Tips for older Nautique purchase

1.  Engines can be made to be reliable.  This is a function of the condition of the engine and time/money you re willing to spend.  Conventional distributor and carburetor systems have been around a long time.

The Mustangs are shorter than the Ski Nautiques.  I believe the Mustangs are 16's and the Ski Nautiques are 17'.9" (18').

thank you for the replies and offer.  I am looking for a completed restored or good condition original.  Would a 16 foot Mustang from 1970 offer a decent skiing wake?

Post up some pictures of the combo. Hard to tell by description if trailer is original or not. This is mine with it's original trailer with the original optional loading equipment circa late 68/early 69. Many years ago a previous owner added the winch. I have always floated or just powered it on,the winch just makes it convenient to easily keep in place. Only odd stuff to a HM is the starter and raw water pump everything else can be easily converted to something else. As to ski ability I'll leave that to others here who have more experience. 33 years ago we were goofing around behind old outboard powered fiberglass boats- naturally these were night and day difference to us. Where you actually going to be using this? They do make good small lake/river boats. They become very small on larger bodies of water and if you have more than a couple of people in it.

Swen,

Gary S wrote: That's why we need some pictures Pete, .

I've got a 72' Mustang with a 302 HM motor in it. Is it skiable??? Damn right it is and I absolutely love the sound of that HM when I'm behind it. Is it a nice wake? Hell no. Its a bit hard and lippy but if you can ski behind a 80's 2001 SN then you can ski behind ANYTHING. Wouldn't recommend it for an everyday runabout boat as you'll knock your teeth out in any kind of chop. It's only 16.5" and it isn't very roomy but as a weekday cruiser when the water is smooth there is nothing like it. There is no tracking fin on the hull so it slides/drifts in tight turns and that's what makes it a fun boat to drive. That being said, if you have a slalom skier that's carving up the water out behind the boat the driver has to be on his game to maintain direction as the boat will move based on how hard the skier is pulling back there.     In the last couple of years anything with a HM powerplant is being sought out by true CCFan enthusiasts because of the AWESOME sound and power it has. Unfortunately the Motorheads in the Auto world are also searching out these old boats if it has the HM in it. They could care less about the boat, they want the motor that's in it. 

Looks pretty good- tastefully done,nice original trailer too. Did he send any pictures of the engine? Is it near by to give it a drive and check it out in person? You need to check it out size wise and see it's "bones".  Here is a short video of mine running might give you an idea of the wake as it runs probably turning about 25-2800 rpm's at the time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS0yROXSHX8

Sweet your boat sounds great.  This is the engine bay.  The boat is roughly 3 hours a way or so from me.  Not sure what it is worth?  I rather like that it is smaller. Much like a sports car on water.    just don't want to buy something that is not fairly reliable.  Will probably take it out 15-20 times per year.  Please share your thoughts and thank you for the information and video.

Depends can't tell from those pictures. Awlgrip,Imron are good but Imron for sure is not for underwater use,neither are as good as gel. The bilge full of oil concerns me. Not a fan of the carpet either,why is it there is it hiding something. Red painted bilge outlet makes me question their workmanship,what about the things you cannot see?  What price are we talking?  Those items throw red flags you would need to see it in person and ask those questions.

Thanks for all the guidance.  They want  $6,500 for it but might take less.  Maybe i will pass on it due to the red flags mentioned.  A 176 would be cool but it sounds like they are hard to find.  I like dual exhausts because of their sound.  It appears that the 176 is a single outlet like my 2003. Great points too on the ski ability of these Mustangs.  I suppose it might be hard to find a small inboard that sounds cool AND skis well.  Ideally would fit in our single car garage door.  Not sure if any other manufacturers made a boat like that?  The kids like to Slalom, Trick ski, and some wake boarding but i mostly slalom.  I appreciate any recommendations.  I suppose this is a tough time to find anything due to the demand.  Thanks to each for taking the time to respond.  Please let me know thoughts.  Swen

Have you looked at the Ski Tique?

Hello would a ski tique slalom better than a Mustang.  I assume Yes.  Late 70's early 80's.  thank you

The wood stringer paranoia is about as bad as the covid.