Calling all slalom skiers

[seveet]

I am interested in purchasing a slalom boat to complement my 230. Mostly would be used for free skiing 30 to 36 mph at shorter line length on occassion. I would rather not break the bank. Ideally, I would like to stay under 10,000. Boating magazine put out a list of their best budget slalom boats ( 1993 supra tsm, 1994-1996 mastercraft prostar, 1997 Nautique 196, 1996 Malibu response). I love my Nautique and wouldn't mind adding another one to the stable, but I am most interested in finding the best slalom boat for the money. I am interested in your thoughts on the above mentioned boats +/-, how their wakes compair. I am also interested in input on how the TSC hull compares to the NWS hull and how the NWS hull compares to the other slightly older boats listed. Thanks

[jhersey29]

1997-2001 nautique has minimal spray all the way to 32 off, the bump at 15 off is plush and soft, the 22 off bump is a little large but so does every boat I've been behind, Once you get into 28 off the bump is flat if not inverted with a dip. The similar era Malibu's seems to have a small shelf that hurts in my opinion. For 1997-on, I would go Ski Nautique. Pre 97 I think the Mastercraft had a better wake for Slalom.
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[cjtpilot]

The Supra Comp is a great boat, stay 92 or newer so you don't have to deal with wood stringers and floor.

[teamseal]

Hands Down the 97-2001 bubble butt Ski Nautique. Don't agree that the 22 off bump is substantial on that model, Great wakes all the way to extreme short-line. GT-40 and Star gazer you wont find a better budged ski boat One of the best all time three event boats ever built.
Also if you are not taking more then three on a ski outing find a Nautique 176! A great little slalom boat.
Don't settle for anything inferior!

[swankster]

I've spent a few hours behind a 94 MC prostar. On really short line you'll catch some spray but other than that the wake was pretty soft at all line lengths. The 94 is the first year with the fuel injection.

[High altitude]

'97 SN is a no-brainer. The Supra won't have fuel injection. The MC's long line wake ('15 off) at 30-24 is still a bit hard compared to the Nautique. Response is decent but the built quality left something to be desired back then.

I've seen a couple for about $10K. You might have to be patient but I truly believe you will be much happier with the SN.

[Fast351]

I've also started researching the exact same thing, and have come to the same conclusion that most here are mentioning.

The 91-94 Prostar hull is one I regularly ski behind and is nice and soft. Fuel injection in 94, I'm not scared of carbs so I wouldn't care much about that.

Nautique went woodless stringers in 1993. I wouldn't buy a wood stringered boat unless I knew the history back to day 1. All you need is someone to leave it on the water with water in the bilge for a season and you could be looking at huge problems. The NWZ hull from 1990-1996 is not really a desirable hull when it comes to skiing. To quote my Nautique historian: "Not much difference from TSC1 to TSC2 and TSC3 (only diff in the latter is the addition of the hydrogate, but supposedly the TSC3 is identical to a TSC2 with the plate down). The difference from NWZ to TSC1 is big though, MUCH better wake". So if you're going after a Nautique, 1997+ is what you want. Be aware that the Teleflex digital gauges from 2000-2002 are problematic, and while replacement is cheap, engine hours reset when replaced. Some gauges also reset engine hours by themselves.

As far as engines goes, the GT40 is a workhorse.

[a0128]

Probably going to be hard to find a decent 97-02 for $10k. Probably more like $13k and above. I'd try and find a 1999 as it was the last year before the crappy LCD digital speedo and tach.

[High altitude]

There's a '97 on ski-it-again. Asking price of $11K. Definitely in your ballpark. As to going to FL to get it...well that's maybe a different story. Bottom line, there are 97's in that price range.

[a0128]

There's a '97 on ski-it-again. Asking price of $11K. Definitely in your ballpark. As to going to FL to get it...well that's maybe a different story. Bottom line, there are 97's in that price range.

That boat has 1400 hours and an ugly color. Not worth it.

[Fast351]

The 1998 one in TX is much nicer. I would be all over that if it was closer.

[seveet]

Thx for all the input. It looks like I will be looking for a1997-1999 nautique. Now I just need tho convince the CEO. I do have a 1994 comp tam near me in great condition for 7800. I didn't see much feedback on the supra. Is it worth looking at?

[theskunk]

I may be a little strange, but I <3 the Comp TSM hull... I learned to ski behind an 87, graduated to a 97, and if I get the opportunity I'll be a mid 00's to go on my second lift...

[Guntersville230]

Its over budget, but still has minimal wake when not weighted and an excellent all around boat!

http://www.onlyinboards.com/1998-Air...ama-52260.aspx

[a0128]

Its over budget, but still has minimal wake when not weighted and an excellent all around boat!

http://www.onlyinboards.com/1998-Air...ama-52260.aspx

Really clean looking boat. Yes - price is high (hours are low), but I'd bet they'd negotiate. I have a Pro Air (which has a slightly different hull) but at 32 MPH puts out a nice wake for skiing..