Shopping for a boat..

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I'm new to skiing and wanting to get into wakeboarding as well. I'm looking to buy a boat, somewhere in the 10-15k range and I my first choice is an older Nautique. I've owned several bass boats but never an inboard. So, what do I need to look for? are there certain modle years to avoid for any reason? Any common failure areas that i should check?

Basically, if you were buying another boat, what would you look for?

[SkiTower]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

I would do a LOT of reading on this site. Your questions have been answered numerous times and depend on exactly what you are looking for (more skiing or more wakeboarding). Basically you'll get a wakeboard boat you can ski behind or a ski boat you can wakeboard behind. Nobody does both great, yet. Good, but not great.

[TravisFling]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

In that range it really depends on whether or not you want an open bow, or not. I've tossed around the idea of selling mine, it's a "2001" nautique. That series from the 80's are amazing boats, they were great when they came out and still are. If you can get one loaded up with low hours and good maintenance, you're in for a treat. They are closed bow, however, but are great, great boats. I love mine, I just need a little more room. There is a great section on the site on what to look for when buying an older boat and a couple of other threads on what to look for. I remember seeing on from a guy picking up a nautique in South Africa that was incredibly thorough... Hit me up if you have more questions - TravisFling@hotmail.com

[Chris4x4Gill2]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

I just found the "buying an older CC" article a few minutes ago. I'm still searching through the site for other threads. I like the looks of the closed bow 2001's. Thats what I'm learning to ski behind right now. The open bow would be nice to be able to carry more people, but its not a must have and I doubt I would have more than 4-5 on most outings.

What year did they go to EFI? I would think those models are out of my price range though.

[SkiTower]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

The open bow would be nice to be able to carry more people, but its not a must have and I doubt I would have more than 4-5 on most outings.

Not trying to talk you out of it, but remember the rear seat is pretty much useless when towing someone. 3 to a tight four is probably more like it. Also, the 2001 is making a comeback as a great wakeboard boat, but not much of a ski boat. Like I said earlier, what is your preference?

[Chris4x4Gill2]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

Yea I realize that about the rear seat, I would have to say current preference is ski. I am wanting to get into wakeboarding, but I haven't had the chance yet.

[TravisFling]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

If it has a tower or fly high pole, ten foot pole, etc. then the back seat is perfectly usuable. I also have a tow attachment on the back of the boat, which isn't ideal, but if you aren't rippin' the course up it's great to be able to use the back seat.

[morfoot]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

Chris , as a former fish-n-ski owner I too wanted a better boat for sking. I enjoyed it more than fishing and my former fatherin law had a fishing boat so I sold mine and bought a 88 2001. I HAVE NOT regretted doing so. I'm 41 and love to wakeboard as to me its more fun than skiiing. Like you've heard it's not a reat boat for both but I'm not a pro nor do I intend to be. My 3 girls love it as they love to kneeboard. Only thing is that we did wish we had an open bow boat just so there is more room for stuff and that they each could not bring a friend with them to enjoy a day at the lake. I would suggest that you get an extended pole so that if you should get into knee/wakeboarding then you'll enjoy having the rope tied up top. I am one who likes to keep boats original and would not want to install a tower on a classic Nautique but know their are some that have.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Shopping for a boat..

94 Introduced the Protec EFI, there were some problems with it. The GT40 became available in 95 or 96, I can't recall. Also, in 93, they introduced the composite stringers meaning you no longer have to worry about rotten wood stringers in the boat. I have seen lots of boats from 93-96 in your pice range. Still, an 82-89 SN in good condition is a great boat, and probably the best value out there. I've seen many 82-89 SNs going for 4-8K recently. The 82-89 hull is a bit better wakeboard hull. The 90-96 Hull is a bit better ski boat.

I disagree that the open bows provide more room to store your "stuff." Particularly on the early open bows. Fact is, there is less storage space in the early open bows than there is in the closed bow. There is additional seating, and the open bows are rated for more passengers. But, if you're doing serious slalom skiing, you don't want people riding in the bow, and if you're wakeboarding with these smaller boats, originally designed for skiing, the more people in front, the more weight you will need to add in the back. When you get to the newer, larger open bows, different story. More storage has been added, the boats are longer and wider, etc. BKH

[efox]

I have a 92 ski with a tower on it. I find it to be very good for ski as well as pretty good for wake. We have a ballast ban, so sacks are out but I have hidden some lead around my boat. The tower is great for getting boards and skis out of the way and it also makes the rear seat useful for people when towing. I would think twice about the open bow in this model, only because it compromises what storage the boat does have. You can cram your extra vests, anchor, smaller skis, sub box up under the bow in the CB model.

I also have the Pro Tec ignition and wood stringers. 600 hours and counting!

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I've found a 92 for sale locally I plan on going to look at when I get home (on business trip at the moment) he's asking 13K with 800 hours on it. from the other things I've seen that seems high, but I'm going to at least check it out.

[hondaprlud]

I just listed my 96 Sport. GT-40 EFI. open bow. Might be a little more than you were looking for, but you wont be disappointed. I've owned for 9 years and the boat has been pretty bulletproof. We used it just like you described you do. comes with a barefoot boom and fly high pole. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...tique-93524154