To buy a Nautique 2001 or 2001 SAN?

[LR3w8kbrdr]

Looking to pu my first Nautique (solely for wakeboarding) and wanted some solid advice before I continue searching.

Ive been looking at 2 scenarios:
1. Buy a classic nautique 2001, save money and do whatever upgrades I want to it and keep for a few yrs then maybe get into a newer SAN depending where I am with starting a family.
2. Buy a 2001 SAN and spend more money but not have to add as many upgrades, not worrying about wood rot, getting a bigger boat and what could be a longer lasting newer boat and not needing an upgrade after a few yrs.

[Texan1554]

Really personal question so the only way to answer is... if it were me.

I just went through this and was debating a rebuild of a supersport or a 01-03 SAN. Ended up finding a decent deal on a 02 SANTE that was in too good of condition to pass up. We've been really happy with it. Not to say every newer boat will have less hidden problems but if the proper inspections and home work is done, the chances definitely get significantly less. To me this was big. Buying a boat that I knew what I was paying for as I drove off with it behind my truck. Didn't want to run into hiccups in the pricing and rebuild process that would cost me more time and money than expected.

I have done pretty much zero upgrades. Got some extra ballast, built an ipod plug in and started hitting the lake.

[bchesley]

I have had both, and would get the SAN. There is no substitute!

[swc5150]

A Ski Nautique is no substitute for a real wakeboard boat. After paying for the mods, you'll wish you would've just spent the money on a SAN.

[seth]

Get the SAN. If you do decide to sell in a couple years you wont lose very much on it. They hold their value extremely well!!

[wake_fun]

San

[MattieK27]

I have debated this as well. In my situation, I am just a wakeboarding rookie, towing and storage space is an issue, and it will be the first boat I own by myself. For me, getting into boating with a Ski Nautique and saving money on the initial purchase and loan interest is worth it. If you have been wakeboarding for many years and are experienced, have a large group to deal with, and/or have the extra money, the SAN might be the better way to go.

Another suggestion I have is to actually get behind the boats to help make the decision. I wasn't even considering a Ski Nautique until I wakeboarded behind a coworkers 1997. With 4 people on boat, a full tank or gas, and some gear, it didn't make too terrible of a wake at 19mph. It definately isnt a world class wake, but it is more that enough for the next few years while I can progress my riding and introduce wakeboarding to my group of friends. Yes a SAN can be sold in a few years for about the same amount as you bought it for now, but the same can be said about a sub 20k Ski Nautique.

[SkiTower]

one big difference: open bow vs. closed bow. If you're not looking to ski, I'd have an open bow to have more people on the boat.

[LR3w8kbrdr]

The malibu vride we had open bow and dont recall anyone ever sitting up there lol. Typically its just me and few buddies or chicks but long-term yes the open bow would be more practical. **** it will be another few yrs before i start a family.

I currently ride behind a friends 11' SANTE and 11' Sport when I want to ride and grew up behind a 93' ski nautique when I slalomed. Sold the Bu in march and have been missing out on having my own boat again.

But everyone says just keep using your friends boats' its cheaper and less hassle lol but Im going to be relocating to NC shortly and wont have that easy access.

[LR3w8kbrdr]

Alright after careful consideration and not wanting to burn through too much cash & since i have access to both a 11' SANTE and 11' sport any day of the week...Im going on a hunt for a nice 88-89' 2001. That way I'll keep it 2 yrs or so and see how much it gets used and see how much time i ride on the friend's boats.

After I relocate and get settled, maybe look at upgrading at that time. I couldnt get most of my buddies out anyways during these cold FL winters.

But I def liked what i saw with the 2001 SAN

[ccfan_nc]

I'm in your exact same situation and wondering about 87-89 SN or 95 SN. Did you get the 2001 and how did it turn out as a wake boarding boat?