First time buyers guide for purchasing a Ski Nautique 2001

[DazRoux]

Hi guys

I am in the market to purchase a pre owned 1980’s 2001 Nautique. I would like to know from the experts what they would look for
when purchasing one, signs of a gem or a future money pit? Any problems to note on these models or be aware of?

Thanks

[hal2814]

I owned a 1983 Ski Nautique. It took a little sorting out but I loved it. I only sold it because the family outgrew it. There used to be an entire site devoted to the 2001 that has a full checklist but sadly it is gone. The biggest thing to look for is the condition of the stringers. The stringers are wooden and will rot eventually. Given 2001s are between 30-37 years old, that “eventually” either already happened or will likely happen soon. I’ve seen recommendations to take a big wrench and try to turn the lag bolts on the engine cradle to see if they’re stripped (and thus in rotten wood). You could also poke around with an awl. Be very leery of driveline vibrations/noise. When the stringers go, the boat won’t be able to stay in alignment.

Also, the engine will likely be a reverse rotation 351. Ford blocks aren’t marinized anymore and haven’t been for a long time. Reverse rotation just isn’t done anymore. Some things are getting a little hard to find. Not impossible yet, but sometimes pricey. For example, I’ve noticed 351 reverse rotation distributors are going for about 50% more than what they were 3-4 years ago.

Speaking of distributors, I think all 2001s came factory with points ignition. Nothing wrong with that. Points require occasional adjustment though. Some people have swapped the points out with an electronic ignition conversion kit. Nothing wrong with that either if they wired it up right. If they didn’t the most common symptom is that the boat will have a hard time starting after it’s warmed up and been running a while.

I’m not sure the status of vinyl skins. If the vinyl is bad, that’s probably a custom job to get it redone. Fortunately there’s not a ton of vinyl in 2001s. Actual interior pieces like seat frames and dash panels are rare. Don’t expect to find them. Also, this goes for every boat IMHO but don’t but a 2001 without a windshield.

I bought my 2001 in excellent shape. Here are the things I did to it while i owned it. Most of them in the first year:
New distributor (old one had a chipped gear)
New carburetor (found a great deal on it, otherwise would’ve just rebuilt my old one)
Port side exhaust manifold
Rebuilt my MV-1 throttle (MV-1s are rare but with a little work can be swapped out with newer throttles)
Typical tune up stuff (cap, plugs, wires, impeller)

Also, there is another site called correctcraftfan. I love the people here at PN but ccfan knows a lot more about this vintage of boat. Just don’t tell them if you intend to wakeboard with it.

[DazRoux]

Hi Hal

Thank you this is very helpful!

[DazRoux]

Hi Hal I am looking at an 85 model. Did they come with a Mer Crusier 260 motor and do you know if it was/is any good? Are these motors expensive to maintain? Thanks again

[hal2814]

I’m not familiar with the MerCruiser 260. Maybe someone else here is. I can’t say for sure if it came from the factory with that engine but it’s not common. The common engine for that vintage Ski Nautique is a Pleasurecraft (PCM) 351.