newby to Nautique

[flyweed]

Hey guys (and gals)...Long time boat owner here...just getting ready to purchase my first Ski Nautique. Anyway, I currently have a 1990 Four Winns 170 Freedom I/O. I can't tell you the issues I've had over the years with lower drives on I/O's and other issues. I am finally ready to get into something different. Anyway, I am looking at buying a 1993 Ski Nautique with PCM engine, it is in really good shape, but does have 1500 hours on it. Price is right on it, and am just wondering WHAT I need to look for when I give it a look over this weekend, before I buy it, or pass on it? What would make you pass on it? The owner also said, I could take it to my local Marine Shop and have them look it all over as well before I commit.

Any thoughts or help would be great. Like I said, I've owned boats for a long time, from my first old Crestliner Tri-hull with Chrysler 70HP outboard, to my current Four Winns I/O 140hp. to now hopefully my first V drive.

Thanks for any help.
Dan

[Blamey]

If you search online you should find a good list on what to check when buying a ski boat. That said I bought a 95 sport last here and these are the things I'd do.

For a 93 I believe the hull is all composite, so no issues with wood stringers rotting.
Check the overall condition if the interior and exterior, repairs can add up so factors these into the cost
Run the boat make sure it runs smoothly, starts easily and restarts without issue.
Boat should shift into and out of gear smoothly
Boat should get up to 45mph or so, may be a bit more or a bit less.
Out of the water you should be able to turn the prop by hand relatively easily
In the water steering should turn easily. Boat may pull to one side, this is normal.

Check all gauges work, check all switches work (lights, bilge pump, blower, etc)
Make sure the trailer is working and in good condition, used trailer are hard to come by and new ones can cost as much as the boat.

I'd say the big three when buying a boat are interior, engine and trailer. If these are good then the boat is usually a good buy.Other items can be fixed as you go.

[hondaprlud]

With those hours I'd have a shop do a compression test on the engine. In addition to the above mentioned.

[swc5150]

Agree with all above. Would you be willing to share what they're looking to get for it? I'm sure you've done your homework, but we may able to help you confirm if it's a good buy. I've seen a couple TSC's drop to the $10k or just under range, with similar hours, and those hulls are a substantial upgrade from the NWZ hull you're looking at. Just food for thought.

[flyweed]

Sure, they are asking $4900 for it. I am having my local marine shop check it all over, including pressure testing cylinders.

[swc5150]

If it checks out, go for the best deal you can get, but $4,900 is a good price if it's in good shape. You'll love it!