My First SAN Introduction Thread- Come on in!

[brock.higdon]

Man. Where to begin.

For the past few months, I have been looking like a hawk for a Mastercraft X-Star (2001ish) but I have not seen the deal I was looking for. Thursday, I stumbled across a 2001 Super Air Nautique for too cheap to pass up. The boat was approx. 320 miles from me, and on the lake ready to test. The only catch, though, was that the trailer was in "terrible condition, but if I drive slow I could probably make it back home" (per the owner).

Challenge Accepted.

When I got there.



Back from test drive.



And loaded up.



Words can not describe how sketchy this trailer was, and pictures can even show the entire view. But I snapped a few just so folks could get an idea of how bad it is.












Please, hold your applause until I get the next post done.

[brock.higdon]

So. We sat out on our journey home, at 45-50mph. After about 40 miles, I needed another tube of Preparation-H (and I wanted lunch), so we stopped to eat.

Glamor Shot



One of the tires was wearing pretty bad (it was the worst of the 3 anyways), and as part of the deal, I had the previous owner buy a new spare tire for the spare wheel. So I decided to change it at preventive maintenance. Ha...





Back on the road. All is good. We make it another 10 miles, 50ish miles from the guys place, 120 miles from my hometown of Auburn, Alabama. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, one of those stupid railroad crossings appear in the middle of a 4 lane highway. I slowed down as safely as I could to keep the trailer from self-destructing, but it wasn't enough.

Black Hawk Down



So, I call my buddy that runs the big tire shop in town and tell him to get the roll back on the move. We sat on the side of a Georgia highway for 3 hours waiting on the wrecker.



No, the strap wasn't nearly the only thing holding the boat. I had it barely snugged down. There were no transom to trailer straps on the boat.



320 miles and 15.5 hours later, we make it home.

[brock.higdon]

And. Here we are. I intend to spend the winter tinkering and getting the boat ready for the spring/summer. Some things I know the boat will need-

1. The prop has the tip of one of the blades bent pretty good. I'm not opposed to buying a new prop for the boat if there is something that is greatly better (the boat will be used mostly for surfing but a little wake boarding will happen), but if they aren't a huge improvement over stock, I will just get this one fixed.

2. A small piece of teak is broken on the far back underside of the swim platform. I would like to replace it before I go restoring and oiling the rest of the platform. Any place than I can get individual pieces from?

3. The Tach/Speedo/maybe another gauge has already been replaced. The Speedo, however, isn't working. Also, the gas gauge is original and is not working. A-whats the first thing to check for the speedo, B-what should I check for the fuel gauge, and C-where's the best place to order factory replacement gauges?

4. Obviously, the trailer I have now is barely good for scrap metal. I need a new trailer. How bad is it going to hurt my wallet to buy new? When looking for a used one, what criteria does it need to meet to work with this boat?



I think that will get me going for now. Enjoy, and thanks in advance!

[beach]

1. What prop is currently on it and what are you planning on doing? The stock Acme 644 isn't bad, but if you're running heavy ballast there are better props out there. Either way I would get the prop repaired. You could use it as a spare if you get a new prop.

2. I have not heard of a place that sells OEM platform parts for Nautiques. Teak world might be able to remake the piece.
http://teakworldenterprises.samsbiz.com

3. 2000-2002 Nautique had digital gauges that failed frequently. I do not think they are still available. There are replacement analog gauges available from Nautique parts. They offer a discount to planet Nautique members also.
http://www.nautiqueparts.com

4. For inboards, the trailers are custom for each boat model. One made for a different inboard may work, but it would not be ideal. If you use a trailer made for a direct drive, the axle will be farther forward than it should be. This will make the tongue of your trailer far too light. You also have to watch out for the placement of the bunks. If the trailer was made for a different inboard, the angle of the bunks might be off. Ideally you want a trailer made for a 1995-2006 Super Sport 210 or a 1999-2006 Super Air 210. These boats have the same hull and would use the same trailer. You may be able to find someone who is upgrading from a single axle to a tandem axle trailer. Usually that's the only time you'll see a 210 trailer pop up for sale. At least you have all winter to look for one.

[Paxdad]

That's a great story thanks for sharing and keep us updated on progress, mods you make.

[brock.higdon]

That's a great story thanks for sharing and keep us updated on progress, mods you make.

Will do. I will take some better pictures today if I have time.

[Jalmeter]

Wow that's crazy! Welcome to the family!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[barefootinjimmy]

I think if you called a few Nautique dealers you might find a used trailer. I have seen them for sale here before. And I have seen them on craigslist too. You will find one if are patient.
This forum will provide wealth of knowledge.

[barefootinjimmy]

One thing you might consider over the winter is changing the steering cable. Chances are it has never been replaced, and it sure makes a big difference that you will enjoy for years.

[brock.higdon]

One thing you might consider over the winter is changing the steering cable. Chances are it has never been replaced, and it sure makes a big difference that you will enjoy for years.

It actually steered very smooth on test drive. No worries.

I think if you called a few Nautique dealers you might find a used trailer. I have seen them for sale here before. And I have seen them on craigslist too. You will find one if are patient.
This forum will provide wealth of knowledge.

i have called every Nautique/ Inboard dealer around. No dice. I was hoping to use the boat a few more weekend before I had to winterize it but it isn't looking good.

[nukemustang]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/4613882977.html

single axle Ram-Lin in Jacksonville, FL area. I am sure there are a bunch more, I just happened to see this earlier as its not too far from my folks place.


Great find on the boat!! I am in a similar situation, found a great 07 211, but the trailer.... evidently needed some love (not quite as much but...$650 in bearings, hubs, brakes and brake lines later.... we will see if it is happier.

[brock.higdon]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/4613882977.html

single axle Ram-Lin in Jacksonville, FL area. I am sure there are a bunch more, I just happened to see this earlier as its not too far from my folks place.


Great find on the boat!! I am in a similar situation, found a great 07 211, but the trailer.... evidently needed some love (not quite as much but...$650 in bearings, hubs, brakes and brake lines later.... we will see if it is happier.

Awesome, thanks for the link! It's about 6 hours away but I'll give him a call.

[NautiqueJeff]

http://stockton.craigslist.org/boa/4662192124.html

Here's another, but it is even farther away. Less expensive though.

[brock.higdon]

http://stockton.craigslist.org/boa/4662192124.html

Here's another, but it is even farther away. Less expensive though.

Only 2400 miles away. Haha. But thanks, its good to have a price comparison.

[brock.higdon]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/4613882977.html

single axle Ram-Lin in Jacksonville, FL area. I am sure there are a bunch more, I just happened to see this earlier as its not too far from my folks place.


Great find on the boat!! I am in a similar situation, found a great 07 211, but the trailer.... evidently needed some love (not quite as much but...$650 in bearings, hubs, brakes and brake lines later.... we will see if it is happier.

Just talked to him. He is "selling it this morning-buyer is on the way." My luck. Probably the other guy on here looking for a trailer. Ha. Y'all, please PM me any more you find!