Buying a 2001 Air Nautique - What should I look for?

[nautique_stealth]

I found a 2001 Air Nautique for a STEEL of a deal. I'm going to have a marina look it over (and I'll look it over myself). The owner also owns a Marina and has had it since 40hrs.

Details
2001 Air Nautique
1500 hrs
Perfect Pass
Bimini
Jump seat
extra fat sacks
Ramilin single axle trailer
Tower speakers (not that great)
Heater
Flight clips
No salt water use

"condition is immaculate, I never allowed shoes on the boat, all interior is spotless, I changed the oil every 60 hours"
"treated her like gold, but ride everyday! I average 250-325 hours a season on my boats"
"I had a rebuild done little over a year ago & they were all good, the digital gauges were recalled so the hours are not true, prolly has 1500, had 40 when I got it. I replaced both fuel pumps, serpentine belt, filters, plugs, wires,impeller, she has never really had any problems(just fuel pump, so I replaced them both)"

What would be a good price?

[74green]

You could always have a compression test done on the motor. How many hours on rebuild? Also be sure to ask about the tranny’s service also.

I’ve seen numerous Air Nautiques with 400-600hrs avg listed in the $20-22k range here in Texas.

[nautique_stealth]

Yeah, it's going to a nautique dealer next week to get a buyers check done. So they'll do the works.

Those 20-22k have Perfect Pass?

[gsxrgessler]

If you plan to trailer the boat a lot, I would recommend a tandem-axle trailer. Check the obvious (of course) prop dings, rudder, etc... Condition of the boat (cosmetically) is often a good indicator of how good of care he took with the mechanicals. If it's been beached & the gel is worn on the 'vee', rub rails are torn up, sides are faded, etc... then you would want to steer clear. If the boat is as mint as the description says it is, you are probably in good shape. These are really solid boats, get one in decent condition and there really isn't a lot that goes wrong with them. Good luck! Post some pics when you get it!

[gsxrgessler]

As for the $20-22K, is that for Air Nautiques or Super Air Nautiques? I thought they were still in the $23-$25K range IF they are in good shape...I've seen some listed for higher, but not sure if they are selling. I think I paid $27,500 for mine 3 years ago, in good shape, needed some detailing, but really came out nice. I haven't seen any nice ones for $20K yet...

[nautique_stealth]

Thanks for all the info guys. Keep it coming! Sounds like I've found a pretty good deal

[Quinner]

Stealth,

Is the boat local? If so would be happy to take a look at it with you.

Rick made some good points above, generally if the boat was taken care of it should be evident in it's condition, check the fluids to see if they are clean, ballast pumps can be slightly problematic but pretty inexpensive to replace, the rear seat base and sun pad will get quite a bit of wear from foot traffic, make sure everything is there, fire ext, stern light, bow and mooring covers, etc., and verify the PP works, actuates when ignition on.

Owned a 99' Air and had a single axle trailer, really not a problem and it towed fine, have a twin axle now, they do tow straighter and if equipped with brakes on all axles, they stop much better, either one should work fine.

My 99' was about 35k new, an 01' would have been about +/- 4k more, 99's seem to be selling in the upper mid to high teens.

[WakeSlayer]

I like the no shoes comment. I am anti-shoe on my boats. Just an interesting thing to state on an ad. If true, that would be quite indicative of the care the boat gets.

Had a rebuild done on what ? That one I don't get. The motor? If so, why?

I think you can find boats with way less hours in the price range, but 1500 isn't out of the realm. Mine is a 99 and has somewhere around 550 on it. Got it in 05 with 135 hours.

[nautique_stealth]

It's somewhat local. 2 hr away. I haven't seen the boat yet, but will be able to get down there soon.

Rebuild was on the engine, because it had 1400 hrs...

I'm pretty sure this thing is going to be immaculate like he's said. From what I've talked with him about, and seen on his website, there are red flags.

And it's less than the 20k range people are mentioning... :-D

[nautique_stealth]

Well, some not so good news... The engine hasn't been rebuilt. 1500 hrs. He said still runs great. But doesn't this mean I should expect rebuild in next 200-400 hrs? They run $2000? That's going to make the deal not as sweet...

[MattieK27]

I saw that boat a few months ago. It has been for sale for a while, I talked to the owner but never actually went to see it in person. When I started doing the math, it just didnt seem worth it. I also want to point out one other thing, it is a PRO Air Nautique, not just an Air. Many consider the Pro Air to be inferior to the Air. I dont think the Pro is as bad as some make it, but because there is a lot of negative conception out there it usually has a lower cost associated with it.

[nautique_stealth]

Doing the math on what? Just if it needs a rebuild? Everything else seems to be in perfect condition...

What was the price when you were looking at it?

[MattieK27]

It just didnt make sense to spend 19k (what he was asking) on a boat that is not the easiest to sell if I had to unload it. It has been listed on CorrectCraftFan for almost a year now.

I don't doubt its in great shape, but it just wasn't the boat for me. If its in good shape, and you don't have an issue with it being a direct drive (my biggest issue as I like to surf), I say go for it.

[nautique_stealth]

Yeah, I'm a wakeboard/ski guy. This is what I'm looking for. But what about the 1500 hrs and no rebuild? How much would one cost?

[MattieK27]

I am unsure how much a rebuild is on a GT40. If your interested in skiing, keep in mind an Air Nautique will ski better than a Pro Air. (Discussed this with a Nautique service guy who used to own one)

Are you going to pull the trigger without a water test?