1996 how much? And any year issues

[Bdwb]

Hello I am new to the forum. I have been looking for a modest/inexpensive way to get into a ski boat. Found a 1996 correct craft with 768 hours. The body is in great shape - I went for a ride with the owner and the engine fired right away and the boat seems to run well. Trailer is in very good shape - it sits in the garage most of the time. I am planning to get a nautique mechanic to look at the boat this week. I think I can get the boat for around 7500 - 8000. I have read thru many threads on the forum and people seem to be happy with their purchases even those with older models. Does this price seem to be good? Any year specific issues? My thinking is to start simple - see if my family gets use out of the boat and upgrade later as my son gets older. If we end up not using the boat then I can sell it without losing an arm and a leg. We have a house on a lake and currently have a pontoon and pwc. Any thoughts are appreciated. Oh it is fuel injected and has a closed bow.

[Bdwb]

Forgot to mention that it has the 310hp engine. There was a little liquid at the bottom on the engine bay - maybe 1/4 inch - noticed before owner put boat in water. I asked about the bilge - he said he always uses the manual option. I will definitely look into this with the mechanic. Owner seems to be meticulous type given the great shape of the boat exterior and interior given the year.

[Bdwb]

I spoke to owner he is open to a deal for $7,500. Any thoughts?

[swc5150]

Sounds like a good deal, especially with EFI.

[ranfire]

Not sure we have the same model, but I purchased a 1996 Sport Nautique (says Air Nautique on the side) with a 351 Ford PCM engine with a little less hours than yours (about 380) on a tandem axel trailer. Very clean boat also. I paid quite a bit more than your price, but live in California which may explain it. Good advice having a qualified person check out the condition because good prices don't mean alot when you spend thousands on unexpected repairs.
I love the boat, it is my first CTC having moved from stern drives and outboards I wanted to try a Nautique.
Send a photo, not sure we are talking about the same model.

[Bdwb]

Closed on purchase last week. I have gone thru the mechanics in detail and everything appears to be in good shape - engine fires right away, changed all fluids, etc.... Seems to drive great - spent about 90 minutes on the lake feeling it out.

Unfortunately it is now in storage for the winter. Really excited to have a SN - this is my first boat, so I have a lot to learn - including how to ski. My son is 8 so I figure we can learn together.

I posted a pic

[flipflop]

Great deal and a beautiful boat. Congratz!

[hondaprlud]

Congrats, on the buy! I just saw this thread, sorry I didn't comment sooner. It sounds like you got a sweet deal on a great boat. I had a 96 Sport Nautique, I'm sure many components are the same, there weren't any year specific issues that I can remember. I'm pretty sure it has the GT-40 engine, that's a great motor.

[NCH2oSki]

Nice looking boat, hope it brings many years of fun on the lake!

[ranfire]

Closed on purchase last week. I have gone thru the mechanics in detail and everything appears to be in good shape - engine fires right away, changed all fluids, etc.... Seems to drive great - spent about 90 minutes on the lake feeling it out.

Unfortunately it is now in storage for the winter. Really excited to have a SN - this is my first boat, so I have a lot to learn - including how to ski. My son is 8 so I figure we can learn together.

I posted a pic

You have a nice looking boat at a good price! I'll bet you are looking forward to next spring!
I really enjoy my 1996 and it is also my first Nautique. Looks like somewhat different models, here is a photo.

[Bdwb]

Ranfire - wow your boat looks clean!! It is amazing to me how good many older SNs look - people seem to take great care of them. I bet our boats are pretty similar. -you obviously have the tower and open bow. My next boat will have an open bow - but this one should be good to start with and see how much use we get out of it. Can't wait until spring!! Thanks for sharing the pic.

[pgowdy13]

Killer boat at a killer price. We paid 10k for ours, and it's a 93. It was in about the same shape, except it's a sport nautique. Similar miles too. You got a killer deal.