Considering 1998 Air Nautique

[shouse]

Originally was looking at just Sport Nautiques in the late 90s, early 00s range. A '98 Air popped up locally and I understand that, for this year, the Air is essentially just the Super + ballasts + tower + decals. So a couple freebies in there is how i'm kindof looking at it. I also understand this gen1 wakeboarding equipment is quite dated. To the point where if i ever wanted to outfit it for more wakeboarding, I would probably be considering at least a new ballast system. I also understand the gen1 tower wasn't that great and had welding issues. Is this true?
The biggest reason i made this post was that the boat has a new gt40 in it. The boat has hours clocked at 480hrs, but this was a shared church boat and due to health issues the boat was never winterized last year and the block froze. They put in the new engine and, still due to health issues, decided to give up this endeavor. While a new engine is nice, there's plenty of other things to break still. It looks decently well take care of, but some of the upholstery is showing signs of wear. He's asking $14,800. Would you pay more due to the fact he has a new engine put in? Would you avoid entirely b/c of this fact? he has all the records, a local boat shop did the work. I'm also a little concerned b/c of the outdated wakeboarding gear. I initially only want to ski, but i could see dumping a little money into it just so i have wakeboarding capabilities for friends and family. I'm leaning towards holding out for a '00 or '01 Air. No vdrive.

[a0128]

Do you have any pictures or a link to the ad? This would help us gauge condition. Also - what is your budget?

An Air and Super Air are two different boats. The Super Air is a v-drive, the Air is a Direct drive. Both boats were sold as Sport Nautique and Air Nautique (DD) and Super Sport Nautique and Super Air Nautique (v-drive). The tower, ballast, decals could be added to any model. My only knock against the 1998 model in general is the playpen front bow verse a true sit-down feet-on-the-floor bow. This may not be an issue for you. I've heard that some of the first gen towers had issues but I wouldn't apply that to all first gen towers. Some are still going strong.

The early ballast systems have been improved over the years, but as they are they still work well for the boat. Many have replaced the hard tanks with bags in order to add more weight and increase storage space when the bag are empty. That particular hull will never throw a wake that equals later versions (i.e. 2003 Super Air Nautique) but for someone just starting out with wake boarding the wake is certainly adequate.The hull will be very good for slalom skiing.

$14.8k is not outrageous but I wouldn't pay more.
1) Is there a warranty with the new engine?
2) Was it a complete engine or a short block and the remaining parts were transferred form the old engine?
3) What condition is the transmission in?
4) Is there a trailer?

Depending on how much upholstery work is needed that could become expensive.

As far as the 2000 or 2001 go, the hulls are identical, as are the ballast systems. Minor changes were made to the interior. The tower was upgraded and is a better tower than the first gen (IMO). The knock on the 2000+ models were the LCD speedo and tach. Both failed as the years went by and many owners replaced them with analog versions. In the course of doing so you lost the engine hours as it was stored in the gauge. So if you are looking at a 2000+ model and the gauges were replaced, chances are you will not have an accurate overall hour number.

A GT-40 motor - if properly maintained - will run for 1,500 - 2,000 hours easy so I'd try and find an example that has been well maintained and in the best condition your budget will allow. A shared church boat could be a gamble. Most likely did not receive the best of care (think of a rental car). If you like the boat and are willing to overlook the interior, first gen tower, make the seller an aggressive offer.

[kend]

I think the ballast talk is over rated unless you want to surf. You can turn a wakeboard flip on that boat with the ballast empty.
The engine rebuild is almost break even at those hours; nice to be new but not good that it has been out. If the mechanic was really good, then its a net plus. Hard to say if that price is fair with a picture.

[Chexi]

A 1998 Air hull can produce a decent slalom wake and a decent wakeboard wake (although, like the super sport, the wake is hard, which is good to boot you into the air, but hard on the knees if you land casing the wake). It is not in the class of a really good ski boats for slalom wake, nor is it in the class of a really good v-drive for wakeboard wakes, although I would say it does a better job at wakeboard wakes than no wakes for slaloming. It can also be surfed with enough and proper weight placement, but barely.

Based on what you described your needs are, I would say it is a fairly good choice, although you can still wakeboard behind a true ski boat, so the best choice might actually be an older 196 or similar 90's to early 00's Nautique ski boat. My first "pro" lesson wakeboarding was behind a 196, and the pro was throwing backrolls and tantrums. If you think that you will never be more than a casual wakeboarder, don't rule out a ski boat.

[shouse]

Thought he was going to sell it last weekend, as i was 2nd in line and the guy coming was bringing his wife and was the 3rd time looking at it. Apparently did NOT sell and i'm #1 in line if i want it. Hesitant to buy it even more now that i know other people passed for some reason. Anyways, pictures attached. A couple of the skins on the rear seat are showing wear, he has all the cushions. He said the gel coat is in great shape and as you can tell from the rear deck, it must have been stored out of the sun as it looks in great shape. He did not take a picture of the engine compartment as he said it looks brand new. Only has the tower, no ballasts or bags. No perfect pass. He said the tower is still in great shape and has not seen and indication of stress points.



$14.8k is not outrageous but I wouldn't pay more.
1) Is there a warranty with the new engine? Would have to check, he hasn't said anything
2) Was it a complete engine or a short block and the remaining parts were transferred form the old engine? He said it was a brand new crate engine.
3) What condition is the transmission in? No idea
4) Is there a trailer? Yes, single axle.
5.) what is your budget? My budget is probably a max of 18k.

"Depending on how much upholstery work is needed that could become expensive." He said he got a quote to repair the cushions for $400. Who knows what that includes and the material quality. I feel the same way about the play-pen bow, I really don't like it and one of the major reasons i wouldn't mind stepping up to a '00-01. That and it would include the FCT2. BUUUUT, if the price is right, i really can't argue w/ saving a few grand.

[Treybizttu]

I saw that one and didn't think it looked bad. I'd say the money is fair if it runs well.