Boat Suggestion - Skiing Slalom

[DMcGilli]

All,

My son has gotten into slalom skiing and we need to get a SKI boat (he does not care to wakeboard). We have been into boating for a while as we have a '87 Donzi (goes fast but not too good for skiing). The boat will be used on a lake in Georgia and the water is pretty calm.

Looking for some not too expensive (as he is away most of the time in college it will not be used too much). Want something with a Chevy / Mecruiser as I have an extra 350 ready to go (just case).

What model would be good for this usage?

Thanks,

DTM

[SkiTower]

might need to define "not too expensive". Nautiques tend to bottom out where I/O's are new. Is it just the two of you? If so, then a closed bow will suit your need. Look for "196" or "ski nautique" depending on year. 1993 is the year Nautique removed all wood from their boat. Are you willing to put some elbow grease into it? That's usually the best way to get a deal. And you will find either Ford or Chevy engines (Ford older, Chevy newer)

[NCH2oSki]

Any Ski Nautique model from 1998 and newer that your budget allows. This is the ski boat that all others are compared to.

[swc5150]

I second a '97 and on...

[escmanaze]

I have a 97 Ski Nautique Open Bow. I have only owned it a short time, but I absolutely love it. In purchasing, I was always told that the GT-40 (5.8) engine was the best engine and was an absolute must. However, the SNOB i found had the 5.7 Pro-ski engine. I was warned, and worried about it being weak sauce, especially once I got up here to elevation at 4500 feet where I ride. However, that has not been the case. It pops me right out of the water on my slalom ski as fast as any boat I've ever been behind (I have not been behind that many really good ski boats) and doesn't have any problems from there. If I were barefooting a lot more, then I think I would be wanting the extra power that the GT-40 brings, but I haven't even advanced far enough in barefooting to know how to deepwater start, so that's not much of a concern. Also, I think that my 5.7 pro-ski engine is based on a chevy engine (or somebody told me wrong) so it might be the one you're looking for.

I did also choose to go 97 as I was told that the few years before that (maybe back to about 92) were based on the NWZ hull, and in 97, they went to the TSC hull. I was told the TSC hull was much better for slalom. I've never tried the NWZ to be able to compare.

If he's comparing to to a DONZI, he may even be satisfied with the old 2001 hull that Natique build from like 82-91 or something like that. If you're on this site, I assume it's because you ride sideways also, and the 2001 is notorious for being able to pump out a great wake when a little weight is added.

It all depends on price range and what exactly you're looking for. Feel free to elaborate further and that might add clarity.

[AirTool]

Here is 93 in awesome condition for 15k.

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...AUTIQUE-CUSTOM

[Zach@n3]

You will be happy with anything closed bow produced between 1993 and 1999. That will be the best bang for the buck years. 97-99 skis a bit better but they are both great choices. The interior on the 93-96 boats is nearly as functional and almost identical to the newer so you'll be happy either way. You will have a hard time finding a Chevy. Most boats pre 95 were carb 240 hp fords and if they are fuel injected 95 and newer it will be the pro boss GT-40. All of these boats will have the 1.23 to 1 gear reduction transmission unless it is a Ski Nautique standard with the BW 1:1 (very rare). The GT-40 is a stump puller torque monster and the Chevys like to sing a little more on the top end. The apex motor is rare but it's a screamer too. We had a 1997 sport/air that would crank darn near 5400 rpm wide open.

[TRBenj]

I wouldnt rule out any Ski Nautique 1990 or newer... I consider them all to be excellent slalom boats. Though of course, 1997+ is "world class".

The only thing special about 1993 and newer boats are the lack of wood in the construction... which is nice, but you'll pay a premium for it. I would have no problem considering a 1990-1992 boat if it checks out. (1990 owner here).

[Zach@n3]

I agree with Tim, You can get a much better deal on a solid 90-92. Basically you will be looking in the price range of 6000-15000 from 90-99 depending on the condition of the boat.

[jsta281]

Just a question, what is the primary factor in damage to the wood stringers? I mean obviously it is water damage but is it more common in boats that sit in slips or at docks in the water 24/7 or is it from lots of regular use even if the boat is pulled out of the water every day at the end if the day?

[swc5150]

Here is 93 in awesome condition for 15k.

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...AUTIQUE-CUSTOM

Nice clean boat for sure, but still overpriced IMHO. $15k and I'd be in a clean '98 or '99 GT-40.

[AirTool]

Nice clean boat for sure, but still overpriced IMHO. $15k and I'd be in a clean '98 or '99 GT-40.

I agree but it will probably sell for much less than asking unless somebody had one just like it "long ago" and had to part with it.

There have been a few 98/99's pop up with low hours also.

[slob02]

Since 1989 was the last year for the 2001 Hull, I would try to find 1990 or newer. 1993 adds even more with the no wood in the hull. Don't get me wrong.......I have seem some AWESOME slalom skiing on the 2001 hull!!

[swc5150]

I agree but it will probably sell for much less than asking unless somebody had one just like it "long ago" and had to part with it.

There have been a few 98/99's pop up with low hours also.

That's what I was thinking too, a nostalgia type of purchase. It looks in show condition, but not quite the in same class as a TSC1 for a slalom tug.

[AirTool]

That's what I was thinking too, a nostalgia type of purchase. It looks in show condition, but not quite the in same class as a TSC1 for a slalom tug.

Exactly and the difference between asking and real value for someone with money is "chump change".
I personally would love to have it but can't do it right now and not so much due to financial reasons...just timing and domestic politics.