Used Nautique Recommendations

[Jester]

Hello all. I am helping a friend to find a used Nautique (or other ski boat- MC, SC, etc.). Currently looking at a 1990 Ski Nautique. Any recommendations or things to look/look out for? Thanks!!!

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Used Nautique Recommendations

The 1990 isn't a 2001 (model, not year), but most of these recommendations still apply.

BUYING AN OLDER NAUTIQUE

[Jester]

RE: Used Nautique Recommendations

Thanks! My only experience with Nautiques is skiing from a 2001 back in the late 80's. By the way, this is for Lake Anna, so if you know of any others, please let me know.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Used Nautique Recommendations

Lake Anna, huh? Cool! I'll keep my eyes open for you.

[davidr]

For what its worth, the 1990 hull has wooden stringers.
In model year 1993 and later, the stringers were synthetic - no wood in the boat.

You might talk to the Boat Shop at the High Point Marina (next to the Anna Point Marina) to look the boat over, they have experience repairing inboards and they like Nautiques even though they also sell Supras.

[JAG]

The things to look for are numerous.
Other then the potential for rotten stringers most everthing else would be the same items that you would look for on any inboard boat i.e. condition of; gel coat and fiberglass, interior, electrical system, engine, carb & fuel system, prop, prop shaft seal and strut bearing, steering system, etc.
Also on a 90 look to see how secure the interior vinyl trim panels along the sides are. The plywood backing is held in place by plastic push pins similar to those in car door panels. They tend to break over time due to heat and stress and eventually all have to be replaced. If you don't know much about boats best bet is to follow davdr's suggestion and bring it to a shop for evaluation.
Check the Blue Book value on the boat too.
In regards to any skiboat you look at there are plenty of boats up for sale that are owned by CC & MC fanatics that have been meticuously maintained so don't rush any decisions.

[M3Fan]

PM Me with any questions about this era of nautique. Somewhat a specialty of mine.