Opinions on Used 2003 Super Air Team Pricing

[ninety9TJ]

Hi Guys - first post here - LONG time reader and thanks to everyone for the comprehensive education! Based on everything I've read here, I'm looking to buy my first Nautique (actually first wakeboard boat period) and have a budget of around $25K. I have done a LOT of research on the various Air / Super Air hulls, etc. but most of the threads I've read are several years old so the info on pricing is a little outdated. Long story short - I'm looking at a SANTE with around 400 hours (2003) in California. It is in very good condition, has the Excalibur engine (very clean), PP, ballast, excellent gel coat with no fading, two props, no issues with interior, great stereo with tower speakers and sub, dual batteries, tandem axle trailer, and all gauges / ballast pumps are in good working order. The ad is asking $30K...which seems a bit steep to me. I found a thread that's about 5 years old now where someone bought essentially the same boat, but with some issues with the electronics in the boat (and probably $2000-$3000 in repairs needed) for under $17.5K. Problem is - I'm not finding anything remotely close to that price...it seems as if all the new boats and the crazy prices near $100K are really driving up the prices of the used boats on the market that are in decent condition. I did the blue book value (which doesn't take into consideration hours - not sure how they don't see that as relevant) and it has a low retail of $22K and average at $25K. Any opinions on what a fair offer would be for a boat as described above? Is $30K a fair price or is that someone just testing the market to see if anyone will bite? Thanks for any opinions and assistance!

[seth]

30k is a bit high but not crazy seeing how these boats hold their value so well. Where are you in CA? This 02 looks to be in good condition from the limited pics and he is asking 26k.

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/5449837462.html

I have a 2001 SAN that I am seriously considering selling for 19k with every option imaginable on it including 2500lb automatic ballast system. It has the original interior in it which could be replaced in the next couple of years and the tower and trailer paint is faded (they have been faded since I bought it in 2008). It is stored up in Northern CA. Let me know if you are interested.

[ninety9TJ]

Wow - no idea how I missed that - thank you! I have scoured Craigslist and never saw that for some reason...it doesn't show up when I search LA but does when I search Inland Empire. Good find - thank you! Also found this when looking for your link http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/boa/5460052072.html - but not sure how that compares to the SAN - specifically for surfing.

I'd definitely consider a 2001. How many hours? Thanks for the help!

[swatguy]

You're looking 23000-2700 for a clean 03 SANTE all day long. So pricing at 30 isn't necessarily crazy. The fluctuations really depends on condition and options. Used boat prices have gone up in value simply due to the higher demand and crazy new boat prices. 03 is the year of the SANTE for sure.

[slidin_out]

Yep upper 20s to lower 30s due to the high as a giraffe's a$$ price of the new boats. Just glad I already have an 03 and no it's not really going down in value. Great boat good luck finding the one want it will be worth the effort!

[seth]

I would pass on the SV 211, its more of a family crossover boat. Hours are unknown on my boat like most of the SAN's with the GT40 that came with the digital gauges that failed and had to be replaced. There is no way to pull hours off of the GT40 motor. I have put roughly 400 hours on it in the 8 years I have owned it. I did a compression test when I bought it and it was good, all cylinders right around 165 if I remember correctly.

[bertdogg207]

I paid 28 for my '03 Super Air Nautique Team Edition. It felt 1-2 K high, but I don't regret it for a second. It was professionally detailed and everything worked perfectly. I think the 03 is the best year until you get to '07 for various reasons, but IMO '03 is by far the best under 30 K. For that much, I'd make sure that the one you buy never saw salt. Good luck and happy boating!

[seth]

Also this 04 in San Luis Obispo. I have not personally seen this boat but a friend went for a test drive in it and passed, said the boat was kinda rough.

https://slo.craigslist.org/boa/5459630430.html

[ninety9TJ]

Great info. Thanks! It is crazy how in all of these old threads about Tige's, Nautiques, MC's, etc...the prices were all around $45K-$50K for new boats. Now with G23's, G25's we're talking 6 figures EASY for a new boat...which I guess is amazing for the used market...but tough for first time boaters like myself! Anything in particular I should look out for with a 2003 other than gauges and ballast pumps? Consider this question coming from a rookie - so even the "common sense" stuff that I might miss. I assume a good inspection from a Nautique dealer would be a must?

[ninety9TJ]

Thanks Seth - I'll send you a PM. I saw that '04 as well and thought it looked super clean...shows you how misleading photos can be.

Speaking of...as a first timer buying a used boat...what is the best way to test? I wouldn't know what to look for even if I did take it out on the water. If I paid a local dealer to inspect, would a test drive be a part of this actually on water?

[slidin_out]

If you can't take it on a water test politely pass on the boat. A dealer can do compression tests and give you an idea about the state of the engine. However if you don't drive fully weighted with stock ballast (that's how you verify ballast setup works) you won't know if there is any drivetrain vibration and how the boat drives and steers. Steering will likely be a little stiff but just enough to be noticeable. You may even feel or slightly hear some vibration in the steering wheel as you turn. Both of my 03s had a little which was simply the gear on the steering as it moved back and forth over the end of the steering cable. If it doesn't have it in the steering that's good. A little grease will fix the steering wheel vibration. Check the ballast open and close valves under the dash and make sure they turn the red valves in the hull of the boat that stop the water from coming from in. They are around the transmission. Make sure the main water intake cutoff functions. The handles are at the front of the engine directly under the ski pylon. Check the fluids on a napkin and make sure you don't see much if any burnt oil on the dipsticks. Make sure every button on the dash works. Set PerfectPass and make sure it holds speed with and without ballast. Obviously just listen for any engine knocking. I'm sure I missed a few things as well. Anything you find wrong even if it's an easy fix gives you a reason to offer lower. Main thing is vibration under power and no engine issues.

On the trailer if they haul it to the lake/river look at the disc brakes and check them. If the rotors are shiny you know the brakes are most likely engaging. If they are rusty you can almost guarantee the trailer brakes don't work. Check that all lights on the trailer are working. Pull the bearing buddy off each axle and make sure there is plenty of grease in there as well. With boat off the trailer check the bunks too for rot.

Also try to look at their vehicle/house/etc anything else they own to get an idea of how they take care of stuff. You can tell a lot that way usually.

[vvfdfirefighter]

Hey do a search on www.searchtempest.com

It will give you all the Craigslist listing in a radius you pick. Also note, last fall I picked up my 2007 SANTE 220 with a new zr6 engine and a few seats that needed re-upholstered for 35K. So hope that helps your interest in price a bit

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