Which boat should I buy?

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.

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?

You had better be taking pictures of your adventure for us

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Probalbly 3K for a good upholstery job, and whatever you have to spend on a trailer. Not a good deal IMO. BKH

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.

Seems like you made a good choice. BKH

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.

Congrats...great looking boat!

Welcome to the Pro-Tec Crew! If it ain't broke, don't fix it!