Looking to buy 98 SNOB

[SuperAir2001]

I'm looking at a 98 SNOB, 400 hours needs new interior. Solid hull, everything is there and has a non factory tower. I'm wondering, are these desirable boats, or is the step over dash a pain in the a$$? I've read it has an excellent ski wake, possibly even better than the closed bow 98 196. Personally, I'm not crazy about the playpen open bow, so I was wondering if it would be hard to sale at some point? There's one on ski it again that's been for sale for a year. What would be a good price range for this model in good shape? Any help and advice is appreciated.

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skii...t&postid=31516

[Quinner]

400hrs is low, half of what would be considered average. Needs interior = $3k minimum plus install for a factory quality replacement. Non factory tower = if a fugly monster tower or similar takes away from value and extra weight will effect the slalom wake. Play pen is OK but a walk thru is far more functional and much more desirable, in a SNOB you would need to look at an 03' or later for that.

SIA boat priced high but not stupid high?. Something up to be out there that long unsold? trailer looks wrong, axle too far back, no PP or speed control, otherwise looks great??

[Fast351]

With no PP and a shot interior, the boat is worth MAYBE 11K. You can do much better for $16,500. Are you looking for a ski wave or something else?

[Fast351]

This boat for example, while it has more hours, seems like a much better deal.

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skii...t&postid=35082

[Quinner]

Do you really need the open bow? When people are in the bow it's tough to see without boosting up some and it makes taking a wave over the bow a significantly greater possibility and it also takes away some potential storage space compared to a closed bow.
Now with that said I have owned a couple CC/Nautique open bows, currently have a SNOB/206, and would not hesitate to buy another one. IMO SNOB's are tougher to find then closed bows and as a result appear to sell faster and for a bit more $$$. Playpen is not ideal but in the years the SNOB had it the hull was identical to the SNCB as was it's ski-abilty. The 206 SNOB (03-09) is a true walk-thru open bow and has a slightly longer hull (+12") then the SNCB and has a slightly bigger wake IMO.

I was aware the SIA boat was a different boat, perhaps that comment was directed to fast.

[SuperAir2001]

Do you really need the open bow? When people are in the bow it's tough to see without boosting up some and it makes taking a wave over the bow a significantly greater possibility and it also takes away some potential storage space compared to a closed bow.
Now with that said I have owned a couple CC/Nautique open bows, currently have a SNOB/206, and would not hesitate to buy another one. IMO SNOB's are tougher to find then closed bows and as a result appear to sell faster and for a bit more $$$. Playpen is not ideal but in the years the SNOB had it the hull was identical to the SNCB as was it's ski-abilty. The 206 SNOB (03-09) is a true walk-thru open bow and has a slightly longer hull (+12") then the SNCB and has a slightly bigger wake IMO.

I was aware the SIA boat was a different boat, perhaps that comment was directed to fast.

Yes, I was talking to Fast. The boat I'm looking at needs some work and seems like a good buy.

[Quinner]

Wow, looks really neglected. What's a decent buy on a 97' SNOB, 11-13 range I suppose?? Deduct for High Quality Skins 4.5k or budget for about 3k.
Guessing it needs a cover, $800 quality or $500 for budget. I would lose that awful tower and have the gel repaired, $500 (maybe break even if u can sell it) or leave it $0.
Not sure what else it needs but betting it needs more which would put my good buy number in the 6-7 range max, likely less if there are other issues.
Good luck, appears to be some potential there.

[NautiqueJeff]

I agree with Quinner's numbers completely. My '98 SNCB was in similar shape when I bought it, and it had more hours, but I paid less than Quinner's numbers above. Mine runs fine, but needs at least a carb rebuild.

[SuperAir2001]

It's been sitting since summer. It cranks but no spark getting to engine. No PP. I agree, the tower if fugly!

[SuperAir2001]

Surely someone has a snob and can give me some advice here.

[Quinner]

If it's the one on CL at 7.5 it will probably sell pretty quickly, the only way to know exactly what is there is grab a handful of cash and head down to see it with the intent of towing it home. If there isn't anything else significantly wrong with it could be a reasonable buy at his asking price. Gas is cheap right now so a little time and a few bucks in fuel get's it done.

[SuperAir2001]

I agree but the boat is 10 hours, 1 way from me. I just got a few more photos and it's pretty trashed. Also it has a carb. I thought Nautigue was using fuel injection in 98.

[Quinner]

Yikes, that is really bad.....rethinking the ask, he is at least 2k high imo. Not sure how long he owned it, neglect usually carries across the board, can't imagine he was doing any maintenance on anything else like the motor, trans, trailer, etc.

Definitely carbed motors available then, for sure a 290hp 351 and possibly a 260hp 351 as well.

[SuperAir2001]

He said he's firm at $7500, but I'm with you on the price. I was thinking of offering 6k if it had the GT40 but I'm guessing the engine will need a carb rebuild at the very least. Not sure I'd even give 5 in the condition it's in.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yikes, that is really bad.....rethinking the ask, he is at least 2k high imo. Not sure how long he owned it, neglect usually carries across the board, can't imagine he was doing any maintenance on anything else like the motor, trans, trailer, etc.

Definitely carbed motors available then, for sure a 290hp 351 and possibly a 260hp 351 as well.

Yep, my '98 has a carb too. Mine is a non-HO, so 260 HP I believe. Looks like this may be the same.

This boat looks worse than I thought too. I agree, $5K or less.