2002-2006 SN; any known issues??

[skinnytick]

looking at possibly buying a 2002-2006 ski nautique 196; any known or common issues I should look out for?

what would you consider to be high hours? is 1200 hours average and nothing to worry about particularly?

any advise welcomed!!

cheers

[swc5150]

The average, if there really is such an animal, is 60 hours per year. It's not uncommon for 196's to have considerably more, since their owners are normally avid users. A properly maintained engine can easily exceed 2,000 hours without issue - just the normal repairs (belts, pumps, etc.) Within that year range, you should have no problem finding a boat with half those hours though. I've seen trashed boats with 100 hours on them, and pristine boats with 1,000+ hours on them. It's all on the care. Search East Tx Skier on this site, and check out his TSC 1 SN. That's the type of pristine boat to look for! I'd take his over numerous late models out there.

[east tx skier]

You are too kind. I don't know of any common issues with this era of boat. Fantastic slalom wake. I have often advised people to take very long test drives and bring your ski. You are kind of trying to make the boat fail or at least show its hand if it has any issues. Don't just putter around the no wake zone on the test drive.

[j2nh]

I previously had a 2003 and a 2005 196. Great boats, no known issues that I am aware of. Our ski club runs two 05 196's and both have performed flawlessly. Find a good one, go for it and never look back.

[Gyptis]

Thumbs up for j2nh...buying for a boat is still for you decide. Just ask yourself what you really want so that you'll have no regrets in the end.

[skinnytick]

okay guys, will take a look over the weekend. the one ive seen is an ex-ski club boat with about 1200hrs on it, but looks like a good one. will see!

[east tx skier]

I used this when I bought my last boat and it was pretty helpful to have with me.

www.tylerskiclub.com/used boat.html

[DieselDawg]

skinnytick,

I purchased an 02 SN last year and I wish I would have bought one sooner. My boat was an ex-ski club boat and had around 900 hours on it when I purchased it. I would have
never purchased the boat if was not well taken care of by the previous owner. The price was also a consideration for me and my wife. The 02 SN was the first of the TSC2 hulls and I was able to pay less for an older SN and get basically the same wake that an 09 hydrogated TSC3 SN has. So far I have only had to do basic maintenance on the boat and it has never let me down.
Like the other posters have already stated, drive the boat in all conditions to make sure it operates correctly. Just find the best one you can and never look back. The TSC-TSC3 hulls are really good boats.

Good luck!
Matt

[laker220]

I have an 06 216 with 658 hours and it has been fantastic. Pristine shape and zero issues. I would re-iterate that it is all to do with how well the boat has been cared for!!!