1998 Air Nautique - Damage Around Strut

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  • Daniel Vandewiele
    • May 2020
    • 3

    • San Diego

    • Looking to Buy

    1998 Air Nautique - Damage Around Strut

    Hello! New to the forums.

    I have been on the lookout for a fun summer project. I live in Southern California and it is typical to run these boats in salt water. Lots of anodes and flush the boat every-time it comes out of the water.

    I stumbled upon a 1998 Air Nautique on Offerup, it needs a bit of work as the engine is not running perfectly, it really seems like fuel, and I think it could be easily managed. The interior has been replaced along with the carpet and it has about 700 hours.

    Last weekend I was backed up to the boat, and ready to sign the title. The owner had it listed for $7000 and I had hime down to $4500, which I was okay with. Unfortunately, I noticed two things - the trailer is non-original and too short for the boat. Easily managed as I have one lined up. But heres the kicker that I am so glad I noticed. There is fiberglass damage around the strut and extends down the port and starboard side about 2-4in.

    I ultimately stood up and walked away from the deal, as this turned into a fun driveway project of a gelcoat detail and engine fix, to a more exhaustive problem.

    Click image for larger version

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    The guy now recently messaged me basically begging me to take it. I am now wondering if it is worth anything at all and I should just walk away, or if I can get it for cheap enough that it still could be fun. Anybody have any thoughts?
  • Smindustries
    • Apr 2020
    • 81

    • Lake Allatoona, GA

    • 2019 G25

    #2
    I'm a car guy, so I can't speak to that exact repair. Your brain told you to walk away once. What's making you think twice? The fact that it's now an even cheaper boat?

    Beware the siren song of 'a great deal'. It can easily become the most expensive great deal you've ever had.

    Comment

    • functionoverfashion
      Senior Member of PLANETNAUTIQUE
      • Jun 2017
      • 509

      • New Hampshire

      • 2003 SANTE

      #3
      I'd give that a pass. Plenty of decent boats out there that just haven't been used much, and need cleanup from neglect. This looks and sounds more like abuse, and if the owner can't even be bothered to get it running right, that's not great either - I'd want to know more about that, but I doubt you'll get good info from this owner. On top of that, the damage you noticed isn't trivial, it looks terrible under there just from that picture. Having it on an unsuitable trailer might not be a problem for you, but it speaks to the level of care given by the current owner. All bad signs.

      There are just too many good boats out there to take a risk on this one.

      Comment

      • Daniel Vandewiele
        • May 2020
        • 3

        • San Diego

        • Looking to Buy

        #4
        All valid points.

        I'm going to continue my search.

        Comment

        • SilentSeven
          1,000 Post Club Member
          • Feb 2014
          • 1855

          • Bellevue WA

          • 2004 Nautique 206

          #5
          Good decision.
          2004 206 Air Nautique Limited - Black with Vapor Blue (family style)
          1997 Masters Edition Nautique - Zephyr Green - gone (amazing ski wake)
          1982 Mastercraft Powerslot - gone (a primitive but wonderful beast)
          Bellevue WA

          Comment

          • Chrisrog
            • Mar 2020
            • 59

            • Birmingham, AL

            • 2002 Super Air Nautique

            #6
            I'd only buy it I were specifically looking for a fiberglass project and had the skill set (or the burning desire to learn the skill set.)

            Comment

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