82-89 Ski Nautique 2001

Looking to replace my recently sold '79 Mustang with a 82-89 SN 2001.

Was wondering what people thought about the different years of the 2001 model.

For example:
* Any known issues with the 1982 year, i.e. first year of new design?

* Thoughts on 'Deluxe Interior' vs. Standard?

* Any significant changes from '82 to '85 - beyond the dash?

* Thoughts on style change in '87 - appearance, functionality, performance?

* Thoughts on SP package ('89 only?) with 1.23:1 ratio transmission, new exhaust, level engine mount, and the claims of 10% more HP, 6% decreased in fuel consumption, and 50% reduction in exhaust noise?

Thanks,
Keith

Hey Keith,
You had a great looking Mustang & was surprised to see it for sale - Looks like you sold it.
My opinion - 84's are the BEST!
I think 82's & 83's were a somewhat different model than the 84 thru 86's?
(Although, I've always loved the looks of the 87-89's. They've got a real nice look to them too. Look bigger than mine.)
Good luck! - Keep us posted.

Dennis-
Funny you should mention the noisy transmissions- my 90 sn always made a funny squeaking/buzzing noise at idle. Turns out the early PP trannies did not have enough room in the control valve for the oil so the pressure/fluid would make the noise. They released a kit to fix the noise which is basically a hose that screws into the control valve housing. Costs 35 bucks, well worth it!

Keith,

I have owned an 82 and an 86. Honestly, I can't tell the difference in performance. The 86 is basically the same boat with nicer interior and nicer dash (recessed speedo's versus the big honking chrome ones!).

I did like the finned hood vent grilles better on the 82 versus the slotted ones on my 86.

I don't think you could go wrong with either year.

Good luck.

how fast do you drive???

there are 3 on ebay right now, michigan, texas and one with a tower and nice trailer in oklahoma! if you drive 120, you could probably make it a 10 hour trip!

Tim D,
Where is the boat located? What condition is the hull, engine, and interior?

Thanks,
Keith

What is the SP package on the 89?

I have an 87, I like it for the most part. The windshield sort of sucks, I'd rather have the 3 piece.
Mine is blue and grey. I also perfer the lower dash pod for visability. I guess I'm one of the lucky owners to get one with the gel coat cracking. It's only on the transom where the correct craft decal is, and it seems to be superficial. I've had the boat for 15 years and it hasn't gotten any worse, and you can't hardly see it for the most part, unless your the one that gets to wash the boat! I got an awesome deal on the boat back in 92, so it really didn't matter to me one way or the other.

Did Correct Craft go away from Airguide Speedos in 1985? It's hard to tell but in most of the photo I see, looks like they did.

-Keith

Thanks Keith. Great information. I knew my boat was different than previous years, but I didn't know it had a name. The deluxe interior has held up very well and is very comfortable. Top speed for me is 45. I have about 250 pounds of lead in the back seat for wake enhancement. The wake is solid and very large, but I do get some porpoising over 40 MPH if the water is at all choppy. without the lead the porpoising goes away. I think I can keep the lead and lose the porpoising by adding weight to the front. That should help the wake too.

Another thing that I would like to know about is; just how rare is the reverse gel coat color scheme during the 82-89 years? I love the way my red one looks. Someone told me that Correct Craft made a few for a big ski show in florida. They said that you can tell those boats by the double steering cables. Mine does not have that so I'm assuming that it's not one of those. The dealer that I bought it from said that he was the original seller back in 89 and that he special ordered three of them. One light blue, one dark blue and one red. I have the red one. Another dealer told me that there's no such thing and that my boat must have been painted. Trust me, I've taken out a few scratches. It's not paint. I'm reasonably confidant that it's factory original. I'd just like to know if it's kind of rare, super rare or not really that rare at all. Thanks again.

Bob

Interesting info on the SP package. i helped a friend purchase a 84 2001 this spring and was wondering how similar my 86 2001 is or if there are any differences at all. I don't think he got a manual, how does one go about ordering one? Does any one know if the engines are 351 Clevelands or Windsors?

You might have to call around a little. I called a couple scrap metal yards and metal recycling centers. I found one that had lead in kind of a brick form. My back seat has three compartments inside. Once you have each compartment about half full, take the boat out and adjust them as you see fit. You'll be able to add and subtract and move them around to get the best wake. You can also add some to the front. Once I get my stereo system back in I'm going to get more lead and add to the front too.

1985 2001 on ebay! new york state! have you gotten one yet?

Keith , Congrats on the silver nautique consider your self a lucky man !!!!
I have a small fleet of correct crafts but you have found the diamond in the rough !!!
Good luck !! hope to see it on the site soon !!!
Did I say you are a lucky man !!!!
Nautique frk