Potencial Nautique owner in Denver

[natemx231]

Hello everyone my name is Nate and I'm from Denver, CO. I was in the market for a Malibu or Nautique but after talking to my brother-in-law I have narrowed it down to a super air nautique 210. I was thinking of getting something newer than a 02' because of the newer hull design is this a good idea? Also I notice they went from a ford to a Chevy in '03. Is there a big difference in the motor and should this be a factor when shopping. Can I find something like this for 30k?

Thanks for reading and I can't wait to read your reply's.
Nate

[Chexi]

There was no hull change until 2007, and that change made a completely different boat. There was a deck change in 2002 (maybe 2003), that eliminated the slant back on the transom. This change gives you a little bigger sunpad, more space to add in ballast puppy pumps (not that you need more space, it just gives you placement options), and maybe makes it easier to put bindings on while sitting on the back of the sunpad. Personally, I like the look of the slant back better.

The engine change in mid 2002 is a more difficult question. Eliminating the long block pythons from the comparison, the gm will give you the ability to hook the engine to a scanner and get engine hours and a more comprehensive means of isolating engine malfunctions. However, the gm may be more susceptible to problems. If you ask a nautique mechanic, I think they will tell you that they have more service work on the gms. Most gt40 owners love that motor. I loved my first one. My second one is a different story, as I have a mysterious intermittent problem, which may or ma not actually be the engine. The only thing else I can mention is that the 2000-2002 had digital speedo and tach which typically stopped working; and if this happened, you can't get hours info from the gt40. There are replacement analog gauges. If you are looking at a 2000-2002 with analog gauges, don't trust the hours showing on the tach. Assume it's at least double to be safe. That said, a well maintained gt40 can last over 2000 hours.

[bamabonners]

Just curious, I was in the same place last month and went with Malibu vlx, what made you decide nautique? What did your bro in law say? Have you demoed both?

I like this sight so I lurk here...

[natemx231]

Thanks for the reply. Your right on the hull, it was it was a deck change in 2002. As for the GM motor do you feel 2000 hours hours is in reach if it's well maintianed? Thanks for insight on the gt40 and the hour gauge. I was looking at a SANTE with a broken digital gauge. Would you feel comfortable buying a 02'-03' with 500 hours on it if priced right?

Thanks for the info
Nate

[natemx231]

Nate

There was no hull change until 2007, and that change made a completely different boat. There was a deck change in 2002 (maybe 2003), that eliminated the slant back on the transom. This change gives you a little bigger sunpad, more space to add in ballast puppy pumps (not that you need more space, it just gives you placement options), and maybe makes it easier to put bindings on while sitting on the back of the sunpad. Personally, I like the look of the slant back better.

The engine change in mid 2002 is a more difficult question. Eliminating the long block pythons from the comparison, the gm will give you the ability to hook the engine to a scanner and get engine hours and a more comprehensive means of isolating engine malfunctions. However, the gm may be more susceptible to problems. If you ask a nautique mechanic, I think they will tell you that they have more service work on the gms. Most gt40 owners love that motor. I loved my first one. My second one is a different story, as I have a mysterious intermittent problem, which may or ma not actually be the engine. The only thing else I can mention is that the 2000-2002 had digital speedo and tach which typically stopped working; and if this happened, you can't get hours info from the gt40. There are replacement analog gauges. If you are looking at a 2000-2002 with analog gauges, don't trust the hours showing on the tach. Assume it's at least double to be safe. That said, a well maintained gt40 can last over 2000 hours.

Thanks for the reply. Your right on the hull, it was it was a deck change in 2002. As for the GM motor do you feel 2000 hours hours is in reach if it's well maintianed? Thanks for insight on the gt40 and the hour gauge. I was looking at a SANTE with a broken digital gauge. Would you feel comfortable buying a 02'-03' with 500 hours on it if priced right?

Thanks for the info
Nate

[natemx231]

Just curious, I was in the same place last month and went with Malibu vlx, what made you decide nautique? What did your bro in law say? Have you demoed both?

I like this sight so I lurk here...

He couldn't give me any real good facts. Just that he felt it is a better built boat. I do like the way a Nautique looks over a Malibu but there is more Malibu's available in my area. I'm just going to have to be patience waiting for the right boat.

Thanks Nate

[Chexi]

500 hours is nothing on a Nautique. I would be more concerned about buying a boat of that age with 50 hours on it.

[obd666]

Nate

Thanks for the reply. Your right on the hull, it was it was a deck change in 2002. As for the GM motor do you feel 2000 hours hours is in reach if it's well maintianed? Thanks for insight on the gt40 and the hour gauge. I was looking at a SANTE with a broken digital gauge. Would you feel comfortable buying a 02'-03' with 500 hours on it if priced right?Thanks for the info
Nate

would feel perfectly comfortable with the 500 hrs, on an 03 with the gm motor that allows me to know that it has 500 hrs. on an 02 with gt-40 and digital gauges you would have no way to know how many hrs it has ... Chexi is right, 500 hrs is just getting broke in

[OKWAKEBDR]

I'm in Denver and have a 2005 SANTE 210 that I would consider selling (if my wife would let me) for the right price - I don't have it listed. I'm moving to Houston and don't really want to move it - I'll just buy a new one when I get there. I doubt you will find a cleaner one anywhere. Approx 360 hours. PM me if you're interested.

[tp311]

Nate I'm in the exact same situation, looking for the same boat in the same price range. Do you happen to ride moto as well?

[tourpro]

Nate I'm in the exact same situation, looking for the same boat in the same price range. Do you happen to ride moto as well?

+1. Hopefully not competing for the same boat one day soon.

[tp311]

We're a little ways apart so hopefully not....

[natemx231]

Nate I'm in the exact same situation, looking for the same boat in the same price range. Do you happen to ride moto as well?

Not anymore.. I quit about 5 years ago. Started racing at 5years old did the whole amature thing with my dad. It was alot of fun but moving to something a little softer on the body.. Do you ride?

[tp311]

Yea, I've been riding for about 12 years, I did a lot of the amateur stuff, kind of got out of it when the economy went south. Still ride now but only about 1-2 times a week were I used to ride 3-4. Looking into a boat as my little bro never really got into moto but really likes the lake, which is only a few minutes from our house and the closest track is 1 1/2 hours.

[AirTool]

I'm in Denver and have a 2005 SANTE 210 that I would consider selling (if my wife would let me) for the right price - I don't have it listed. I'm moving to Houston and don't really want to move it - I'll just buy a new one when I get there. I doubt you will find a cleaner one anywhere. Approx 360 hours. PM me if you're interested.

You need to bring it with you. Boats are expensive here. Plus 6.25 percent donation to the government.