Pre-purchase Inspection '03 SAN 210

[Timsown]

I'm looking at an '03 SANTE and would like to get a pre-purchase inspection done at a Nautique service department. My thinking here is to pay them to go through the boat and make sure everything works like it's suppose to, and if they find anything that doesn't, then they can fix it under warranty before I buy it. Does this sound worth while at a shop rate of $100 hr? Also, if I were to give them specific things to test/look for, what are some ideas as to what those things might be? This boat, I am told, has every option that was available except for the ZR6 engine. 30.8 total hours (not a typo).

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Pre-purchase Inspection

Make sure the Flow-Wrong valves have been replaced with the T-H Marine valves through the recall. Check to be sure the tracking fins aren't corroding/cracking. Make sure the steering recall has been done. All of these items were recalls in 2003, and may not have been completed on a boat with that few hours. Also be sure that the rear hatch releases are working and adjusted properly.

'03 is a GREAT year for the SAN. I'm sure you'll really enjoy the boat.

[Timsown]

RE: Pre-purchase Inspection

Thanks Jeff. That's the kind of stuff I want to know about. What about the guages? I've read some posts about them needing replacing also. Anyone else have some input?

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Pre-purchase Inspection

The gauge issue is on 2002 and older boats. 2003 started the use of the Faria digital gauges with analog display, and they are pretty much problem-free.

[Flux]

RE: Pre-purchase Inspection

Getting your hands on a 30.8 hr 03 SANTE is definately worth a couple hundred to have it looked at by a pro.

Like Jeff said, it's one of the best years for the boat and he pointed out the small glitches that in reality have nothing to do with overall performance and can be easily fixed, save for the steering thing.

If you can pick it up at a good price I would say do it. I love our 02, it's just a great boat. That thing is 6 hours over the break in, it's brand new!!! The Excalibur is plenty of engine anway. All you really need is an upgraded prop and you are on your way.

Good luck and please post pics if you buy it.

[Timsown]

RE: Pre-purchase Inspection

You might as well tell me what prop to get so I don't look like a poser. I'm sure the one on there is stock.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Pre-purchase Inspection

I run an Acme 644 on mine, and it works very well for my situation.

[tlb]

I loved my '03 and will probably pick up another one someday.
One issue I had was the v-drive unit leaking oil. Feel around on the underside of the v-drive to see if it's leaking.
Like it was mentioned before, there's a few small issues with this model SAN, but most would still be covered under warranty.
Good luck.

[Flux]

My 02 V-drive leaks a tad too. Lift up the rear middle seat, remove the cooler and feel underneath the V-drive. IF you come up oily, it leaks. Mine does but not enough for me to take it to the dealer for an overhaul. I just keep a quart of SAE30 in the boat and check it here and there. Just an oil bath really for the gears.

I run the 644 as well, but we went heavy with the ballast (~1700 total) and wish I had gone to the 856. High end is not important to me at all, I want hole shot, but the 644 works well enough.

****. I remember buying my 02, bought it in the dead of winter and would stop and stare at it every day.....wait....I still do.

[DanielC]

Have the people with slightly leaky V-drives tried to tighten any bolts on the bottom of the V-drive? A SAN I was working on had a leaky one, I cleaned and dried the bilge area under the V-drive, and put a paper towel under it over night, and found some bolts slightly loose on the V-drive. Unfortunately, I quit that job before I could see the results of my efforts, so I could have more time to play with my boat.

[jos]

V-drive

My V-drive does not leak, dry after a run.
But over winter storage fresh red oil was under it. A drip per wek looks like a mess on top of the left bilge water.
I searched this forum. Conclusion, take of the pan, remove the paper packing, put silicon packing, problem solved.

Not clear wether the engine has to be lifted at the drive site. Can anyone confirm this?

gr
Jos

[tlb]

Jos, if it's red it would be from the transmission..
The v-drive has regular 30wt engine oil.

[Timsown]

Interesting. I'll make sure I check that out. The boat is going into the dealer on Tuesday for an annual service and checkup. I'm having them run an engine analysis just to make sure it was treated right for it's short hours. Assuming a clean bill of health, I'll be a new member of the Nautique family.

[hyperlite28]

I have a 2005 SAN210 that leaked oil from the v-drive. I took it to the dealer under warranty and they tightened the high pressure fittings, or over tightened them because the next trip to the lake ended up with the entire volume of oil sprayed into the bilge. I took it upon myself to track down the problem and found that it was in fact leaking from "loose" bolts. Mine, however, was not leaking from the bottom pan but the bolts on the front and back of the v-drive, I think there were about 8 on front and 8 on back. The oil would run down to the bottom and presented like a pan leak. I was able to stop 98% of the leaking by tightening the bolts but could not get to 4 of them on the back side, so I think what little oil I still get is coming from there. Hope this helps, I found that every walters v-drive I have seen has this problem.

[Timsown]

Thanks for all the advise. Here she is.