Picking up a 2008 SAN 230......where to start?

[quaylefarmer]

In the process of finalizing a deal on an 08 SAN 230.

I am a lifetime boat owner but this is my first ski/wakeboard boat.

This boat is out of state so I have not seen it in person yet.

Deal is pending an inspection but we are in the north so there will be no opportunity to test on the water.

Looking for advice regarding what I should be looking for and any standard issues on this model/year.

Thanks for your help!

[JoeA]

Here's a few suggestions.

1. Maybe see if there is a Planet Nautique member near the boat location. If so they might just go look at it for you or even test drive it.

2. Have the local Nautique dealer do a complete inspection with a report?

3. I personally could not buy a boat without doing my own inpesction and test drive. I drove 12 hours to NC last year to buy a 1995 Bass Boat. It was 36 and raining when we did the test drive but I knew for sure the boat was a nice as claimed and mechanically sound. Is an onsite visit an option?

Post some pics when you seal the deal.

[ski4evr]

Big cautions about transporting this time of year! If not properly winterized, cracked block, busted heater, etc. become real issues.

[nukemustang]

When I bought the 07, I didn't really care if we went on a water test or not, but hindsight being 20/20, I am glad we did. I found out the core to the heater had rusted out and the boat was filling with water being pumped through it. I would have never really noticed if it wasn't put in the water. Not that it was hard to replace, or expensive, but just one of those things that you would not notice without a ride in the water.

There maybe other issues that you couldn't check without a dip too, shaft/rudder packing leakage, ballast tank issues (fill/drain/level indicators), drive train vibrations.

[quaylefarmer]

Thanks for the responses!!


Unfortunately we are in the far north so with the ice - there is no way to get it on the water.

I am coordinating to have a survey done by a 3rd party.


I am also looking for some general thoughts on these boats - my knowledge on them is limited to what I have been able to research online in the last few weeks.

This is a team edition but it is missing a few options like a bimini and docking lights.

Would this raise a flag in terms of any other basic items that it might be short on?


Also - what are the typcial problems that people have with this vintage?

[kwalker]

quaylefarmer,
I live just north of you near Clarkston and used a 3rd party inspector for a Nautique in California. I was going to have it shipped back home, but the inspection revealed too many issues. I ended up with a 2008 SANTE that came from S.W. Mich. Bimini was probably an option, but seems like the docking lights should have been part of the Team package. Check the old brochures saved on this site or over at correct craft fan.com to reference what was included for the TEAM package. As far as engine issues, mine has almost 960 hrs on it and still runs great. (bought it with around 870 hrs). Maintenance is key. Service manager, Wayne over at Silver Spray Sports would be a great person to ask, regarding what red flags to look for. If travelling a great distance, personally it would have to be a great deal. PM me if you have any other questions. - What lake?

[quaylefarmer]

Thanks for the response.

I am on Lake Orion.

[quaylefarmer]

New question - any estimate on the hieght from the water to the top of the tower?

Trying to get an idea of how this is going to fit in the boathouse.....

[jdrundell]

Is this the blue and white one from ebay?