502 Python Motor

Phil,
Tell us more about your intended use for the 502.

Welcome to CCfan. What model CC do you have? Don't forget we love pictures!

What trans and prop did they use?

They also shook the boat like mad... and if you had this motor in a v-drive SAN you lost a flat sun deck as they had to "hump" up the center section to fit the thing in under the cowling.

I remember Raindogs, which was beautiful in black, but man you would stand on the platform with the motor running and it would vibrate you dry in a minute..

I think the 502 Python was offered from 99-01. It might have been mid 01 that they switched to the 496 Python and I know at least a few 03 models got the 496 Python but those could have just been what was leftover. The same 496 is still being made today under the Crusader name or at least it was 2 years ago. Both versions of the Python are pretty rare but as was stated it could be had in any model but the 176. Some of the Ski Nautiques that got it were for pulling ski flying tournaments but customers could order it if they wanted to. I think the majority of them went into Super Sport/Super Airs and I have seen quite a few Pro Airs with them. I have never seen a Sport/Air with one but doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

I believe the 496 is a little more civilized but the 502 is certainly loud and rumbly. It is nearly impossible to strap into a wakeboard without getting bounced off the platform if the engine is running but that is just another reason to shut the motor off when changing riders. When sitting in the boat I don’t feel any additional vibration compared to other Nautiques. There is no inverta-flo so just twin 4” hoses coming directly off the risers. The 502s are known to burn a little oil. I always keep a good eye on oil level and it seems to burn less than a ½ quart in 50 hrs. Since switching to Rotella T I have burned hardly any oil between changes.

As you can see in the pics with my sundeck removed they did need to notch the sundeck to fit the motor. The notch is much more prevalent in the later years with the 3 piece sundeck than it was with the 1 piece. I also had my upholstery guy add extra foam to smooth it out when it was recovered and I have been very happy with the results as has my wife.

I think the factory prop was a 14” x 18” on the v-drives but maybe it’s a 13” x 18”. Trans and V-drive is the same as the small blocks.
The 430 HP more than makes up for the added weight of the big block. My Super Sport will GPS in excess of 50 mph but I don’t go anywhere near that often because the fuel consumption is just silly. Keep the RPMs down and speed under 40 and she is downright economic. With about 2000 lbs of ballast at 23 mph it only spins about 2400 rpm and it doesn’t take much effort at all to get on plane. There are lots of pros and the only con I have found is that you need to look a little harder for parts but Zach has been able to track down anything I have needed. I know you guys like pics so here you go and I will try to get around to my diary entry sometime soon.

I am considering selling our 1999 Sports Nautique.   Folks have been referring to vibration issues but we haven't experienced that. It has the 502 Python Motor (430 h.p.) and only has 220 hours on the engine. As most of you must know, you can pull as many skiers as you would like. We had a tower installed after market. It is our first wakeboard boat and truly handles like the "porche" of boating. What is a fair price to ask for this boat?

I test drove a '99 Sport with python before buying my GT-40 Sport. I thought it was a different ride, more side spray, heavier feel in the water, appeared to be more of a wake. The sound and power are very cool, really thought hard about it, but since I wanted the boat for slalom it really didn't make sense.

skierox wrote:    Also, it sounds like a Harley and yes the swim platform shakes a lot when starting.

What else could one possibly ask for?


hi to Paulie for me!



john