Looking at a used Nautique - could use some opinions....

[Mangolia]

Hey guys, hopefully this is the right place to start this topic - and my first post.

I am looking at a couple of used Nautiques in my area and was hoping you guys could help me out in the price area, since I really don't know too much about fresh water boat prices. I have looked at the NADA guide, and these both seem to be priced low. Any and all opinions are much appreciated. Thanks in advance and hopefully I will be posting more if/when I become part of the club.

I'm not too spooked about high hours considering I have over 700 hours on my outboard Verados and they're 2007 models - as long as these motors and running gear don't mind them on these boats.....Again, first look on my end from a freshwater aspect, but can't be nearly as hard as the saltwater I grew up on.

Here's the first one. The platform is in need of some pretty serious teak work, the gel coat is BEGGING for a wet sand, there are a couple of pretty major dings in the gelcoat around the rub rail, transom, and the pointy end, but the vinyl was all re-done this last winter. Second owner, 750 hours. http://reno.craigslist.org/boa/3020709519.html

This is the one I am leaning towards. Gelcoat is not begging to be wet sanded and is in fantastic shape, no major dings topside, teak work is in good shape, vinyl isn't in the best shape - has a few tears and should be re-skinned, hours are at 900 - but not so much for the year? Second owner, always garaged and winterized. http://reno.craigslist.org/boa/3068039242.html



Whatcha all think? Prices good? Thanks again!

[crobi2]

Those are both nice looking boats. More knowledgeable people will probably chime in soon, but make sure that the floor/stringers are not obviously rotted out. Look for any obvious submerged object damage on the rudder/driveline. Engine compression check. Check the fluids.

Someone recently posted a boat buying checklist that you might be able to find with a search.

At those prices, it's hard to end up disappointed. Good luck!

[jchamlin]

The 87 will probably not ride as nice as the 90 but I don't have any experience with the 2001's. I have a friend who has a 90 or 91 and I can wakeboard behind it...never slalomed. Actually, it's better than my boat for boarding if you just have a few people. I think mine has the better wake when you load it up. I have heard those 2001's throw a steep wake if you're looking for wakeboarding.

If it were me, I'd pick the 90 though.

[Quinner]

Both those boats have wood stringers as mentioned above, and at their age those stringers are more likely then not in need of replacement. Big job, $2k in materials and at least another $2k + in labor.
The boat that needs new vinyl (skins), expect to spend $2k min, $3k more likely for that job.

You may want to also do some research on CCFan, There is some really good info/threads on both these subjects there www.correctcraftfan.com.

[azeus17]

I could be wrong...happens a lot, but I have never heard of a Indamar in a Nautique.

[Mangolia]

Thanks much guys! I'll let you know which one it is.....

[shag]

Quinner is spot on. Also, indmar is not a nautique motor.
Also depends on what you want to do. The 87 with that 2001 series hull, will throw a nice wakeboard wake with a little bit of weight, yet still give you a decent slalom wake (without the weight). Barefooting behind an 89 is a little tougher, by means of crossing the wake that is. The 91 was the second year of the new hull design. I have actually seen more of the 90-91's with stringer issues than the 2001 series hulls (just my viewpoint). If you sold one of your Verados you could probably buy both boats.... And still have money to take the little lady out... lol

[Mangolia]

If you sold one of your Verados you could probably buy both boats.... And still have money to take the little lady out... lol

Hahaha - spoken like a Floridian, and sounds like you know Verado's! I'm from Marathon and live there half the year now - hence my entry level knowledge about these boats! Appreciate the tips on the stringers and I will certainly take a look at them tomorrow when I see the boat. I think I'll keep the Verado's, but wouldn't mind selling the welfare motor off my skiff....you interested? Lol!

Thanks again to everyone for the input!

[Txpilot83]

If I was you I'd hold out for a 93+ with a fuel injected engine. From 93 on I believe wood was completely eliminated and correct craft switch to all composites. It will probably cost a little more up front but in the long run will be worth not having all the headaches and having to spend a boat load of cash repairing rotten stingers and floor.

[Panda cub]

If I was you I'd hold out for a 93+ with a fuel injected engine. From 93 on I believe wood was completely eliminated and correct craft switch to all composites. It will probably cost a little more up front but in the long run will be worth not having all the headaches and having to spend a boat load of cash repairing rotten stingers and floor.

My thoughts exactly. It's a lot easier to replace a hg or fix a bad rear main than do any work to the hull/stringers