99 ski nautique - Python engine - Slalom wake

[T_Bone]

New to the site, came across a nice 99 with Python engine. Wondering with the engine weight penalty of approx. 300 pounds how much this impacts the slalom wake.

Looking for insights from only people who have actually skied behind one or who owns a nautique with the big block Python.

Any impact to the wake ?


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[surroundsound64]

A Ski with the big engine should be fine. I actually was not aware that they put a python in a Ski. A friend of mine has a 2001 model (1988 year, I think) SN with the 454. You will want to keep the weight to a min as far as people and gear go, but that thing should yank up as many friends at a time as you can find.

[east tx skier]

I saw an all white 99 SN with red tape stripes and a Python at Buxton Marine years ago. By the time I called about it, it was gone. But what a beautiful boat. Can't be too many around with that configuration.

[s_kelley2000]

There are definitely not many Python Nautiques, especially in the first year of them in 99. I think I have heard there were only 11-15 Super Airs/Super Sports and at least one is rumored to have sunk on Lake Powell and been recovered. I seem to see a good amount of Pro Airs for some reason but don't know the numbers. I have only ever seen one Sport/Air with a Python. I would imagine they were rare in the SN but I have seen a decent amount of those on the market over the years as well. Back in 99, Ski Flying was gaining popularity so they were stuffing the Python in SNs for extra power to pull those tournaments.

The 502 Python was only offered from 99-01 I think. Then the redesigned 496 Python was offered from 02-04ish. Crusader continued to make the 496 with closed cooling in salt water trim for quite a few more years after that but it was never officially offered as an option by Nautique and I don't know of any that got built with one.