176 or Ski Tique

I had a 176. You can make it work just fine for recreational boarding with some sacs. Had it long before i started surfing. They get very small very fast with a sac or two. You wont be bringing many peeps with you.

One of my buds has an 81 ski nautique and i have surfed behind it with just people piled in the corner. The surf wake will never be good,and you would probably want a slightly longer board, but short, narrow boat surfing is possible. Biggest issue i see on a boat of that vintage at surfing speed is carbon monoxide poisoning.

Bri892001 wrote:    He's mistaken on calling it a V-Drive, but that was properly just a typo.

Some people refer to Velvet drives as V-drives, probably having heard teh term and probably not realizing a V-drive is a completely different animal.

txpilot83 wrote: Here are a couple I found close to me: http://easttexas.craigslist.org/boa/2904606774.html http://www.swrvandmarine.com/viewitem.php?id=711&basename=watercraft

proper link 1
proper link 2

Not selling :-)

It's the carburated 260HP PCM model PLD - very simple and effective.

I love the small size - better fuel economy & handling; easier to store; easier to tow

We are skiers - no boarders or surfers - so I can't give you feedback on that sport.

Purchased last July for ~$9,000 with 44hrs (<< NOT a typo) on the original motor

She's in terrific shape, with 78hrs now; and we're already skiing this season in NC.

I can re-measure the garage width & depth if it would help. The Wesco trailer with removable tongue makes it possible to fit in the garage. But you have to be pretty precise backing it through the door. ;-)

Really nice boat you have there Mike

Bri892001 wrote: If you want a 176, this one came up recently: http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forsale/details.asp?ID=6253 If you're at all serious about the 176, I'd pop on it now, and ask questions later, if it's even still available. This one looks to be a gem and they don't come up often.

It's a nice one. Already made an offer on it but no dice.

I have a 2001 with removable swim platform and swing away trailer tounge, I am 90% sure it would fit in a 20' garage with those changes, but I can measure it end to end tonight and verify.

No way on the original trailer though.

I have a closed bow ski nautique, and its tiny. I'd recommend something bigger for boarding and surfing

   Thats as good as it gets!

Bri892001 wrote: If you want a 176, this one came up recently: http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forsale/details.asp?ID=6253 If you're at all serious about the 176, I'd pop on it now, and ask questions later, if it's even still available. This one looks to be a gem and they don't come up often.

2 people and a cooler and the Tique is full. That being said IT'S SO MUCH FUN!!! - but it is what it is.

Buy a 176 and go to the lake. If its in your blood you can always buy another project Tique to tinker with.

We have a 86 2001 and its my "dream boat" but I still want another
Ski-Tique I miss it and I'd like to have a 206 all white with a small black stripe. PLEASE.
   

Mojo wrote: For some reason 176 owners think these boats are lined with gold... Moj'

You got that right.

You know a lot more about this than I do but I just dont see a 196 fitting. I know in theory with a swing way tongue and platform removed it should but in reality I think it would take an excessive amount a KY jelly.

The Ski Tique will fit in a 20' garage if it doesnt have a platform (which was optional starting in '78). Better have someone measure their platform-equipped Tique if you want to consider those... it may be tight.

The 2001 will not fit in a 20' garage any way you cut it, I dont think. Unless maybe you could angle it across 2 bays. Even then it would be close. 2001's are 18'9", then add the length of the platform (brackets are not made to be removed) and the trailer tongue (not foldable on an original trailer) and youre well beyond 20'.

A 176 has a chance of fitting in a 20' garage. It will have a removable platform, and may have a trailer with a foldable tongue.

In terms of functionality on the water, I would HIGHLY encourage you to try each type out prior to buying something. I would guess that you could surf a 176 ok, but it wont be great. The 2001 can be made to surf, but you basically have to load the boat down to the rubrail (dangerous). I have yet to try a vintage hull like the Tique, but I suspect it may not surf well, since its just so darn small.

The Ski Tique is an incredibly small boat. Ive skied off mine with 4 people. Add all the required gear and it is TIGHT. Under normal conditions, Id say 3 would be the max you would want to do, if everyone is to remain semi-comfortable (and even thats pushing it).

The 2001 is in a whole 'nother world in terms of roominess, especially if you look at the 87+ version. Much bigger, and much more functional ski machine.

The 176 is surprisingly big inside for a 18' boat... the deck is very short and its pretty wide (91") so it compares pretty favorably to a 2001 in terms of roominess. You can probably fit more people and gear comfortably in this boat than the other choices.

If you do get a Tique, I would highly discourage going the "custom" route. There really isnt a whole lot you can do to improve its functionality- its just so darn small. Its a very charming vintage boat and it can certainly be used to ski all you want... but trying to make it into something its not just seems like a waste.

Storage is important... but you should really be basing the purchase decision on how you plan to use the boat, not where you need to store it.

SNobsessed wrote: I recommend you eliminate the 20 ft constraint & get a larger boat to start with (Sport Nautique, for instance). 4 persons in the small boats gets crowded. Also, the wake surfing will not be very good. Can you bump out the back of the garage? (this is what I did) Leave the boat outside? You can also get a boat with removable trailer tongue & platform.

Not sure what you mean by bump out the back of the garage. Unfortunately, my HOA would have have a cow if I left a bout outside. I think the only way any of the boats would fit is with the swim platform off and tongue removed.

176