVskier
Senior Member Joined: September-04-2014 Location: Seneca SC Status: Offline Points: 449 |
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I had a 97 with the GT-40. It was a great boat, zero problems. I personally wouldn't consider anything older than a 97 SN if you are serious about slalom. Life is short don't compromise. The GT-40 has all the power you'll need.
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Orlando76
Grand Poobah Joined: May-21-2013 Location: Mount Dora, FL Status: Offline Points: 3108 |
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The 92's were made so solid it'll be years before they give structural problems given it wasnt beat to hell. $8k is a lil high in my opinion. The 97+ boats are serious slalom machines but the 90-96's aren't far behind. I'm serious about slalom but I'll never in my lifetime out ski my 93. |
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1976 Ski Nautique 351 Escort 1993 Ski Nautique purple and black 351 HO PCM |
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DVskier
Senior Member Joined: September-04-2014 Location: Seneca SC Status: Offline Points: 449 |
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My point being that with the 97's being so inexpensive now why settle for less. I ski behind a couple of 200's and have a hard time telling the difference between my current 04 196 as far as the wake. The 97's have a much better wake than the 93-96. Having a great wake is important to me. The 92-94 Mastercrafts also had great wakes although there was spray at 35 off.
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bkhallpass
Grand Poobah Joined: March-29-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4723 |
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Nothing wrong with a 92 if its been well cared for. 93 and newer can have plenty of problems as well. Just nice to know that on a 93 or newer, rotten stringers should not be one of the problems.
BKH |
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Livin' the Dream
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tryathlete
Platinum Member Joined: April-19-2013 Location: Lake Villa, IL Status: Offline Points: 1796 |
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The Detroit '99 Python is back on the market. Better call fast. I saw the seller is on Planet Nautique reduced the price to $22k. Carpe Diem.
http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/showpost.php?p=488193 |
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rebel skier
Gold Member Joined: October-17-2014 Location: Middle Tenn Status: Offline Points: 771 |
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Since it seems you are tempted to push your budget for the python, be sure and check out the two 2002 196's listed on ski-it-again. Listing price off 21 and 20K.
2002 196 21K 2002 196 20K |
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63 Skier
Grand Poobah Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4230 |
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You know, I have to agree with Richard. As much as I said "get the python, it's cool" I feel like before spending anywhere in the high teens to 20 for a late '90's Ski I'd move on to a 196. I'm no ski wake expert but I think the 196's will stand the test of time as one of the best slalom wakes ever.
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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AAM196
Gold Member Joined: October-23-2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 846 |
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Have you test drove the 94 yet? I mean under 10k asking and looked very well cared for. Unless you are in the slalom course on a regular basis the wake difference between the 1994 and 2004 is negligible...
They Python would be cool to own but I can't see spending 7K more for it... maybe pick up 5mph on the top end. |
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Well it has been 12-14 hours of driving in the past two days.
I came to a decision. I will post pictures and review the boats I saw. Friday: Boat #1... 1996 Ski Nautique I arrived and the boat was parked under a tree. Some dirt on the cover. To be expected. The trailer showed signs of wear and the plywood was rotten throughout. The boat appeared structurally sound but was cosmetically in bad shape. Various cuts on interior. Cigarette butts in cup holder. Generally needed a good detail. Out on the water it performed well. Based on the appearance I am not sure engine maintenance was a priority. At $14,000 asking. Passed. |
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Friday Boat # 2: 2007 Ski Nautique
I met with the owner of this boat. I didn't test drive. He seemed very knowledgeable. Nice guy. He maintain the motor himself and it was spotless. The interior had some cracking along the rear bench. Trailer was in good shape. A nice boat. I was going to see its twin in the morning. I figured I could test drive it later if I needed to. All in all a good looking boat. I have to admit that the cream color was throwing me off a little. How was it put? Geezerly. He wanted $13,000. |
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Saturday Morning: Boat #3: The Twin: Geezerly 1997 Ski Nautique
This boat is being sold by a nice gentleman named Jim. Jim flips boats. He had purchased that boat 3 months back. Changed to oil. Tuned it up. Cleaned it up. He said he had $12,500 in the boat. He wanted $13,000. It seemed like a solid boat. No major interior problems. Trailer had a little wood rot but clean and the tires looked good. Test drive was flawless. The only things that scared me a little... there was oil in the sump well. Reportedly from changing the filter that week. I did not meet the previous owner and there is know way to know how the boat was treated before it was cleaned up. Also... geezer cream. All in all... this was my 2nd place realistic option for the trip. |
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Boat #4: 1994 Ski Nautique
I was really excited to see this one. I actually drive 2 hours out of the way. If it was as clean as reported I figured I would be getting this and counting my remaining money all the way home. In the end... went to the dock. The boat was fairly clean... except for where the "chipmunks got into it" a few years back. They had chewed small holes all through the interior. The rubber pad at the top of the engine compartment was nearly chewed away. They had chewed the blower which no longer worked. I was assured that this was no big deal and the owner showed me how he opened and closed the engine cover to fan the fumes before he started the boat. The trailer was parked in the back yard. The wheel wells rusted through. Almost no wood left from all the rot............ I am not confident you will make it home on that trailer. Needless to say... I was a little disappointed. Owner wants $9,500. In the boats defense... it ran well during the test. Note the small chew holes by the throttle... these could be found throughout. |
