Est on engine replacement

[doug5984]

Hey- I'm new to the board (this is a great place for info btw).

I'm looking at buying an older Sport Nautique, I found one I might end up getting with around 900 hours, it is a 1990. I am trying to figure out all my expenses on a boat to see exactly what I can or can't afford. I know that a boat that is 17 years old, with 900 hours is starting to get up there in age, and worst case the engine needs to be replaced in a year or so.

I'm looking to get an estimate on what it would cost to replace the engine, in a worst case scenario- to make sure I'm not sitting on an engineless boat in a year or so.

Also, any advice on buying a boat? The most I could spend would be around 18k, but would much prefer something around 12k, with an open bow- and tower already installed.

Thanks in advance!

[darrel409]

RE: Est on engine replacement

if maintained properly should get 2000-2500 hrs before a rebuild.

[uncle-buck]

RE: Est on engine replacement

Well, you can get an idea of what used boats are worth at www.nadaguides.com.

And www.skidim.com has prices on replacement engines. Base engine for 351 is approx. $3,600, complete engine is $6,500, both + shipping.

And I would advise you to buy a Correct Craft. I've owned other makes and have friends who have owned other makes over the last 40 years. None of 'em could hold a candle to my 1990 Nautique which is still going strong after 17 1/2 years.

[doug5984]

Re: RE: Est on engine replacement

Well, you can get an idea of what used boats are worth at www.nadaguides.com.

And www.skidim.com has prices on replacement engines. Base engine for 351 is approx. $3,600, complete engine is $6,500, both + shipping.

And I would advise you to buy a Correct Craft. I've owned other makes and have friends who have owned other makes over the last 40 years. None of 'em could hold a candle to my 1990 Nautique which is still going strong after 17 1/2 years.

Thanks for the info and the advice on a CC. I've pretty much made up my mind that I will be getting a CC, ever since I started wakeboarding I've wanted a Nautique. If a great deal came along on a mastercraft I'd consider it, but a couple friends have those and they just seem to be overpriced down here.

[DanielC]

RE: Re: RE: Est on engine replacement

My 1997 ski, with 1873.8 hours is still running very strong, and getting fresh oil in the engine tomorrow morning.

[Rick]

RE: Re: RE: Est on engine replacement

I think the only thing you really have to worry about unless the boat spent its life in salt would be the exhaust manifolds. they are about 1k if someone does the work for you. If its been used exclusively in salt without a closed cooling system then a short block rebuild should cover the engine. Around 3K.

[darrel409]

RE: Re: RE: Est on engine replacement

1990's still had wood stringers so be sure they are rot free.