Best Nautique for under $15k

[CAN'TSKI]

BTW, when he gets to 35 off, we will be getting a 200.

[mcbridek]

97 - 99 Ski Nautuque 196. GT 40 engine. You will see that boat for sale this Spring - be patient - you will find one in excellent condition and expect you may have to drive a bit to fine it - drive a thousand miles for that boat - it will be worth it ! Great boat !!!

[vtjc]

I am also looking for a boat in this price range. Defiantly want a closed bow, so strongly looking at the 196s. One of the reason I sold my 99 MasterCraft SportStar(95-97 ProStar Hull) was the poor tracking. My wife is learning to drive and I want something easier for her.

I actually like the 'N' graphics, so I am open to a 00-01. If a 00-01 has bad gauges, how can you verify the hours? Can the GT-40 ECU be read, or PerfectPass log? How much does it cost to replace the gauges?

Thanks,
Jamie

[DanielC]

GT-40 ECU cannot be read for engine hours.
You cannot be sure the Perfect Pass was installed from day one.
The best option for getting the hours is the service records. But if the perfect pass was there from the beginning, its hours would be a pretty good indication.

[vtjc]

DanielC, thank for the reply. I had just found your other reply here:
http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...hours-of-motor

[ricofrancois]

Hi

I have a 97 Nautique 196 with GT40 engine, and I am very impressed with the power and the wake. I don't trick but the wake looks great at 20mph and is awsome for slalom. I ski at 34 / 32 off but my friend ski 15 off / 28-30mph and the wake is still tiny.

The only thing I would say is there is a lot of play in the steering but this could probably be resolved with new steering cables...

[east tx skier]

I am also looking for a boat in this price range. Defiantly want a closed bow, so strongly looking at the 196s. One of the reason I sold my 99 MasterCraft SportStar(95-97 ProStar Hull) was the poor tracking. My wife is learning to drive and I want something easier for her.

I actually like the 'N' graphics, so I am open to a 00-01. If a 00-01 has bad gauges, how can you verify the hours? Can the GT-40 ECU be read, or PerfectPass log? How much does it cost to replace the gauges?

Thanks,
Jamie

Jamie, you won't regret it. You will absolutely love the TSC SN. The first time my wife/driver drove ours after we made the switch, her jaw dropped. The change in view from the cockpit alone is pretty astounding.

[swc5150]

We went from the mid to late 90's Prostars to the 196, without even test driving the CC - talk about blind faith! We were amazed at how much better the 196 drove. Those Prostar hulls had a heck of a lot of body roll while turning. Nice wake and spray though.

[slob02]

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.

Actually 1993 and up were without wood stringers. I sold my 1997 for $14,000.00 last fall.

[scott5star]

I picked up a 1995 196 in Dothan Al last year for $6900.00. Having new interior put in now for $1600.00, so for under 10k we have a great enty level boat. Awesome boat