Best Nautique for under $15k

[jkelson]

So i'm looking to get a older Nautique...pure ski boat. Looking to spend about $10-15k for it, so mid nineties most likely. I'm wondering if there is a "purest's choice" for the best boat around that period - mid nineties early 2000's. What should I be looking for? Runtime hours I figure will most likely be in 800's. Any other tips?

Really just looking for an entry level boat solely for skiing and looking for the best bang for the buck.

Any good advice??

[TRST]

94 and up no wood stringers
97 began the TSC1 hull
01-02 had the digital gaugues that have had many failures but they can be replaced

I would try to find the cleanest 97+ 196 you can afford.

[CAN'TSKI]

The 1995 MC Prostar 190 had the best ski wake ever until the new 200 came along.

[DanielC]

I am biased, but I think you want a 1997 to 1999 Ski Nautique, with the GT-40 engine. My opinion, the 2000 boat had the ugly "N" graphic, and the dreaded Teleflex digital gauges. The 1997 to 1999 had the old analog gauges that work, and you can read them in bright sunlight, with polarized sunglasses on.
The 1997, and 1998 had the rear seat completely removable, and by taking it out, you could reduce the stern weight even farther.

Since wide beam open bow wakeboard barges are popular now, it should be fairly easy to find a Ski Nautique for the price you want.

[NigelC]

As already suggested, you won't go far wrong with a 97-99 TSC1 bubble back Ski Nautique. I had a 1999 until recently. The pull and wake from this boat was admired by all who ski'd behind it.

The 2000 > TSC1's were plagued with gauge problems. Unless you find a boat that has had the gauges replaced, I would stick with the 97-99's.

Good luck with the search.

[swc5150]

The 1995 MC Prostar 190 had the best ski wake ever until the new 200 came along.

Great wake and no spray, but handle and track like a Bayliner. You can can find one inexpensive though.

I'd just highly suggest getting fuel injection, in the cleanest boat you can find.

[teamseal]

The 1995 MC Prostar 190 had the best ski wake ever until the new 200 came along.

Not a bad boat! Not the best ski boat! Probably IMO the best Three event boat ever built was the 96-01 Ski Nautique 196. Best Slalom boat Ski 200. The 94-95 Ski Nautique with a GT-40 Close second. But the Problem with the 95 MC is you really never knew when it was going to go in a direction unintended by the operator. But as MC goes it was a pretty good slalom boat rough rooster tail and all! I too am a bit bias! LOL!!

[swc5150]

Forgive me for the hi-jack, but Jody, is that your new 200 pictured on nautiquegear.com?

[east tx skier]

Not a bad boat! Not the best ski boat! Probably IMO the best Three event boat ever built was the 96-01 Ski Nautique 196. Best Slalom boat Ski 200. The 94-95 Ski Nautique with a GT-40 Close second. But the Problem with the 95 MC is you really never knew when it was going to go in a direction unintended by the operator. But as MC goes it was a pretty good slalom boat rough rooster tail and all! I too am a bit bias! LOL!!

Agree, the TSC1 (97--2001 SN) > 95--97 Pro Star 190.

Both are great slalom boats.

[teamseal]

Forgive me for the hi-jack, but Jody, is that your new 200 pictured on nautiquegear.com?

That be the one!

[swc5150]

That be the one!

I'm a hotline buyer on that site! Awesome looking boat - I like the CB.

[swc5150]

There are some nice boats on ski-it-again.com right now that could fit you needs. There's a 2000 SN with GT 40 and only 360 hours that you may be able to score a deal on?

[DanielC]

A 2000 boat has the Teleflex digital gauges. Verify the hours by another method.

[TRBenj]

Not a bad boat! Not the best ski boat! Probably IMO the best Three event boat ever built was the 96-01 Ski Nautique 196. Best Slalom boat Ski 200. The 94-95 Ski Nautique with a GT-40 Close second. But the Problem with the 95 MC is you really never knew when it was going to go in a direction unintended by the operator. But as MC goes it was a pretty good slalom boat rough rooster tail and all! I too am a bit bias! LOL!!

Jody, are you thinking of the 98-99 Disastercrafts? Ive never heard of any serious problems with the 95-97 hull. It was the 98-01/02 PS190's that had the 4th tracking fin added, winged rudder, etc.

The 95-97 Prostar 190 puts out a great slalom wake- and a great barefoot wake too. Theyre pretty fast to boot- my friend's '95 LT1 1:1 does a legit 51mph. That being said, it handles like a barge and doesnt track like a Nautique. Great to ski behind, but driving one isnt a lot of fun, and Id never own one.

Jody, I also assume your 94-96 GT40 "2nd best" comment was in regards to the 3-event wake (not slalom)? I love my '90, but the TSC1, TSC2/3 and 200 are all better slalom rigs. Im not a serious enough trick skier to comment on the trick wake, really.

To answer the original poster's question, the best CC ski boat youre going to find for $15k will be a TSC1. Theyre just starting to come into the $15k range- but the cleanest ones still command closer to $16-19k, it seems. I think a TSC2 or newer boat will most likely be beyond your budget, unless you can find one thats beat up.

[CAN'TSKI]

My '95 PS190 actually tracks pretty well. I have no experience with the older 196 (pre-2005). So my best ever wake (excluding 200) comment may have limited factual basis. I just know when my son skis behind an '05 196, he always says "Wow, that wake is big". He is only skiing at 36 28 off so far, so again my experience inside that is limited.