Somebody help this guy find a Mastercraft

Oh geez cats out of the bag.

Disclaimer: not looking for myself! I am planning to build our small show ski team a lightweight tractor with a big block. I’ll be the one wrenching on it but I’ll likely spend more time behind it than in the drivers seat. I don’t mind the powertrain stuff but I’m not doing anything structural this go around. Older MC’s ski well enough and will be easier to find on our budget than a 93+ SN.

In terms of what I’m looking for, a 84-85 Stars and Stripes would be right in my wheelhouse, ideally with a Powerslot. Willing to consider any 83.5+ boat but it has to be cheap. I don’t care much about the cosmetics, and plan to swap a big block in so the powertrain need not be functional (though the 1-1/8” hardware that comes with the slot would be most desirable). If you see anything that fits this description, drop me a line. Willing to travel!

TRBenj@gmail.com

Thanks!

What's the budget for the purchase?

This looks to have good bones...

https://boats-from-usa.com/mastercraft/mastercraft-powerslot-39198

Oh geeze, old ad.

but something like this?

Lol you got me excited there for a minute Tom... then I saw the question from 2016.

But yeah something like that would be perfect.

Yeah i thought i hit bingo for you till i saw that too!

One day maybe 20 years ago our 'gang' was studying a used S&S MC PS with the BB that came by or was being demoed for the weekend by someone. We were studying the engine, and it also appeared to be an HO large port engine, with same list carb. Quite the odd egg. Pulled strong as expected but didn't match the top speed of the 2001's, hull likely.

67 ski nat wrote: Since this is the “other boats” thread

It’s not

Nice plan!

heh, I suspect we don't think we want to start skeleton in the closet measuring contest here

Oh god no. We have standards.

Riley wrote: He's been known to frequent themalibucrew. One of these might be a good option.

Knock off Sanger?

Sometimes you sell something and then a couple or three years later you're looking for something just like it

Had wooden stringers though.

Link below

link

I had the Malibu similar to the picture above. I agree with Tim, No.
It had a fantastic ski wake, good top speed but it did not know how to turn properly.

If you don't understand this take one for a drive. They turn differently based on how many people are in the boat. Fully loaded it did not want to turn at all it would rock up on the chines.   Again great ski wake, not a well built boat. I had it 20 years but missed my Nautique from day 1 till I finally went back and bought the 95.
Also had wood stringers. Good looking boats but cheaply made at least up to 87 the year of mine.   Maybe they got better later.

Only complaint I hear on the old Mastercraft is they ride terrible on any rough water.

The 87 Malibu I had had a great ski wake, way smaller than my 78 Nautique and a little smaller maybe softer than my 95 Nautique but I have to qualify, with my 78 I always skied at 36 MPH, with the Malibu I started at 36 but years later slowed to 33 MPH. On the 95 I only ski at 33 MPH, no longer use a course at all and enjoy the slower speed now and 32 off is in the rear view window now, 15 off is my standard length. So maybe not a fair comparison.
Skiing hard behind the 78 Nautique taught you how to properly cross a wake, If you were not on edge and pulling it would launch you, even when on edge and pulling hard it was two hard bumps with each pull crossing the wakes unless you went to shorter rope lengths.
The vintage 78 Mastercraft had smaller wakes, not sure if they were better at deep short line but at 15 off it was better.
We spent most of our ski time on rivers and lakes and 15 off was our standard length.

A nice Malibu Skier is in the target price range and is a great low dollar ski boat. The one in the photo was our family boat for 11 years. Still in the family after 28 years and has had very little work done to it other than routine maintenance. First boat I could cut through the wake without fear. The SN 2001 wake still terrifies me. Steering can be sketchy, especially if you let the rudder/tiller connection get out of sorts.

Hollywood, the Sanger fans like to think so. I figured you'd be impressed with its Bimini.

A friend of mine has what I think is a 96 Malibu Tantrum. The wake is great for barefooting and it gets used like a tractor. Pulled up three fatties deepwater (one bacerds) last summer. It gets the job done and does it well. but I still let all my allegiance lie in the CC family.

Tim- becasue I love to look for used boats, I am on the prowl. I am almost sure you have never been to Nebraska and this would be a great excuse!