Looking at a 1990 SN

[Searay]

I currently have a 96 SN and have the opportunity to purchease a 1990 SN with 268 hours. It comes with a SN trailer that is in decent shape. The boat itself has no tears in the upholestry and is in good overall shape. The current owner has owned the boat for over ten years and when he first got it, he hit something in the lake and had to have the prop strut and maybe the rudder repaired. I noticed that the alignment of the rudder is not exactly in line with the prop shaft, (it's close) but the owner was told by the repair shop that there should be a slight offset. Anyway, the boat has been fixed for almost 10 years without any problem. I drove the boat today and it steers well, and actually turns a little easier than my 96. However....I did notice there was a slight vibration in the boat, when compared to how smooth my 96 feels. Not a bad vibration, and the owner whom I trust, says it felt the same before any work was done. Is it true that the 96 has a smoother running engine/drivetrain than the 90? I can get this boat for a good price and believe I can make a couple of dollars reselling it but don't want to get into anything major. Thanks.

[M3Fan]

Vibration? Throw the prop from your 96 on there and give it a test drive. That will narrow down the problem real quick.

[Nautiqueman]

I am in the insurance business and my bro-in law ran over something and needed a new shaft in his 1991. Even with an excellent mechanic, some vibration still exists. I had to replace a steering cable in my 1996 Sport Nautique once and then it steered great. When you are selling an older boat, you sometimes have to remind someone that they can just go get a new one without any vibration for about $40K.

[siuski]

I believe the vibration stems from the motor mounts, I think in 91 or 92 they switched to a different mounting system. Before I bought my 93 I tested a 90 and there was a definate difference, dont think it affected performance at all.

[tryan]

swap props as m3 suggested. if you still have a vibration issue, try the alignment procedure posted on inboardtalk.

where the mounts changed when cc went to composite stringers in '93?

[SEEN-NC]

i HAVE A 1990 LOVE IT BUT IT WILL NEVER DRIVE LIKE A NEW BOAT

[siuski]

tryan- I cannot remember who told me that, but I think that it was my dealer (not the one who sold me the boat), so I cannot testify to it. It may have been confuzed with the composite stringers, however I do know that there was a difference between the two boats I drove. The prop on the 90 did not have any tell tail signs of damage or rebuild.

[M3Fan]

The prop could have absolutely no visible signs and still be off balance. An inboard prop has to be extremely precise for there not to be vibration. There is balancing and also blade shape to worry about.

[Searay]

Thanks for all your help guys, I feel much better about getting this boat. I'm picking the 1990 up tomorrow night. BTW....My 96 has the 4 blade prop and the shaft was laser aligned and is super smooth. Which will come in handy tomorrow when I blow off work to go skiing.

[EchoLodge]

My 90 Sport smoothed out when I went with an OJ four blade (older non cnc prop)!