Ski Nautique model history

[modog]

I can see one needed correction; I just bought a 2000 Ski Nautique with a 502 ci, 430 HP motor. I'm not sure what years the Pythons were offered in the little boat...

[DanielC]

I think the python was an option from model year 1999, to 2002. There are two different python engines, the 502, and the 496, of my memory serves me correctly.

The big problem with the "N" graphics is not the graphics, but these boats got the digital Teleflex gauges.

There were a few 2002 TSC 2 boats, with the GT-40 engine.
The TSC 1 hull was held over in 2002, with the SNOB.

[TRBenj]

I can see one needed correction; I just bought a 2000 Ski Nautique with a 502 ci, 430 HP motor. I'm not sure what years the Pythons were offered in the little boat...

The correction is not needed (I made the chart). It is meant to show the general trend of the Ski Nautique over the last 50 years, as it has grown in length, weight, engine size (and hp), and the effect that those variables have had on top end speed. Big blocks were offered on the 1st gen (Ford 352 FE), 2nd gen (80-81 Show Nautiques had the 454, some were 425hp HO versions), the 2001 (both 330hp and 390/425hp versions of the 454) and the later TSC1 502/496 Pythons at 430-435hp. (Ive also seen exactly one 330hp 454 powered No Wake Zone). Still, those were optional engines and were produced in relatively low volumes- and it was not the intent of the chart to show those data points. Showing all configurations and options (engines, transmissions and otherwise) would have been too cumbersome. You'll note that I excluded the base 5.0L engine offered from the late 90's forward as well, as its pretty rare. Same goes for the '02 TSC2 GT40, as it was not the "typical" powerplant found in the TSC2 (2002-2005) hulls.

FYI, while the Python was definitely an option that CC offered in 2002, I do not believe I have ever seen one installed in a TSC2 hull.

[DanielC]

Just thinking out loud.
How hard would it be to get a 1961 to 1969 Ski Nautique, with a 352, and put the Ford 428 engine in it?

[modog]

I had no idea big blocks were offered all those years. Great information! Thank you!

[modog]

TRBenj, any chance you might know what the top end of my python might, or should, be? It has replacement gauges now, with a knob adjustable speedo, so it only gives a rough idea. I plan on installing Stargazer, but until then I'm curious. My guess is that it's pushing 50, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's just under.

[TRBenj]

Just thinking out loud.
How hard would it be to get a 1961 to 1969 Ski Nautique, with a 352, and put the Ford 428 engine in it?

Im not sure how closely related the 428 is to the FE, but I know the 352, 390 and 427 all share basic components. I know several people who have (or are currently working on) putting 390's and 427's into some 60's era Correct Crafts, including Ski Nautiques, Classics and Barracudas.

[TRBenj]

Ive only driven a few Pythons, none of which being a Ski Nautique. The 2 things that I believe to be true are:

-The TSC1 Ski Nautique hull is at best, only as fast as the TSC3 196 with the gate up. The Excal powered TSC3 is good for 47-48, from what Im told. The Excal probably holds a 1mph or so advantage over the GT40, so the hulls are probably within about a mph or so of each other- though Id guess the TSC3 would still hold a slight advantage over the TSC1 if given the same powerplant.

-The TSC3 6.0L (409hp) 196 is typically good for 52-53mph, from what I am told. I have seen excursions beyond this (54-56mph) but I do not believe that to be the norm.

Therefore, with ~20hp more than the ZR-409, I would guess that the Python powered TSC1 to be good for somewhere in the 52-54mph range. Thats just a guess though. Get your GPS out and tell us for certain!

[DanielC]

The 428 is also in the Ford FE series of engines. It has a smaller bore than the 427, but a longer stroke. There is also a 410 FE engine, that is a 390 bore, with the 428 crankshaft. The 410, and 428 are both torque monsters.
352 Bore 4.00, stroke 3.50
360 Bore 4.05, stroke 3.50
390 Bore 4.05, stroke 3.78
410 Bore 4.05, stroke 3.98
406 Bore 4.13, stroke 3.78
427 Bore 4.23, stroke 3.78
428 Bore 4.13, stroke 3.98

To really go hog wild, there is also a 427 SOHC FE engine. They are rare. Really rare. I also believe you can put a 428 crankshaft in a 427 block, and make a 454.

[modog]

Had the python out this morning and it did 50.9 mph on a handheld Garmin. My manual speedo is about 5 mph slow depending upon speed. I'm assuming it has the stock prop, but I'm not sure.