Which boat should I buy?

First time boat owner here. I am looking for a nice entry level boat that won't break the bank. I have done a lot of skiing behind various other boats. I love the Ski Nautique's that I have seen. I like that the brand holds its value.

So... Striking a balance between price, reliability, and value. Which of these will hold its value more? These are located some distance away. One is out of state. My budget would be comfortable between $10,000 — $15,000. Really comfortable at the lower end.

Which would you buy?

1994 closed bow ski Nautique with a PCM carbureted 351ci. It has the protec ignition which I am not sure if it has been replaced yet. 500 hours. Looks to be in decent condition. No obvious seat tears etc. Asking $10,000.

1996 closed bow Ski Nautique with 351 PMC, 530 Hrs. Stored indoors/or on covered shorestation during season. Looks pretty spotless. Asking $14,000.

1999 Ski Nautique Python 502 EFI engine. 575 hours. Recently replaced interior seating. Looks nice. Asking $18,500. Also, out of state so would need to retitle and pay more fees etc. The others I could simply hitch up and transfer registration for $5.

What do you think? What are the pros and cons? What should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance.

They all sound interesting, which motor exactly does the 96' have??
The 99' should have the best slalom wake however the weight of the Python may trump that out. If Barefoot is high on your list the 502 will be best at pulling that, possibly even more efficient as the 351's will be pushing WOT at BF speeds.
On the 94' do you see a conventional distributor w/cap & wires? If not Pro-tec still there, $500 min when (not if) it goes.
The 96' prob sounds like the best turn key ski ready purchase, new interior can easily run north of $3k, and that's already done on the 96'.
Personally prefer something a little more unique so that would put the Python high on my list.

Good Luck

No question in my mind but it's yours that matters here. Is snag that Python and not lose a moment in the decision. Those engines are rare and cool. Just keep em topped up with oil. Hope you get it!

My rub on a newer boat that needs a complete interior is why??
If a boat of that age was cared for properly the interior shouldn't need replaced, so my first assumption is it wasn't.
If the interior was abused was the proper maintenance performed or was that neglected also???
Just some food for thought.

python is definitely a cool boat. I have one. It has the TSC1 in it, but it's guessed to have ~300 lbs extra. Quinner often looks past this as that's roughly the weight of his gf's, and rumor has it that they sit on the motorbox while he motorboats.

the python engine is known for burning oil, so always keep some extra lying around and check it to be on the save side.

The dual exhaust is known to cause some platform bracket erosion, leading to rattling. Check that out and ask the PO what's been done to fix/remedy that -- otherwise you'll likely hear it during a test drive and have to get a new set.

On the plus side, it's a beast out of the hole, top end, and you won't be disappointed. I'm very happy with my purchase,

There's a lot of negative press out there about Pro-Tec ignition but mine is over 1000 hours and still runs perfectly. Don't let them scare you too much.

Of course, now that I've said that, mine will probably crap the bed this weekend.

Thanks for all the replies.

I used to slalom ski a good bit, but I have been out of the game for about 10 years. I am 35. I didn't ever get proficient at footing.

I am looking for a nice reliable boat to take around on the Sandusky Bay, teach the kids to ski, and do some skiing myself. I also plan to tow it to a lake in Maryland I frequent a few times each summer. Going fast is not a big need.... But it is always fun to get moving every once in a while.

Is that your listing I presume?

I heard a rumor that the Pythons could break the drive shafts due to the torque. That would not stop me, but could be a maintenance item. It could sink the boat depending on were and when it breaks. At some point I believe Correct Craft went to a larger dia drive shaft.

Awesome. I grew up spending my summers on Rock Lodge Rd. Deep Creek Lake.

Woah Woah lets not bring my shaft into it, Donald apparently doesn't realize that the boat in question in this thread had a larger shaft from the factory and any rumors he has heard about small shafts are not applicable in this case.

AAM196 wrote: dmudave wrote: Thanks for all the replies. Is that your listing I presume? No, I am not selling lol... or I would be one of the people asking 20k for a TSC hoping no one calls! And 35 is young! Swerve it up! but if not in course, maybe a sport or something with a little more freeboard/V to deal with ERIE! You say Maryland... I too frequent that lake...

+1. If I were running in the bay or Erie i'd be looking for a deep-v...southwind...bfn...

dmudave wrote: Awesome. I grew up spending my summers on Rock Lodge Rd. Deep Creek Lake.

That is a sweet spot for kids to swim back in Cherry Cove...

Python would be cool... but GT40 has been good to us and parts aren't a problem not that I've really needed any. If you want a test ride and are at lake, hauler at me.

My Dad has a sailboat on Erie and I've been tempted to run the SN in the bay when no wind but haven't yet. Just never seems like a good idea... of course DCL on weekends isn't much better anymore!

So something more like this...

https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/5611905245.html

OR this.

https://jxn.craigslist.org/boa/5553720902.html

Before I bought mine Pete I was going to go look at a 2000 in Orlando. It was green with the white swoosh. I thought it would complement the HM in the Mustang. I think if it had been blue it would now be living in Illinois. Talked it over with TRBenj,he told me due to the way the engine sits in the Super Sports that with the 502 there is no room for the muffler. Well as you know I already have a loud one. A second one that may even be louder was not in the cards.

dmudave wrote: I am looking for a nice reliable boat to take around on the Sandusky Bay,

Did alot of skiing on that water for many a year with the WSWSC. We had a cottage in Bayview. Where on the Bay are you?



john