First inboard question

[rainman]

I would love to go to the v drive, but looking at many boats I am seeing its like 18k to get a decent V drive and they are often not much newer early 90's. From what I see you can pick up a d drive older and the resale value is still pretty strong. Guess will have to see how much I can save by summer, but prices ussally go up by then.

[Quinner]

Rainman,

Personally would be very careful with any Pre 1993 CC as the stringers being wood originally may very well be in need of replacing. Would also be a bit concerned about any boat that was continuously run with ballast, particularly one which was overloaded beyond the capacity plate on a regular basis. Lot's of boats out there right now, have seen many 98-99 Air Nautiques out there for only about 5-6k over the asking price on those 2001 hulls.

[hondaprlud]

My 1st Nautique was a 96 DD Sport. I put an extended pylon on it, stuffed some sand bags in out of the way places and it worked for us for many years. It was fuel injected, and had no wood in the construction. I would think you could find one of those for pretty close to what you want to spend. If you stick with wakeboarding you could add a tower at a later date.

It was VERY reliable and mechanically sound. It was not a superb WB boat, but for what you want to spend and the level of riding I'm guessing you are at, I feel it would work very well for you.

[rainman]

Thanks for all the help everyone I am looking at the red 2001 this weekend seems like a huge concern in the wood strings will have to look at those and report back.

Problem you seem to run into around here is that banks have no clue with boats, and don't want to finance them. I work at Chase and we don't do boat financing peroid, and other lenders I have talked to have a minimum of 30k loan, and don't want to spend that much yet.

Will report back it like one week you hear that the 2001 was great boat and then the next everyone is like stay away. Need to go buy my power ball ticket.

[swc5150]

If you plan on financing, you might as well get a newer/nicer boat, if you plan on hanging on to it? The terms will likely be better, essentially coming out to the same monthly payment, albeit for a couple more years. Some PN members will give you grief about financing a toy - be forwarned! :-)

[mnwild2]

Hey Rain, welcome aboard!

Since you're in GB now, head over to Mr.O's Watersports and talk to Glen Trutman (owner). He may be able to steer you towards a nice used boat.

I hate to differ with DC, but my last few boats have been better investments than the stock market! The last two I purchased one model year old and made out in the black when I sold them in the late summer. I think the biggest challenge is getting familiar with what these boats really should command in dollars. If you look online for example, you'll see '08-'09 196's from $24k all the way to $43k. Once you get the idea of the model you're looking for, people on this site are a great resource to help make sure you don't get taken.

I'd also suggest finding something new enough to be fuel injected, but that's just my opinion.

I couldn't agree more!!

[bryan89]

Shameless plug

This is a shameless plug but I have this boat for sale in Indiana http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skii...h&postid=13225 . I purchased the boat from a dealer in Eagle River WI 4 years ago. This is a great boat for wakeboarding, we are slalom skiing more and want a SN 196. Thanks, Bryan