2002 Super Air Team

[rman56]

Iam looking at a 02 SANTE and wanted to know if there's any known issues I should be aware of? I talked to the owner and he did tell me that he took the heater out because it was leaking, is that a major issue to put it back in?

Thanks

[Paxdad]

Iam looking at a 02 SANTE and wanted to know if there's any known issues I should be aware of? I talked to the owner and he did tell me that he took the heater out because it was leaking, is that a major issue to put it back in?

Thanks

I am helping a neighbor with his recently purchased 02 210 SANTE and have been through the boat fairly extensively at this point. Here are my observations:
The rear hatch release mechanisms are subject to failure.

You will have to be creative if you add a second battery. Either enlarge the existing battery box under the rear seat or relocate under passenger compartment.

Digital speedo and tach will if not already fail, and need to be upgraded. There is a sticky specific to this issue. Expect about $350 to do it yourself.

If I had a preference I would want the PCM 330 Excalibur motor. I believe this is the first year for this motor in this boat.

What strikes me as really positive is even with the age of the boat all the components are great quality. Working on this boat is a breeze as the rear seat is easily removed as well as the wedge tanks in the rear. I would do away with the wedge tanks and plumb or direct replace with 750# bags.

I am sure there are other little items as well.

The heater core/blower should be an easy replacement.

[rman56]

Thanks, taking a look at it Friday.

[Paxdad]

One last thing.... I would definitely attempt to lower the tower using the large hand knobs if you plan to put it in a garage. I am only pointing this out because the bolts can become oxidized/ corroded making them very difficult to loosen/ remove to lower the tower. I would check the steering for slop as well as stiffness.

[azeus17]

Also, depending on when it was actually built (early in year, or late) can change things a little. I have been told the Excaliburs were put in late in the year. Mine has the Ex. Also, the design of the rear seats and battery location changed at some point. I have seen a lot of 02's with a single rear seat base that the seats all rest on. Mine has three seat bases that hinge up with the rest of the seat. The battery location changed from in floor to under the bow cushion as well. Not sure if any of these things are better or worse as it's all I know, but just pointing them out. I agree the boat is relatively easy to work on.

I have never had issues with the tower knobs, but I use them every day to get in and out of my lift, so they don't have a chance to corrode. Hopefully the digital gauges are already replaced.

[rman56]

I will check the steering and the gauges. This one has the GT40 and it also has the 3 seat bases that hinge with the seats.