Help with 1998 Sport Nautique

[Franciz]

I've been out of the water for 15 years. My last boat was a 1988 ski nautique 2001, and I absolutely loved that boats wake boarding wake. The slalom wake however was somewhat rough. How does the 2001 compare to a 1998 sport nautique? I have found this 98 sport with a GT40 engine(175hrs), ballast tanks, and perfect pass. Will the 98 have the same wake board wake? What about the slalom wake? Or should I search for another type of nautique? Thanks

[Franciz]

Also, the interior is shot in the 98. Should one try to fix this himself or have a pro tackle?

[s_kelley2000]

Sounds like you would be quite happy with this boat. The ski wake should be better than you 2001 and the wakeboard wake is very good. It has a similar steep kick like the 2001 does and it should seem familiar to you.

As for the interior you could get new factory skins from Christines Marine and install them yourself. Or you could have a local shop install those for you or have them do the whole interior for you. Figure anywhere from $2-5K for a complete job depending on quality. If you have a local shop do it make sure they use materials that will hold up to the sun.

[Franciz]

Thanks for the input.
I just called the guy to get a test run scheduled. If the engine checks out, and everything else seems good - think I will make an offer. The gel coat is faded around the top rail, but the bottom looks ok. Interior is bad, but other than that I think its a solid boat. What price range do you think I should be in the offer?

[Quinner]

98' Sport is worth 10-12k range, that would be one in good shape.

Would be a little concerned about a boat with only 175 hrs, or 12hrs per season average use being in what sounds like rough shape. If the interior and top deck are bad look over everything else which could have been in the sun as well, gauges, dash, etc.

If the Perfect pass has an LCD display, it "should" be capable of displaying engine hours as well for a crosscheck against what the hour meter is showing. That's also all dependent on when the PP was installed of course, but if it shows anything over 175 that would be a huge red flag.

Good luck, at the right number it could be a great buy if your willing to put some elbow grease to it.

[Franciz]

Great point on the hours. I will check the PP display, but I'm not sure if it came from the factory because it's mounted on the top deck beside the throtle? The dealer says its a one owner boat, so maybe I need to find the person they are selling for. The engine looked so good I just assumed the low hours were correct. I should be able to buy at 5k, so if the hours are 175 do you think its worth the investment? I wouldn't be looking to resale. Thanks

[Quinner]

Not sure I would describe as an "investment" however I will buy it at 5k if you don't, lol. Interior will cost bucks, gel you can do yourself, as long as no other major issues sounds like a decent buy number.

CC did mount the cruise there on some boats however that is most likely going to be a 3.5" gauge for the basic cruise, no LCD on the smaller gauges. If the motor looks clean and runs well the hours may be legit, if concerned do a compression test.

[Franciz]

Thanks for the tips. Going to check it out Friday morning. I'll let you know if I don't buy.

[Lewy2001]

Boats are always requiring investments

Forget about the hours on a boat this old. How it was maintained is much more important.

With a perished interior and gel coat sun damage it is obvious this boat has been neglected for long periods.

Compression check the engine if after you test drive, it either does not run properly or is down on power. I would also look for any indication that the engine had been partially submerged at any time. This will produce intermittent electrical problems on the GT40 which can be expensive to have diagnosed and repaired unless you can do this yourself.

The wakeboard wake is as good as the SN2001 maybe even a little more forgiving. The ramp is solid but not quite as severe or narrow as the SN2001. The big advantage is the slalom wake. At 34-36mph with minimal crew and fuel you will love it.

[Franciz]

What numbers should I be looking for on the compression check? I'm assuming 155 - 160 on each cylinder? Thanks

[High altitude]

The hour guage on those boats are often bad. I have a '99 and added an additional hour meter. In the last 100 hours (on my new hourmeter) I have only added 22 hours on the factory equipped one.

Frankly, if it runs well 5K would be a steal no matter how many hours it has. (Assuming it has decent compression on all cylinders) -Marc

[NCH2oSki]

Here is the slalom wake from my 99' sport. This is around 29-30 mph, and as others have said, be mindful of how much fuel, and what you have in the trunk. An Acme 422 also cleans up the wake a little.

The last GT-40 I did a compression check on was in the 150-155 neighborhood iirc.

[Franciz]

That wake looks a lot better than my old 2001! Thanks for the picture and numbers.

[mtrader]

I have a 98 Air Nautique that I purchased 2 years ago. I think it produces a nice wake for wakeboarding. It has been a great boat considering I use it all the time down here in South Florida. I am just getting the interior redone including the carpet.

I have a question... I noticed 4 soft spots (very minor) once I removed the carpet. There was a little bit of water that bubbles out of the 4 spots (very minimal). I removed some of the fiberglass to see how bad the damage may be. I noticed the foam is really wet. Should I be concerned and does anyone have a suggestion as to how to repair it.

Thanks for the input and sorry to crash in on this thread, I'm just new to the forum and don't even know how to post a question.

[Franciz]

Hope someone can help with that... I may need to know as well!