When to upgrade boat?

[midwesttex]

I am not ready to buy a new boat yet, but it has been on my mind. Currently I have an 88 SN 2001, and I am trying to figure out when and what to upgrade to. My boat runs good, throws a great wake, and you can't beat having something paid for. If size and space isn't an issue how much am I going to have to spend to get a better wake? I am thinking it might not be possible unless I spend 30-40k of more. I know I can gain a lot of space with an upgrade, but is it worth it, 9 people can fit on a 2001, as long as someone is wakeboarding.

Any thoughts anyone has would be appreciated.

[Alan-S]

RE: When to upgrade boat?

That is a tuff question, sounds like you answered it yourself. I have a newer boat but will have the same situation in the future. Along with payments and the pain of selling your old boat comes all of these new boat "issues" that we hear about. I don't know about you but my SAN has about 1000 hrs on her and never been to the dealer except for oil changes and shrinkwrap. I have some little issues like my depth guage flickers, and my vinyl has a few little tears near the stitching, but I can't bring myself to replace or fix it. That would be time I could be out riding. The best thing I did this spring was go and test drive some new boats at a boat show. I reccomend this to anyone who has a older nautique that has been taken care of. I test drove a MB Sports 23v B-52, fully loaded $69,000. The only way I could get my nautique to rattle that much would be to empty out 100 lbs of quarters into the cupholders and into the bilge. Nothing else I drove and rode behind came close to the strength and craftsmanship that my SAN has.

[bkhallpass]

My .02

If you are satisfied with the boat you have then it is really not
an "upgrade." It's just a new boat with its own set of features
and benefits, and its own set of problems.

The early SANs will be coming on 5-6 years now. Further,
Correct Craft has introdued some new boats and should
be coming out with more. There should be some good deals
out there when others buy new boats, if you're patient and take your time.

I say enjoy the boat you have and when the right deal, or right
boat comes along, you'll know it.

BKH

[Flux]

When I split in on my current boat, my partner sold his 92' sport. We then took posession of our 02' SAN. We now have all the nice bling, storage, wake, etc. that comes with this boat. We also have payments, higher insurance, etc. One thing that was evident was that the older CC was a rock solid boat that had a pretty darn good wake. Luckily my buddy sold it to his family and he will get to ride it most summers until they decide to upgrade or whatever.

The major points of the modern wakeboard boat are convenience in the auto ballast, storage hatches, perfect pass, tower and board racks. The engine boasts a bit more horsepower and can handle a very heavy loaded boat, and we do do that. Although the payments are there, i have no regrets as I love the boat and using it and maintaining it, it's a hobby/lifestyle. Your biggest question is the value for your dollars. The wake on the SAN is outstanding, but nobody can ever debate the $$'s for the wake, it's moot. It's about you wanting the boat and being able to use it enough to suit you buying it.

Maybe go check one out and get the feel of it. Wait and see, in two years you'll be able to get on 01-03 for about 10k less than today's prices. We got a solid deal on a cherry boat that was exactly what we wanted, the choice was obvious from the beginning, for us.

[redelf75]

Re: When to upgrade boat?

I know I can gain a lot of space with an upgrade, but is it worth it, 9 people can fit on a 2001, as long as someone is wakeboarding.

Am I the only one on this site with any regard to boating laws or safety? :???:

[laddski]

RE: Re: When to upgrade boat?

I say enjoy your boat and don't get caught up in all the new fads. I have a 93 Sport and I periodically start wondering if I should upgrade but there are very few necessary perks the new boats offer. These are rock solid boats that will go forever if well maintained. I am adding a monster tower shortly for convenience sake but could live with my extended pylon if I had to. Debt sucks.

[Christopher-W.-Becker]

RE: Re: When to upgrade boat?

All,

I upgraded from an '86 2001 to a 2004 216. Reason...fifth child. '86 2001 Coast Plate is 6...fifth child...is 7 "bingo". We were not planning on the tower, but glad we did. We were not planning on the Bimini....but baby need shade...glad we did. We did not want the debt....but decided to because we like to drive our equipment (well maintained) till it dies of old age....or we get to many kids. For cars, it has been the to many kids route (Jeff Gibson, quit laughing).

Now we go to the lake and can spend all day on the boat. No need to hit the beach for a break from the lack of shade, cramped quarters and no room for the kids that fall asleep.

Don't regret the upgrade....it was a family decision. But we loved the old boat also.

[midwesttex]

Thanks for all the input, I do think I should wait a while and this has given me some more trust in the old boat. I figure if I ever move back south were I can use the boat more than 3 months that might be a good time to buy.

So money and smart decisions aside. What should I be looking for in the future? What used boats out there (besides the obvious ones) will throw out as good/big of a wake as the 80s SN 2001s? I figure I have to go v-drive, but how new, etc?

[SprintCar39]

I think you should buy a new boat every year. LOL Have a great summer.

[pj]

Re: RE: When to upgrade boat?

Nothing else I drove and rode behind came close to the strength and craftsmanship that my SAN has.

Same thing with my '91 SN. I drive a "club" boat 2003 Response LXi occasionally. It has half the hours that mine has and I'd much rather put mine down the slalom course. IMO you just can't beat the build quality of a Nautique.

[Socbum]

I think you should buy a new boat every year. LOL Have a great summer.

Eric,

Sounds like a great plan! I will make a deal with you, if you fund my kids college I will buy a new boat every year. :grin:

I think we could work someting out. JK - LOL

Summer is starting to get better!

[ajdouglas]

No offence meant, but come on PJ

Same thing with my '91 SN. I drive a "club" boat 2003 Response LXi occasionally. It has half the hours that mine has and I'd much rather put mine down the slalom course. IMO you just can't beat the build quality of a Nautique.

91 SN vs 03 Response LXi,

I have a 79 buick I'll sell ya. It's rock solid. :grin: