Thinking about a Nautique purchase - 2004 211 SV

[BoardSkier]

I am currently an owner of a Supra Comp, but looking to move over to Nautique. The boat I have my eye on is a 2004 211 SV with about 200 hours on it. The boat really looks like new. It has been stored inside and well maintained.

It has spent its life in brackish water, but has the 1/2 loop closed cooling for the engine. Owner claims to have fresh water rinsed the exhaust system after each use. There does not appear to be any external corrosion.

Clearly I am a slalom skier, but wife and kids wake board and surf. The 211 looks to be an excellent cross over boat. However, would you Nautique owners be concerned about the 10 years in brackish water? I hear that Nautiques hold up well in salt air environments. Anything else I should know? If it helps any, i plan to use the boat mainly in freshwater, but it may see some days in saltwater. Seller is asking 31k obo.

I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Mikeski]

The SV211's tend to take on more water than other boats for several reasons so the brackish water should be a concern. Lift the hatch to the plug access, stick your camera down there and take some photos of the bottom of the V drive and mounts. If they are not corroded then it should be fine. If they are then you should inspect it more closely.

If the cross-over is more biased to a slalom skier I might recommend a 216dd over a 211vd. I have the 211 and the slalom wake is OK when it is very lightly loaded. With a decent crew and gear the wake gets ugly pretty quick.

[wawasee]

We had a 2006 SV211. We loved the boat. I free ski and I thought the slalom wakes were great compared to our previous '91 Sport Nautique. I can't help in regards to brackish water, but my opinion is that the 211 is a wonderful boat.

[sfjakey]

Ive run my 211 in salt for 7 years with no ill effects. I change my riser gaskets every year, and flush the motor immediately after use. It lives on a lift, so literally as the boat is coming out the motor is being flushed. You will see some corrosion on and around the motor mounts, but these boats are very durable and made with mostly stainless fasteners. If the boat appears to be well cared for, I'd have no concerns. The trailer will be another issue, they are disposable in salt/brackish use. If you buy, I should start with new exhaust manifolds and risers, that is your only concern since the boat is fresh water cooled.

[BoardSkier]

Thanks for the feedback. We ended up not getting the 211, but picked up a 226 instead. I gave in to the wake-board and surf requests! Happy wife and kids, happy life. Cant wait to get out on the water!