Considering an 84 Nautique - What should I be looking for?

[MRichardson364]

Hello all.

I have wanted a Ski Nautique since I envied them when I was growing up on the lakes of Alabama. Now I am considering getting into one with a local 84 model.

I grew up on outboards and am unsure of what I should be looking for in this boat. Anyone have any good suggestions or critical things that I need to watch out for?

I will be looking for soft spots in the floor as well as looking at the hull and listening to the engine. It has 1100 hours on it. Problem? Time for an overhaul? What sort of other money sinks are out there with this boat? I'd really like to enjoy this one before the Chicago winter sets in so I want to make sure that I don't get into a mess right off the bat.

Any words of wisdom would be helpful. I am looking forward to hopefully joining your ranks with a Nautique of my very own.

Thanks
Michael

PS. I can't afford a brand new one or a more recent model - that's why I am looking at this 84. Plus I grew up in the 80s and I love the retro style. : )

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Considering an 84 Nautique - What should I be looking fo

I have just the document for you...

http://www.planetnautique.com/Correc...nuals/2001.htm

[stoolstander]

RE: Considering an 84 Nautique - What should I be looking fo

we have a 1984 and it has 1175 hrs and still runs like a dream and does its job. It has had its interior and graphics redone in 97 and still looks new. It was overhauled at Midwest Correct Craft. The only other thing that has been done to it is the carbs have been rebuilt. Ours spends it life in Northern Wisconsin and even spent a year as a ski team boat when our team blew their block. it still does 43 miles an hour with a full tank and 2 riders.

[Mikeski]

RE: Considering an 84 Nautique - What should I be looking fo

Loved my 1984, did everything willingly.

Check the stringers and the floorboards. I am sure the link Jeff posted describes how. Look for cracks on the exhaust manifolds, mine had hairline cracks the seeped water. It was caused by a careless overheating. The handles for the window vents are also hard to find.