Good Deal on 1989 2001?

[dreddy]

First time poster after reading and searching a lot. Thanks in advance for the great knowledge base here.

Based on all of the reading I've done, I'm going to go look at a 1989 2001 this weekend. Pics make it look like it is in almost new condition and it has 350 hours on it. The guy is asking in the mid $7k range. Is this just too much for a "perfect" sample?

Also, although he has said that the floor is solid, is there any way to check any of the under-floor foam and stringers besides the engine mount bolts?

This boat really looks almost perfect in the pics but I really don't have a comfort level in these boats. Any advise (including pointing me to relevant threads) would be very appreciated. I don't trust my forum searching skills too much.

Thanks

[75Tique]

If you haven't found CorrectCraftFan.com, you might want to check in over there. A lot more attention to and knowledge about the older boats. After I saw your post title, but before I read your post, I said to myself "$7500" so you are in the ball park. It also appears you've been reading up and are aware of the likelihood of stringer problems and the one non-intrusive way of checking them. Folks over at CCF will want to hear more and see pics, but come on over. Stringer repairs are kind of a given with a boat that age, lots of threads on what people have found under their floors and the projects to fix them. Its just a question of how many years of service you can get. I've been running a 76 for 8 years now, as far as I know, its never had a stringer job, but I am going strong with it.

[shag]

I owned a few 89's. If it was taken well care of, there is probable nothing wrong with the stringers. I have seen plenty that are fine. Yes pics would be nice. That is a great year boat. It had the power plus tranny that gives it more hole shot, but still has good top end. 350 hrs is low. Still want to probably compression test it anyway.
Pics?

[swc5150]

The '89 is a really nice boat! It was actually the first Nautique that made me want to own one. $7,500 for a clean and solid boat is pretty darn good. This time of year will help reduce the going rate too. A sweet '89 was nearing $10k this spring - we were on the hunt for one. The CCF guys are a great resource too, as mentioned. Good luck!

[dreddy]

Thanks for the replies. I was able to get the boat out for a water test and everything functioned perfectly. I was frankly amazed at the condition. Other than some wax in the corners, it was cosmetically perfect. I could have eaten off the engine, the teak was oiled and solid without any graying fuzz etc. The floor was completely solid, I jumped on it everywhere without flex and it was structurally solid. No funny smells. Just really amazing condition. Just need to see if my wife will go for something other than a v-drive. Tough decision. Thanks for pointing me to the ccf site. A couple of the seller's pics attached. Not crazy about the gray personally but those are minor issues when used boat shopping.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

That is a nice looking boat, and I agree that the price is more than fair. From the first pic, it looks like the carpet was replaced, possibly the seat vinyl as well (not a bad thing).

Pull up the center section of the rear floor (remove rear seat). It is wood and can give a good indication if the bilge sees alot fo water or not or if it sits with alot of moisture in it. While you have the seat out, remove the rear access panel and chec kthe gas tank. Smell for fumes / look for leaks / condition of hoses.

Did the horn work ?

[dreddy]

The horn did work. The owner brought his 2 year old along for the ride and he worked the horn over pretty good. I did look into the bilge under the engine and it was completely clean. No oil drips, water stains or other signs of wetness. Still trying to decide (he may have already sold it) but it is so late in the season I may just wait.

Thanks again. Very helpful suggestions even if I pass on this one.

[mdvalant]

That thing looks REALLY really clean. Definitely worth the $7500 pending a water test of course, and I see you did that already.

[swc5150]

Oh dude, you need to buy that boat! Last spring, I'd be on my way home with it. Hand the owner $6,500 in crisp $100 bills and cart wheel the entire way home if he takes it:-) Seriously, at $7,500, you could drive it for a year or two and sell it for the same.

[shag]

Based on your info and the 2 pics, I would say that is a great deal. If you don't buy it, someone will..... Soon. More detailed pics of interior and gelcoat would help.
Have fun!