Bargain Super Sport: A quest to join team red.

Some of you who were following along in the 'Recommendation for boat' thread but I am in the process of buying a 1996 Super Sport that was originally posted in that thread. The boat is listed for just over 10K, which if you follow Super Sport prices is about 4k to 6k less then what they usually go for.

Here is a pic (Team Red Yay)


I thought I'd create a post to document my purchase and see if this boat turns out to be the deal it appears to be and hopefully get some advice along the way. This will be my second Nautique. I currently own a 1995 Sport which I bought 18 months ago. I have been wanting to switch to a super sport as I mostly wakeboard and feel the layout and storage of a Super Sport would be better for the family.

So after the original post of the Ad on Sunday (thanks Jonas) I called the Marina that had it listed but they were closed Sunday and again on Monday. I called back on Tuesday morning and inquired about the boat. The boat was a trade in but the boat had been on the lake for several years and was known to the marina manager who said it was kept on a lift during the season. I asked for a compression check, which they were happy to do and it cam back with all cylinders in the mid to high 120's. Happy with the pictures, details from the marina manager and compression check I put a deposit on the boat.

I currently live in Westchester New York and the boat is down in Virginia about a $500 mile trip. As luck would have it I have a business trip planned in DC on Wednesday and Thursday next week, So I'll drive down for that and then head to Virginia Thursday afternoon to pickup the boat and drive to my home lake Friday.

So that is the start of the the story. I'll document it as I go and as I work to get the boat back to tip top shape.

I plan to keep my old Sport Nautique until I have ironed out any issues with the Super Sport.

Any advice for the trip and purchase is welcomed.

My first question is what do most of you do about trailer licenses in this situation?

jimsport93 wrote: I would think that a proper "Bill of Sale" for the boat and the trailer. Along with signed titles for the boat and trailer (not sure is Virginia titles boats, but most likely trailers) would get you back home.

I called the marina after making the post and they said they can provide a temp 5 day permit, which will get em home.

Hey- I recognize that lot. Is that Conrad Brothers? Those are my peeps! You want me to look it over!?

If it is Conrad Bros at SML - then you are 4+ hrs from DC. Va has boat and trailer titles... which is good for you. Boats and trailers w/o titles can be very difficult in states that care. Owners Mike/Ruth (SML) and Dean/Carol (Claytor) are terrific. Tell them to get the trailer ready and it will be ready.   I can look things over as well. These guys sold Inboards back in the day, but the only ones you'll see there now are my Nautiques. VERY trustworthy folks! Congrats!

Is that trailer 5 or 6 lug? If 5 perhaps the wheel/tires from your sport trailer could be brought along for spares.

Well, they sold Mastercrafts before, during and a ways after that. They have helped me with my Nautiques since we ordered our first Nautique from Correct Craft in 91 - a 92 Excel from them at Claytor Lake. Terrific folks - the ONLY - ones to deal with at SML IMHO. PM me your # .

BTW - this is NOT a marina. They are not on the water at SML (they are at Claytor Lake). They have water access at SML - 15 minutes down the road, FWIW.

It's a 20-year-old boat..... it's gonna need stuff. The question is how much and what cost. Just start a checklist................all can be managed (that's what we do here) but being stranded roadside is NOT acceptable! Been there, done that!   

Oops. Yup it's 20W. Yeah it's one of those goofy Walters.

Thanks to Steve (Air206) who went to check out the boat today and all looks good. Only major issues are the sun pad and bow bottom need to be replaced. Trailer and gel look both look good.

I'll need a turn buckle for the trip, I found one in the basement but don't know if it's the one I got for my trailer from Nautique Parts. Does anyone have measurements of know how I can tell what the specs of the turnbuckle could be?

Maybe just to get it home you could use a shackle and put that in on the trailer end where the turnbuckle normally goes and then use a length of chain and a hook to connect up to the bow ring. That way if you need to adjust more than your turnbuckle can handle it can be easily done and not interrupt your trip. You can then work on the turnbuckle setup at your leisure at home,something to think about ...

As hearby elected Captain of Team Red your quest to be admitted to this respected, iconic, and sought after group will hereby be granted once you take possession of the boat AND you post more pictures of the boat so we all can see whatchagot. Submission pending......... Good luck with her and getting her safely home. Steve......you rock man! No better boat buds than CCFans!

BTW - Go Team Red!


Click For Full-Size Image.

First day out 2017 for the 91 BFN


Click For Full-Size Image.

The 1966 Al Tyll Skier coming home.

I was able to confirm I have the correct turn buckle. I went out to the lake today to get some trailer straps out of my sport and there is a 2002 Super Sport there on a Ramlin Trailer. I confirmed they were using the same size turnbuckle.

Here are some pics that Steve sent me yesterday.

That's a great looking boat for that price!!! I wish I could get my hands on a v-drive for that cheap in that kind of shape!

Hard to tell, but looks like the transom plug is currently out to let water drain from the boat. Just put one back in before putting in the lake. You will be excited to launch when you get home and could forget.

As far as joining Team Red goes, Tim M. failed to speak about the Majestic Ritual and Hazing event to join. Lucky for me, I like goats. They are not so baddddddddd.

I picked the boat up today and after many hours of driving I am back home in Westchester NY. I left DC around 6:30 this morning, made it down to Smith Mountain Lake around midday. spent about 2 hours at the marina getting everything sorted and drove home and just got in at 11:30. It's been a long day and I am off to bed. I'll write a longer update tomorrow after I have taken the boat out for a ride. In the mean time here are a couple pics.

Big thanks to Steve(Air206) who made the whole process much easier.