Test Drive

[MHayes]

My brother and I will possibly be purchasing a 2001 Air Nautique on Friday and I was hoping to get some input from everyone. We have perfomed a thorough inspection of the boat while on the trailer at the current owner's home and will be taking it out for a test drive on Friday afternoon. Contingent on the boat performing well, we plan on making the purchase. My question is when on the water, what would be a good checklist to go over to make sure everything is alright? Besides making sure the ballast system is working well, the engine runs smoothly, the blower is working properly, and the boat is not overheating, what would be a good list of items to check out? Thanks in advance for your help. Below is some pictures of the boat.

Michael

[Dr.John]

RE: Test Drive

Great looking boat, but then I am partial Yellow_Flash_Colorz:
Judging from the picture, it was garage kept, so that's a bonus. In the test drive, I would just check for strange noises from the engine/transmission. It's normal to get some whine in reverse though. It should feel really smooth through the power band, although mine isn't silky because I haven't switched out the OJ Prop to the Acme 422. Get service records if possible. How many hours? Steering should be easy & center pretty well. The electronic tach/speedo have known problems of various types. Mine fogged up after it got caught in a rain storm one time, but they will replace under warranty even though it's expired. Some peeps mentioned they have had the hour meter reset, which concerns me because mine only has 20 hrs. on it, which was a main reason for buying it.

It's one of the best crossover boats I know of. The ski wake is adequate, as is the weighted wake, so if you skiers and boarders on board, you're in business!

Good luck!
J

[gotwake]

RE: Test Drive

Some things I came up with quickly, perhaps other can add.

Visual:
Check the bilge for any signs of fluid, leaks, or stains
Check Oil – clean?
Transmission fluid
Go over the entire hull for cracks or dings – Tower mounts, skag /rudder area etc.
Check rudder for play
Skags straight?
Prop dinged?
Inspect all cushions top and bottom
Check carpet throughout – those hidden areas can hold moisture
Electrical – Check all accessories, every switch should be flipped
Tower loose – worn joints
Variations in gel color

On the water:
Steering – shouldn’t fight you, vibration free
Forward/reverse smoothly
Throughout the power band it should be vibration free
Check packing
Look at the exhaust – what color?
Check cruise/heater/shower/ballast/etc.
Overall feel – windshield loose – rattling components?
Leaks? Bilge have water?

At a dealer:
Engine alignment checked
Compression test
Service records

[MHayes]

RE: Test Drive

Thanks Dr. John. The boat is in immaculate condition, always covered and garaged, and has approximately 95 hours on it. The current owner was very particular about it and never allowed anyone to drink or eat in it and supposedly no one has ever been in it with shoes on. Given how well he took care of it, I'm pretty confident that the mechanical aspects of the boat will be just fine as well. He has all of the service records, which is definitely a good thing. Again, thanks for the input.