2001 Super Air Nautique overall reliability

[xlair]

^$12-14k would be one helluva deal even if the interior is shot. '01 SAN in somewhat reasonable condition(a lot of them aren't) is still $20k+


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[DaveNH]

A new interior will be in $4,000 give or take. May need new shaft, I only say that because broken fin might mean a prop hit as well, it may be hard to know the extent in a test drive.
That mechanic was useless as others have mentioned.
I'd say $12,000 to $14,000 range might be fair, assuming compression turns out ok?

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[Blamey]

Sounds like somebody who is exceptionally biased to Malibu as his is mostly talking out his ***. Nautiques are know to be top notch for quality. The 2001 are know for issues with the Gauges but it's a relatively cheap fix (around $300) to replace them. The engine is a GT40 and is know for reliability and is one of the most popular engines on older inboards. Specifically here is what I think.

Computers are prone to fail, and no longer available
- I do believe this is partly true as there was a post last week about them not being available. I don't think the are prone to failing.

Wire harness is prone to fail, and no longer available
- Never heard of these being prone to failure.

Rudder shaft is weak and will "break off hitting a fish too hard"
- Never heard about this being an issue.

Prop shaft is 1" which is weak and is easily bent/unbalanced (on this note, the boat does have a vibration that comes in around 2,000rpm, but quickly goes away.) Prop shaft? Or could it be the broken tracking fin?
- Never heard of this being an issue. Only issues I have heard about is when the boat hits something solid. Not a 'Fish"

He also said "surfing isn't going to happen with that boat" Which I have seen photographic evidence to the contrary on this site.
- This can be done lots of examples. Not sure how the boat stacks up to other boat of the era/price range but it can be done.

[Quinner]

370hrs since the gauges have been replaced or on boat? What does gauge read now? Unless someone spent the time to add the existing boats hours to it, would have started back at 0 when installed. Sure sounds like that boat mechanic has been drinking lot's of BU Kool-Aide, lol.
I would definitely run a compression check on that motor and also figure out what the vibration is if possible.
Hopefully getting a good buy, boat looks a little rough from the pics, if this is how he shows the boat imagine how it looked normally, yikes!

[DW SD]

Hey J-Rob,
I've had 4 Nautiques, none newer than the 2001 SAN, I now have. I might be biased, but feel Nautiques are the best wakeboard / waterski boats made. I've not experienced the issues the mechanic cited. I'd find another mechanic.

Also, you might be $ ahead by buying a boat which has received more love even if the initial cost is higher. This is a buyer's market, at least for the next few months.

I might suggest posting location info for the boat(s) you are looking at and seeing if a member he can recommend a mechanic or even take a look themselves.

Vibration could be prop, prop shaft or even and engine miss. The latter would show up in neutral with revving.

Cheers,

Doug

[j-rob]

Well today was the day that the mechanic was supposed to go take a look at the boat that I am looking at purchasing. However before he went to look at it we spoke on the phone and (without having even seen a picture of it) He tells me that "that vintage of Nautique are full of problems stay away" He wouldn't even go look at the boat, and didn't even ask any questions about it.

Issues he noted:
Computers are prone to fail, and no longer available
Wire harness is prone to fail, and no longer available
Rudder shaft is weak and will "break off hitting a fish too hard"
Prop shaft is 1" which is weak and is easily bent/unbalanced (on this note, the boat does have a vibration that comes in around 2,000rpm, but quickly goes away.) Prop shaft? Or could it be the broken tracking fin?
He also said "surfing isn't going to happen with that boat" Which I have seen photographic evidence to the contrary on this site.
He then suggested I look only at Malibu because they are the "best boat made hands down"
I think the guy just didn't want to make the 1 hour drive to look at the boat.

I have done a lot of research on these particular boats and I have not found any of these issues reported. In fact they seem to be held in fairly high regard for reliability and build quality. Being that the mechanic backed out I am just planning on inspecting it myself in person when I get home in a week. (pictures are from girlfriend looking at it.)

After my research thus far, and Noel looking at the boat in person, we were kind of set on a SAN for our first boat.

If anyone has any input, or feedback we would really appreciate it.
Has anyone experienced any of the above mentioned issues?
Are the points valid in anyway, or is this dude crazy?

Some pictures below.
-Needs upholstery sooner rather than later
-Slight vibration around 2k RPM that quickly dissipates
-Teleflex gauges have been replaced with Faria already
-Has tower speakers amp and newish JVC BT head unit
-Comes with 2 ea. 550 sacs and a wakeboard
-no perfect pass
-broken tracking fin ($100on Nautique Parts)
-370 hrs

Should I bring anything to an on water inspection other than a compression tester?
Anything else to look out for?

Thanks again!