Nautique Super Sport

[98Nautique]

Thinking about possible upgrading our secondary boat ('97 SN 196 Closed Bow) to an older style v-drive. My folks mainly use this boat as their cruiser around the lake and entertaining when they have friends over (I realize it is probably a sin to own a boat like this and rarely use it for skiing). Anyways, we stumbled upon a '96 Super Sport Nautique (I would prefer a 97-99) that we are now mulling over. The biggest reason for the change would simply be for room. Obviously a v-drive is a whole lot more conducive for entertaining when they have company over. Another advantage is the fact that these boats would probably handle the chop a bit better than the boat we currently have. I just have a few simple questions. What years were the Super Sports produced? I know they styling changed in '97, did much else change (dimensions, options, ect)? Any advantages on the latter models?

If anyone knows of a nice clean Super Sport for sale (w/ no tower), please feel free to post!

[NautiqueJeff]

White Lake has this '96. This can at least give you a price comparison.

http://whitelake.com/portfolio/1996-...e-super-sport/

[98Nautique]

White Lake has this '96. This can at least give you a price comparison.

http://whitelake.com/portfolio/1996-...e-super-sport/

Thanks Jeff! I did see this boat while searching this evening. The boat I have found is actually the same color scheme w/ 350 hours. It seems like a really good deal, I just like the look of the updated style that came out in '97. Any idea where to find some specifications on the various Super Sports?

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep. The Manuals / Brochures Section has all the data you need.

[98Nautique]

So based on what I am seeing the hull never changed on the Super Sport until 03 or 04 and looks like it died out in 06. So I was say the models that are in my budget 95-99 are pretty much all the same besides some cosmetic changes (97 = new windshield and color scheme) and potentially the latter years had more options available.

Is there any issues to look for on these years of the Super Sport?

[a0128]

In 1999 CC changed the interior slightly moving from a "playpen" bow area to a true open seating area. The "playpen" is great for little kids but not so much for adults. If you are going to haul a big group and want a usable bow area I'd look for a 1999 or newer.

In 2000 CC went to LCD gauges that (on many boats) failed and were replaced with analog units. Accurate engine hours could be suspect once the gauges were replaced.

[surroundsound64]

And the hull was the same through 05. A little different back in, but the part in the water is the same.

[98Nautique]

In 1999 CC changed the interior slightly moving from a "playpen" bow area to a true open seating area. The "playpen" is great for little kids but not so much for adults. If you are going to haul a big group and want a usable bow area I'd look for a 1999 or newer.

In 2000 CC went to LCD gauges that (on many boats) failed and were replaced with analog units. Accurate engine hours could be suspect once the gauges were replaced.

Great info thanks!

[98Nautique]

And the hull was the same through 05. A little different back in, but the part in the water is the same.

The rear was what made me think the hull could be possibly different. Love the style of this boat. I just wish there were more out there to choose from.

[a0128]

Many have commented that the 2003 model had a "legendary" wake for wake boarding. I know you are not buying a boat for this reason (and a 2003 may be outside your budget) but might be food for thought come resale time.

[98Nautique]

Many have commented that the 2003 model had a "legendary" wake for wake boarding. I know you are not buying a boat for this reason (and a 2003 may be outside your budget) but might be food for thought come resale time.

Interesting...If the hulls didn't change, why would that year differ from the others?

[a0128]

Interesting...If the hulls didn't change, why would that year differ from the others?

Not sure - just going off what many have said about that year. The site moderator (Jeff) used to own a 2003 and can speak to its capabilities.

BTW - here is a 1996 Super Sport in Wolcottville. Not sure how far that is from you.

[Brichter14]

The wake is the same from. 95-06. 03 is considered great because of the ability to have a colored hull, fct2 tower, deeper and wider seating area (compared to 95-01 boats).

I have a 97 super sport and it seats 5 adults in the wrap around seating very comfortably. It handles chop very well (mine has 400lbs of sand in the nose which can dip sometimes). Its a great all around boat.

[98Nautique]

Not sure - just going off what many have said about that year. The site moderator (Jeff) used to own a 2003 and can speak to its capabilities.

BTW - here is a 1996 Super Sport in Wolcottville. Not sure how far that is from you.

This is the one that I have my eyes on. This all started because we want to buy the lift he has for sale and noticed he was selling the boat as well. This boat is practically in our back yard, seems like a good deal, and appears to be in great shape. I would rather have a little newer one but this may be tough to beat. Thoughts?

[a0128]

Looks really good from the pictures. I'd get over to see it if it is close. 350 hours is low. Hopefully he has good maintenance records as that's what I'd focus on.

Maybe you could get a package deal - boat and lift. $13,000 doesn't sound bad for the boat, but it is not a steal either.