2002 Super Air Team Edition

[Skiing-PT]

Hello everybody. Looking for some advice on buying a boat. I've found a 2002 Supe Air Team Edition. Boat is pristine condition and runs great. It has the 8.1 liter engine with 260 hrs, v drive, tower, ballasts, everything in great working order. The seller is asking $28,000 for the boat. What do you think?

Thanks

[Shooter]

RE: 2002 Super Air Team Edition

Without seeing the boat, I would say that is a reasonable price. Price includes tandem trailer?

[Skiing-PT]

RE: 2002 Super Air Team Edition

Includes the trailer

[MHayes]

RE: 2002 Super Air Team Edition

Is this the one that is currently listed on eBay?

[Skiing-PT]

RE: 2002 Super Air Team Edition

Yes

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 2002 Super Air Team Edition

NOT a tandem trailer. Price is right in line with what those boats with the Python in them are going for. I love mine and it is hard to go wrong. Those are nice low hours too. You even get a free couple hundred pounds of ballast with the big block.

[MHayes]

RE: 2002 Super Air Team Edition

The price is reasonable given that the boat is in good condition. Don't get caught up in his eBay ad where he is talking about it being one of a kind or very rare, because it's not. Focus on the condition of the boat and how it was cared for.

[Red57Bird]

Some general observations. The seller's comment about "so rare NADA doesn't even recognize CC made v-drives in 2002" is an attempt at making this boat sound like the Hope Diamond. What is rare is the fact that it has the Python engine in it, not the fact that it is a v-drive. CC has been making v-drives since what, 1995? Personally I tend to be cautious of someone that advertises like this.

I would request a lot more pictures. Close ups of the seats, dash, engine, stereo install, etc. It still has the LCD gauges on it which will eventually need replacing. Some other things to consider on the Python, which I picked up from reading lots of PN threads, are the engine is generally pretty loud (engine is so big there is no room for the fiberglass muffler), the oil filter is a pain in the a$$ to change unless the remote filter kit has been installed (not likely), working on them and doing repairs can be a pain because of the lack of room, and they tend to burn more oil than the typical Excal/GT-40 motor.

Folks that have these Python-powered boats really do like them. I mention the above not as a slam, but as things you should know prior to buying. Good luck with yoru boat search.

[seth]

I personally think that sounds like a good deal, as long as everything is in the condition stated. That is a great motor if you plan on putting ALOT of weight in the boat. You can also add FAE (fresh air exhaust) to cut down on engine noise. I think I remember seeing Wetsounds on the tower to, which are a top of the line speaker. If I were in the market this boat would be at the top of my list.

[AirTool]

CC has been making v-drives since what, 1995?

Since 1972 or earlier.

http://www.correctcraftfan.com/refer...ex.asp?page=09

[Erik]

AirTool, is that an IO or a v-drive? The second page of the brochure says both. And actually I thought that boat was made as a jet boat as well, like the Freeport & Southwind in the same era.

It also says it is a Mercruiser. I don't know if they dealt in v-drives much until kind of recently.

[AirTool]

AirTool, is that an IO or a v-drive? The second page of the brochure says both. And actually I thought that boat was made as a jet boat as well, like the Freeport & Southwind in the same era.

It also says it is a Mercruiser. I don't know if they dealt in v-drives much until kind of recently.

It was available in a vee drive with the Holman & Moody 351.

Here is one for sale...but the original engine is gone. Scroll down for a look at the transom.

http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forsa...ort=&pagenum=1

[WakeSlayer]

The Excel/BFN was the first modern v-drive they made. They came out in 1991.

Redbird said everything. They are loud, they are a pain in the rear to work on, and they burn a little oil. I believe the 2002's have the remote filter kit on them. I have a friend who just bought an 02 8.1l, and I am certain he has the remote kit. I put one on mine and now the oil changes are a breeze.
That said, I love my engine and would not trade that beast for a quieter, smaller, easier to work on engine for anything. They are bulletproof and will rumble past any other wakeboard boat out there, most direct drives, as well. Some say they burn more gas, but that argument is pretty thin at best as they aren't working as hard as smaller engines, and get to riding speed with a lot of ballast faster than small block engines.
I would go look at the boat, drive it, and see what you think. All mentioned above should be looked at just like any other used boat, seats, carpet, aftermarket installs, gauges will fail, etc. At 260 hours that motor is just now broken in.


These go to 11 !!!!

Python POWER !!

[WakeSlayer]

Secondly, to say the Python boats are not rare is not really accurate. They come up for sale a little more than they used to these days, but they are still very uncommon, and if that is what you want, you need to get on it or it will disappear.
Correct Craft did not sell many of them, and because of that they no longer offer the big block even though PCM still makes BBC Crusaders.

[RainDog]

I picked up a 8.1 Python Powered 2002 SAN this spring. The only differences between mine and the one you are considering is I have a colored deck, automatic stern light and a very nice tandem trailer. The boat you are considering has better tower speakers, docking lights and 200 less hours. At 28K, I think it is market correct and comparable to the price I paid after factoring in the differences between the two packages.

The dual exhaust 496 Python is a lot louder than a single inverta-flo exhaust equipped GT40 or Excal, which I consider to be quiet boats. However, I do not believe it is that much louder than a dual exhaust classic (2001 series or older) inboard. I like that level of exhaust note and appreciate my boat for it. It is a unique feature in any Nautique from 1990 on.

The one thing that caught my eye as being unusual with that boat is how the hull stripe has been extended on to the deck. I don't think that is factory, so I'd really want to know how that was done - paint, decal or gel and the quality of the job. I see that plus the single axle trailer as the only negatives of the package.

Hope this helps...

EDIT - The 8.1 does have a remote oil filter kit installed as standard. Also, the 8.2L /502 cu in motors do use oil, but so far, my 8.1L/496 has used less than a quart in 30 hours. Either way, not a big issue to me. The torque of the stroker 496 is outstanding!