2001 Air Nautique

[Allpick]

Okay, I've never owned a boat, but would like to buy one so my kids (13 and 15) and I can play on the local lake this summer. This one looks interesting, but I really have now idea. I'd love any feedback on price and what I should have looked at before considering this boat. See link:

http://bellingham.craigslist.org/boa/5039554961.html

Thanks for your help and sorry I'm such a newb!

[xlair]

Great boat overall. That's a non OEM tower. Not sure what's up with the back seat base either but that's not factory. Gauges were terrible and probably have been replaced. Keypads also go out once in a while. If it has the 275 hp GM that's not as desirable as GT-40 310 hp. Still would be ok with right prop if you aren't Demanding.

Price is regional but it's too high regardless. With 275 hp I'd say $15K. If 310-320 hp maybe $17-18 max


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[Allpick]

Thanks xlair, I appreciate the feedback! I looked at the boat, and it seems to be in very good condition, but the price does seem high.

[seth]

What are you guys looking to do? wakeboard, ski, tube? If wakeboarding is your main goal I would get a v-drive boat. v-drive has the motor in the back rather than the middle like this direct drive. v-drive will give you a much bigger/better wake for wakeboarding.

[Allpick]

Thanks Seth, probably wakeboarding and tubing, and the more I read, the more is seems the V-drive might be a better option for us.

[gome123]

The ad does say 270hp. So it probably does have the GM engine. That price is way high. Looks like the trailer has some rust and may need a bit of TLC. I wouldn't pay over $16K... maybe $17K. Good luck in your search and a boat is great family time.

[jtryon]

definitely wait for a super air/super sport v-drive boat, if board sports are it's primary use.

[kend]

Very similar to mine. On the flip side of direct drive; they handle much better than v-drive and have a better ski wake if you ever plan on that and are easier to work on. Ditto on what everyone says on price. I got mine 1.5yrs ago it needed some TLC and had no radio, bad prop but was 14k. I would think that one is worth around 16k. ps. I have 14&15yo kids and we spent all of last summer playing on the lake...if it ever quits raining in TX we will be back on this year.

[a0128]

There were three engine options for 2001. Standard was the Ford-based GT-40 (310hp), optional GM-based Apex (320hp), and the GM-based Python (430hp). No 270hp motors, so the seller is probably guessing as to HP. Would help to see a picture of the engine.

Here is a link to the brochure for that year http://www.planetnautique.com/Correc...01/2001bro.pdf

The rear seat base has been replaced with what looks like starboard.

Since the seller doesn't know engine hours it's likely the gauges have been replaced. Again, a picture would be helpful. If the engine is a GM-based engine, you could get the actual hours off the ECU. This feature is not available on the GT-40 as the ECU doesn't store hours.

The ad doesn't say how long the current owner has owned it, so I would guess it hasn't been more than a season or two.

Make sure to take it for a water test. Check the steering, should be able to turn the wheel with one finger lock-to-lock. Check the steering while under power - it is hard to turn one direction over the other? If so you may need a new steering cable. Spin the prop while the boat is on the trailer - it should spin relatively easily. If it take two hands to move it then I'd say you may have transmission issues in your future.

I agree with the others that the price is high both for the age and area. I'd say $16k - $18k.