Looking for a little help

[nwelch]

Over the last few weeks or so we've slowly been getting the itch to upgrade our boat. We currently have a 1998 Ski Nautique Open Bow, but we've always wanted a V-Drive simply because of the space and additional seating for friends.

I was wondering if anyone has looking at this Super Sport to give me their opinion on it?

http://orlando.craigslist.org/bod/3796345595.html

Of course being a Python it immediately is intriguing but the boat looks a little rough around the edges. Trailer worries me the most, but it looks like the interior is beat up some. I'm more or less just looking for some helpful hints or suggestions as this is our first time looking into buying a V-Drive.

Thanks in advance!
Nic

[markj]

I agree with your assessment. The python is a hoot to drive but not necessary at all. I'd try to find something cleaner. Assuming your 98 is clean, why would you step down in the condition of your boat? You'd regret that for sure. Also, 99 and 04 were the ugly tower years in my opinion. Additionally, I wouldn't want to wait for or pay the prices for parts to maintain that semi-rare motor. Just my .02

[s_kelley2000]

It looks pretty rough for that price but if you could get them down it could be really nice when fixed up. A good buffing and wax should restore the gelcoat and make it shine again. Tough to tell on the interior from those pics but at the very least it looks like the sunpad is starting to go so figure at least $600 for that. The trailer looks bad but if the main support beams are still solid and it's just the running board supports that are rusted out then it could be repaired relatively easily. That much rust on the trailer makes me question if it was a salt boat. Maybe I missed it but I didn't see anything about hours and a 2000 would have had the digital gagues that are known to fail so the hour meter may not be accurate. I know you can't get hours from the GT40 ECM but you might be able to get them from a Python. Either way make sure to really check out the engine, transmission and v drive to make sure they are healthy. The tower is either off an 04 210 or a 211 and is generally a little less desirable but as long as it was installed properly it will function great and I personally think it looks ok. Like Mark said I think you can find something cleaner than this and probably closer to home but if you can get the price down and you don't mind doing some work to it then it could be a great boat.

I love my Python but a GT40/Excal is more than adequate in that boat. I have not had any real problems getting parts for my motor though. A lot of the parts are the same as the HO 454 and pretty easy to track down at a marina or online. The only thing that took a little bit of search ingwas the plug wires but that was because I wanted the purple OEM ones and Skidim was able to track a set down for me.

Good luck on your search and take your time, the right boat will come along if this one doesn't work out.

[nwelch]

Thanks for your opinions guys. Initially I wasn't too interested, especially seeing that it most likely would need either a new trailer or extensive repair but the thought of a Python boat intrigued me as I've heard such great things about the engine.

Do you guys happen to know roughly what a used trailer that would fit a Super Sport would cost? Just trying to piece the numbers together to find what price would actually make sense for the work needed.

[nyryan2001]

SALT SALT SALT. look at that trailer.

[crobi2]

Almost impossible to find a used trailer for that hull. If that is a box steel trailer and the outsides (where it is painted) are shot, then the insides of those tubes will probably be real bad. At least with a C-rail trailer you can see all of the rust (unless the axles weren't sealed).

The premium on that boat comes from the python, looks like it needs the upholstery ($$$). At least it's got a good tower.

Since its probably been a salt boat, manifolds, risers, v-drive cooler, transmission cooler, thermostat and indeed the engine itself may have really taken a beating. Maybe it was not used in salt, you will have to ask the owner and then look for the tale tell signs of corrosion.

Check the shaft and strut, yank up and down on the prop to see if the cutless is worn out (10 year old boat). Give it a good test ride, then check again for signs of water in oil, tranny and vdrive.

Good luck! Python is way cool.

P.s. check the search the forum to be sure this was not the sunk one ( I'm pretty sure that was a '99 super air).

[s_kelley2000]

The sunken lake powell boat was a black and white 99 I am pretty sure. http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...ghlight=python

As C-Rob said it will be very hard to find a used trailer for that boat. Seems like people are often looking for them and never have much luck. New is probably going to run you about $2500-3000 for a pretty basic one.

[nwelch]

Thanks for the information guys. Its starting to seem that boat is looking more and more like a $14,000 boat due to all the replacement parts and just overall repair needed. I'll keep looking for a Super Sport, shame Python would have been fun.

[jonsquatch]

The selling point of that boat is the engine, and its mentioned 3 times but there are no pictures of it. Does that strike anyone else as odd? Could be its way too rusty to put online.

[Chexi]

I bought a used Magnum super air tandem trailer for that hull for $2500 earlier this year in Austin, TX. That said, the seller had numerous people behind me in line ready to buy it for that price.

[surroundsound64]

The selling point of that boat is the engine, and its mentioned 3 times but there are no pictures of it. Does that strike anyone else as odd? Could be its way too rusty to put online.

It has the python. You can see the hump on the hatch.