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bkhallpass
Grand Poobah Joined: March-29-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4723 |
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Probalbly 3K for a good upholstery job, and whatever you have to spend on a trailer. Not a good deal IMO. BKH
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Livin' the Dream
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Boat # 5: 1999 Python
So I managed to talk the owner into reconsidering and he said that he was firm at $18,500. I explained that this is at the top of my range and told him that I am not sure I would reach that high. He invited me out to take a look anyway. I figured that since I had pretty much seen most of the state of Michigan at this point, I may as well see the rest. So... The owner has a great setup. Covered boat on a nice lift. He has a large garage across the street which houses boats, trailers, etc. The boat is always out of the water and elements unless being driven. Just meeting with the owner and seeing his property you could tell he was meticulous about caring for his things. This boat was spotless. New Interior. Near mint condition. If anyone is in the market for a Python.... this is the one! Spotless. Truly. We drove it out on the lake. The engine was notably louder at idle with those great deep rattly tones usually heard out of much larger boats. The drive was as fast and powerful as advertised. As amazing as this boat is... I decided that for the price... it is not the practical choice for my little family. |
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dmudave
Newbie Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Boat #6: 1992 Ski
The owner of the Python happened to tell me that he had two Nautiques. His plan was to sell the Python and use his 1992 Ski Nautique until he decided on something different. 1992....... wood stringer.... carberated engine.... Pro-tec ignition..... Bad bad bad... Then he took me into his garage to have a look. This boat had been well cared for. Spotless interior. Clean engine. His meticulous care had been used for his old boat as well. He had a marina check the wood in the boat several year back without signs of wear or rot. The boat had not seen the elements since. Floor seemed solid. No soft spots. The trailer was clean. No wood rot. Fairly new tires. The boat and trailer were in the best condition that I had seen other than the Python. He said that he could part with it for $8,000. We towed the boat to the local launch. It started right up. Didn't miss a beat on the test drive.... I didn't have time to count my money on the way home as this new boat owner was too focused and getting that trailer back safe and sound. Is the 1992 a mistake? Maybe... but the overall condition was impressive enough to go for it. Even if I resell in a few years I don't think it will lose that much value. Now I have money to put gas in the thing and properly maintain it. Thanks for all of the input and advise. I will let you know how it goes. |
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63 Skier
Grand Poobah Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4230 |
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Dave, congrats! You made a great decision, excellent value in that boat. Keep us posted on how it works for the family.
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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bkhallpass
Grand Poobah Joined: March-29-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4723 |
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Seems like you made a good choice. BKH
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Livin' the Dream
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Jonny Quest
Grand Poobah Joined: August-20-2013 Location: Utah--via Texas Status: Offline Points: 2840 |
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Excellent. Welcome to club "Slant Back".
Don't let the Pro-Tech worry you. If it starts acting up, you simply yank it off and install a new High Energy Ignition from Davis Unified Ignition ( www.performancedistributors.com ) and you are set. JQ |
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Current
2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
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AAM196
Gold Member Joined: October-23-2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 846 |
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Nice... The python and 92 were by far nicest kept!
You will not loose money if you choose to sell in next few years if you keep it up. I'll keep eye out on lake for it. |
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sport1999
Senior Member Joined: May-10-2015 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 313 |
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Great thread here, that 92 looks wonderful. My favorite part was the curve ball at the end. Guess it was meant to be! Congratulations.
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samudj01
Gold Member Joined: March-10-2009 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 931 |
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Congrats...great looking boat!
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78 Ski Tique, 72 Skier w/302's, 93 SN w/351 & 17 GS22 w/zr409
Previous - 99 Sport Nautique w/GT40 and 87 Martinique w/351 |
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Orlando76
Grand Poobah Joined: May-21-2013 Location: Mount Dora, FL Status: Offline Points: 3108 |
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No mistake with that '92. It's a stud!
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Please support The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
1976 Ski Nautique 351 Escort 1993 Ski Nautique purple and black 351 HO PCM |
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RammerJammer
Groupie Joined: June-02-2015 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 73 |
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Welcome to the Pro-Tec Crew! If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
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1991 Nautique Excel, PCM 351, Pro-Tec ignition
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