Considering Buying a Used Nautique (80s?)

[Netdewt]

I've been considering buying a used Nautique. It would be VERY used. Budget would be in the $5K-7K range, or under of course. I've seen plenty of 80's boats on Craigslist for this little. What kind of maintenance/renovation would I be looking at with a boat like that? I like that they've got Chevy 454 engines in them, seems like they would be easier to fix than an outboard.

Just looking for some input/advice. Thanks!

[Hollywood]

I would say the Ford 351 out numbers the Chevy 454 in those boats by at least 25:1 (unless you are looking at strictly BAREFOOT Nautiques), both plenty easy to maintain and repair compared to outboards.

[Netdewt]

Alright, yep I've seen both. The Ford is good too.

[jaybird]

Used correct craft

Personally I would strongly advise you pay 9-11 and get a 1993 or better. Correct Crafts previous to that had wood stringers and could cost you upwards of 1-3 grand to replace. I am pretty sure 1993 forward eliminated the wood in the hull while they may still may have used some wood in the seats, the stringers were 100% composite. Do not make a mistake and buy a maintenance head ach!

Hollywood is correct, get the 351W, parts easy to come by and very durable engine.

[Nautiquehunter]

Netdewt
Try Correct Craft Fan they are more into older boats there. They have a ton of boats for sale.

[bubba]

"Ski Nautique 2001" Great Boat

I have been the proud owner of a 1984 SN2001 for 17 years. By adding just a little weight the wake is crisp and nicely shaped but a little narrower than a boarding boat's. I do not know much about the Chevy 454 but I love my 351 Ford Windsor modified by PCM. The boat is easy to maintain and winterize (I live in Minnesota, brrrr). As far as the wood stringers go; I put my boat on a lift, pull the plug and prop open the engine cowling this allows the area beneath the floor to dry out. I have never had an issue/problem with my wood stringers. I think for the money a well maintained SN2001 is still a bargain at 6-7k. Where do you live?

[TW]

I'd suggest looking for a 1986-89 2001 series. '86 was the 1st year of the composite seat bases and the seat bases were the most susceptible to rot so the composite bases were a vast improvement. If you're not worried about top end the '89 is my favorite of all the 2001 series boats because it was the only year with the gear reduction and invertiflo muffler. This resulted in the '89 being the quickest (but slowest) and quietest 2001 series boat. Also, definitely go with the 351 rather than the 454. Top end speed of a pre-89 w/the 351 will be around 47-49 mph and the '89 about 42-44.

[Netdewt]

I live in St. Louis Park, just outside of Minneapolis.

I sold my car last year and take the bus, so I've got space in the garage to store a boat (I hope). I like cars a lot also, and would consider having a summer only car, but I feel like a boat would be much more fun for my family (2 young kids). Our main car is a 2008 Ford Explorer XLT, which I believe has a 3500 lb. towing capacity.

I'd be using the boat for skiing and tubing mostly, but it's nice to know that these can work as wake boats. I tried wakeboarding a few times, but it's really uncomfortable to me.

Thanks for the tips on years. I don't care too much about top speed, however I grew up with a Starcraft Fish and Ski with a 90hp outboard, so I think any inboard will be better than what I know. I can get up on almost anything at this point.

[TRBenj]

I'd suggest looking for a 1986-89 2001 series. '86 was the 1st year of the composite seat bases and the seat bases were the most susceptible to rot so the composite bases were a vast improvement. If you're not worried about top end the '89 is my favorite of all the 2001 series boats because it was the only year with the gear reduction and invertiflo muffler. This resulted in the '89 being the quickest (but slowest) and quietest 2001 series boat. Also, definitely go with the 351 rather than the 454. Top end speed of a pre-89 w/the 351 will be around 47-49 mph and the '89 about 42-44.

This is all bad information.

The 85-89 delux interior (standard starting in '86) had plastic frames, but the bases were still wood. The earlier non-delux interiors had metal frames (and wood bases). Neither is more susceptible to rot. The delux interior is much more plush but has more cushions- so its a lot more expensive to replace. Personal preference.

The 1.23 transmission did help the holeshot on the '89 2001, but top speed did not suffer. Ive never seen a 2001 that was good for more than 46mph with a stock engine. Most are in the 44-45mph range (including the 89's).

[Netdewt]

Does anyone know of a history page with pictures of old Correct Crafts? I'd like to be able to see them all in one spot.

[bobchris]

Does anyone know of a history page with pictures of old Correct Crafts? I'd like to be able to see them all in one spot.

the reference section on CCfan.com has them all. Just look through the brouchers for each year

[TW]

Trbenj,

No it is not all wrong. Perhaps I used different wording when I stated "composite seat bases" than what you would but the fact of the matter is in the CC parts book they refer to "bases" what you refer to "frames". So, to use your terminology the 1986 was the 1st year for the rotocast/plastic/composite "frames" not 1985 as you stated. Wood was still used for the bases/frames in 1985.

As for speed you are wrong. You don't get something for nothing in this world. If you increase bottom end, all other things remaining constant, you lose top end. A 1989 SN will be slower by 3-4 mph than a '82-88 SN assuming the engines are exactly the same.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

my .02: just relating some real world experience

On my '89, the seat mounts (part that actually touches the carpet) is plastic. But the Frames (Backing and bottom of cushions) are wood. As for top speed, comparing to my buddies 82, hole shot is better on the 89, but top speed is roughly the same. Both using stock engines. The difference should be made up by the difference in Props from '89 vs earlier models. I do not know what the factory prop sizes were off the top of my head for each.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

BTW,

Didn't there use to be a "Buying a Used Nautique" write up on the site? Did it get lost in the move? I cant find it now.

[NautiqueJeff]

Nope, not lost in the move. It is right here:

http://planetnautique.com/vb3/conten...Older-Nautique