Waterski Wake Quality

There is no such thing as "restoring on a budget". You will easily have more in a restoration than an 92-95 SN.

Tim

AT,    Wakes from '73 thru '81 Ski Nautiques.

Narrower, Slightly taller much more noticeable rooster comb.

Al

PS: There is a 1975 Ski Nautique available w/ '77 or '78 trailer in my area for 2500. It's all there, needs Stringers,Upholstery,Carpet,some Gel coat,Bottom paint removal and Engine work.

Not sure where the info came from that the older boats are heavy But!!!

As far as best ski wake for tournament type ski boat on a budget rebuild.
I would stick with the 90-96 Ski Nautiques,. They are plentyfull and IMO are the best tru three event boat ever built. from 93 on the wood went out of the stringers and the GT-40 package can't be beat even with today's over horsepower chevy's.
I will have around $8,000.00 total in my 92 when truly finnished that includes Star Gazer, This boat will pull perfect times in slalom and jump and has a great trick wake.

Jody Seal
AWSA senior driver/judge

s79t's reading comprehension class is now in session.

Toigs325 wrote: I have a 2003 SN 196 but am now looking to by an older Nautique as a winter project.

Go for it! I would like to have a 70s SN 3-event trailer boat one day for lake hopping on the weekends.

DrCC wrote: PS: There is a 1975 Ski Nautique available w/ '77 or '78 trailer in my area for 2500. It's all there, needs Stringers,Upholstery,Carpet,some Gel coat,Bottom paint removal and Engine work.

So basically everything, sounds expensive...

The 60's Mustangs are around 1600 lbs. Quite a bit lighter than the Barracuda. I'm new to slaloming so I can't say much about the wake.

Definitely no budget restoring. And you'll never get your money back. You just got to love it.

What lake are you on in Minocqua?

Toigs325 wrote: It is starting to look like I am going to want to look at the late 80s, early 90s area if I want to keep it reasonably priced. I just really like the look of those old boats.

I disagree with that. If the wake on an older boat is acceptable to you, Id say go with a vintage ride. I agree that restoring old Correct Crafts is not a money making venture, but if you buy the boat right, are smart about where you buy your parts, and do all the work yourself, you can come out even or slightly ahead on a restoration. Thats assuming you dont count your own labor hours of course (materials only)... after all, its a labor of love!

Buying a newer old boat (late 80's, early 90's) wont necessarily have you coming out ahead. After all, those boats are 20 years old and many need restoration just as badly as something 30-40 years old. While the skiing performance is obviously better, the cost of entry is much higher as well. Theyre also more complex to put back together- theyre larger, heavier, have more interior cushions, etc, so theyre more expensive to restore. Theres something to be said for the older, simpler boats. Theyre fun and just plain cool.

I like Hollywood's idea of keeping a 70's SN in the garage for weekend lake hopping.

The way I look at it is any yahoo can putt around in a dock beaten boat, but it's the old CC's that have had alot time, money, and TLC put into them that really turn heads. Go vintage and keep it origanal. You'll thank yourself later, not to mention you'll have all the help and tech support from the guys here at the site that you'll ever need. IMO.

Toigs325 wrote: Lake Minocqua.

No kidding? We spend a couple weeks up there a year. I don't recall seeing an 03 on that lake- unless it's the blue one on the lift by the Whale. We usually stay on Kawaga. Actually, maybe you're on the East side of the lake. We don't usually get over that far.

M3Fan wrote: Toigs325 wrote: Lake Minocqua. No kidding? We spend a couple weeks up there a year. I don't recall seeing an 03 on that lake- unless it's the blue one on the lift by the Whale. We usually stay on Kawaga. Actually, maybe you're on the East side of the lake. We don't usually get over that far.

Thats my boat, the blue Nautique on the shorestation between Bosacki's and the Minaqua Bat Waterski Show.

Well, Thank you, BuffaloBFN

Line length, boat speed and skier skill have so much to do with how you perceive wakes, but if you're serious about hard core free skiing or the course, I have to agree with Mr. Seal that the 90-96 is the boat to have. But I have owned an '80, 2-2001 model hulls and a '93, and each has it benefits.
The '80 was a very small boat compared to the others, and when people moved around inside it, it felt like a canoe wobbling around. At 36mph, the wake was reasonable at 28 and 32 off. At 22 off there is a huge rooster tail, and below 32 off a deep trough.   It was a very fun wakeboard boat though, with a very crisp wake with little ballast. It had great design lines, and its interior was simple like a classic english sports car. Slalom snobs accustomed to new boats had other opinions about the wakes.
The '83 and '89 were identical from a skiing perspective, but the 83 was more like the 80 in its interior feel. I'd say the wakes were similar to the 80 at 28 and 32 off, but a little softer. The rooster tail was smaller at 22 off, and the trough not as deep beyond 32 off. The wake was not as crisp for wakeboarding unless you used a bit of ballast.
The 93 is a great boat. As much as I want a newer boat, its hard for me to justify it purely from the skiing perspective. The wakes are flat and soft at almost any line length. Wakeboarding still requires ballast if you want any air at all. The boat does not have the classic inboard look of the earlier models though.
As a second project/fun boat, any of them are great, I would mostly caution you that if you are accustomed to a newer model tournament slalom boat (or god forbid one of those giant wakeboard boats) the pre-2001 model hulls will seem very small. I love the 82-86 models because you get the bigger 2001 hull and good ski and wakeboard wakes, but retain the classic Correct Craft look of the earlier years.

Restoring old boats is definitely fulfilling, but, as some have mentioned, don't expect to get paid for your time, only your parts and materials....maybe. You will get the pride and satisfaction of cruising around in an old classic. Its definitely fun!

I have been working on an old Southwind the past two winters, but, I think I have gone far enough with it. I was thinking I would cut the floors out and put new foam in this winter, but, I don't think I will now. The boats just not worth it. I just use it for what it is, and enjoy it for that.

Here is a '97 that a freind of mine owns here in IL and that is for sale on this forum. I know she would negotiate a good price with you if you decide to go with a fairly new boat as has others have suggested may be an option for you to consider. The trailer definitely needs work. She upgraded to a 2006 SN this year, and doesn't need two boats.

'97 SN

Here is an '82 that is for sale right there in Minoqua. Have you looked at this one? Looks interesting. Good price. May be the right boat for you based on what you are saying. Just not a great slalom wake as compared to the '90 on, as I am sure you are aware.   

'82 SN

Andrew,
Can you contact me off-list regarding Minocqua?
Thanks,
Greg
century66@sbcglobal.net

Toigs325 wrote: I want to thank everyone who has responded to my post. This is the first day I have been on this forum and I am very impressed with the quality of responses and the hospitality. There is a great deal of knowledge here and I can tell this will be a great resource for me. It has become increasingly evident to just how great Correct Craft Fans are (especially after my trip last year to the factory in Orlando) and I hope to dive into a project boat very soon. I will keep you all posted on my progress once I find the correct boat. Thanks

I have to agree completely, I have been looking for the right classic nautique since early this spring and have been greatly appreciative of the knowledge and information available at this site. I also appreciate everyone's patience with my questions.

Cheers