Which boat should I buy? |
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dmudave ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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First time boat owner here. I am looking for a nice entry level boat that won't break the bank. I have done a lot of skiing behind various other boats. I love the Ski Nautique's that I have seen. I like that the brand holds its value.
So... Striking a balance between price, reliability, and value. Which of these will hold its value more? These are located some distance away. One is out of state. My budget would be comfortable between $10,000 — $15,000. Really comfortable at the lower end. Which would you buy? 1994 closed bow ski Nautique with a PCM carbureted 351ci. It has the protec ignition which I am not sure if it has been replaced yet. 500 hours. Looks to be in decent condition. No obvious seat tears etc. Asking $10,000. 1996 closed bow Ski Nautique with 351 PMC, 530 Hrs. Stored indoors/or on covered shorestation during season. Looks pretty spotless. Asking $14,000. 1999 Ski Nautique Python 502 EFI engine. 575 hours. Recently replaced interior seating. Looks nice. Asking $18,500. Also, out of state so would need to retitle and pay more fees etc. The others I could simply hitch up and transfer registration for $5. What do you think? What are the pros and cons? What should I be looking for? Thanks in advance. |
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NGP ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: October-27-2014 Location: Alabama Status: Offline Points: 23 |
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Welcome to the site! I believe you've found the right place.
The 99 no doubt. Who doesn't like a big block right? In all seriousness none of them sound bad to me it would be about condition. There's a thread In the forum about the protec swap that would pertain to the 94 if I'm not mistaken. Doesn't look all that difficult and I believe the kit to swap is around $600.00. From what your post said I'd look hard at the 96 sounds nice. All three have composite stringers which is a good thing. There are a whole lot more very knowledgable and experienced members than myself on here that I'm sure will chime in to help you out. I hope this made some sense and maybe a bit of help. |
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quinner ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: October-12-2005 Location: Unknown Status: Offline Points: 5828 |
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They all sound interesting, which motor exactly does the 96' have??
The 99' should have the best slalom wake however the weight of the Python may trump that out. If Barefoot is high on your list the 502 will be best at pulling that, possibly even more efficient as the 351's will be pushing WOT at BF speeds. On the 94' do you see a conventional distributor w/cap & wires? If not Pro-tec still there, $500 min when (not if) it goes. The 96' prob sounds like the best turn key ski ready purchase, new interior can easily run north of $3k, and that's already done on the 96'. Personally prefer something a little more unique so that would put the Python high on my list. Good Luck |
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dmudave ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Thanks for the input. The new interior is actually in the 1999 python. I am really starting to think seriously about that one.
Is there anything I should be considering? Are the engine parts easy enough to find? It should be a fun weekend. I will let you know what I decide. |
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tryathlete ![]() Platinum Member ![]() ![]() Joined: April-19-2013 Location: Lake Villa, IL Status: Offline Points: 1797 |
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No question in my mind but it's yours that matters here. Is snag that Python and not lose a moment in the decision. Those engines are rare and cool. Just keep em topped up with oil. Hope you get it!
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63 Skier ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4256 |
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1999
Python is cool and not common. Sounds awesome! Interior already done, huge $ savings for you there. |
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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gun-driver ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() Joined: July-18-2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4117 |
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My rub on a newer boat that needs a complete interior is why??
If a boat of that age was cared for properly the interior shouldn't need replaced, so my first assumption is it wasn't. If the interior was abused was the proper maintenance performed or was that neglected also??? Just some food for thought. |
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bkhallpass ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: March-29-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4723 |
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For whatever reason you guys seem to pay more in the midwest. I wouldn't pay that much for any of those three boats here in CA..
99 hull far and away a favorite. Having a hard time in my mind deciding if the Python is a plus or a minus. I think you are going to need to drive and preferably ski either the 94/99, the 96/99, or all three. Very different boats in my mind. BKH |
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Livin' the Dream
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scootdogydog ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: November-03-2013 Location: Central MA Status: Offline Points: 404 |
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python is definitely a cool boat. I have one. It has the TSC1 in it, but it's guessed to have ~300 lbs extra. Quinner often looks past this as that's roughly the weight of his gf's, and rumor has it that they sit on the motorbox while he motorboats.
the python engine is known for burning oil, so always keep some extra lying around and check it to be on the save side. The dual exhaust is known to cause some platform bracket erosion, leading to rattling. Check that out and ask the PO what's been done to fix/remedy that -- otherwise you'll likely hear it during a test drive and have to get a new set. On the plus side, it's a beast out of the hole, top end, and you won't be disappointed. I'm very happy with my purchase, |
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Orlando76 ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: May-21-2013 Location: Mount Dora, FL Status: Offline Points: 3108 |
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On the 94, don't forget to swap the pro tec ignition out you also have to swap the TBI out to a carb. My vote is for the 94 or the 96 if you could get the 96 lower. Phenomenal boats and solid power plants that parts are widely available,
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Please support The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
1976 Ski Nautique 351 Escort 1993 Ski Nautique purple and black 351 HO PCM |
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RammerJammer ![]() Groupie ![]() ![]() Joined: June-02-2015 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 73 |
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There's a lot of negative press out there about Pro-Tec ignition but mine is over 1000 hours and still runs perfectly. Don't let them scare you too much.
Of course, now that I've said that, mine will probably crap the bed this weekend. |
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1991 Nautique Excel, PCM 351, Pro-Tec ignition
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AAM196 ![]() Gold Member ![]() ![]() Joined: October-23-2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 846 |
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What are your needs? Are you into slalom, footing, wakeboarding or just want a decent ski boat for what ever?
The Python would be sick but the one I think you are eyeing up seems to be in less than perfect shape (hard to tell by photos) but I see vinyl piping tears, rub marks on hull (maybe just decals) but doesn't look like it was well cared for not to mention it might not have a trailer! As stated by Paul, If a boat with only a few hundred hours needs anything... probably not well cared for! And yes, it is summer, all of these asking prices are high. Obviously I am bias but check this one (not sure where you live): 1999 |
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dmudave ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Thanks for all the replies.
I used to slalom ski a good bit, but I have been out of the game for about 10 years. I am 35. I didn't ever get proficient at footing. I am looking for a nice reliable boat to take around on the Sandusky Bay, teach the kids to ski, and do some skiing myself. I also plan to tow it to a lake in Maryland I frequent a few times each summer. Going fast is not a big need.... But it is always fun to get moving every once in a while. Is that your listing I presume? |
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Morfoot ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: February-06-2004 Location: South Lanier Status: Offline Points: 5313 |
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Don't let 35 steer you away from slalom skiing or even barefooting at that. Most of us over 40 guys are still swerving and almost as many are footin. There are a few who still wakeboard around here but not too many from the many minis and gatherings that I've been to. The Ambassador of Barefooting George 'Banana' Blair started Footin at 46 and did so till he was 92 so you're never too late to learn. Good to hear your wanting to get the kids up on skis, etc.
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"Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman"
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Donald80SN ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() Joined: January-12-2009 Location: Denver, NC Status: Offline Points: 3896 |
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I heard a rumor that the Pythons could break the drive shafts due to the torque. That would not stop me, but could be a maintenance item. It could sink the boat depending on were and when it breaks. At some point I believe Correct Craft went to a larger dia drive shaft.
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1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens
2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
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AAM196 ![]() Gold Member ![]() ![]() Joined: October-23-2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 846 |
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No, I am not selling lol... or I would be one of the people asking 20k for a TSC hoping no one calls! And 35 is young! Swerve it up! but if not in course, maybe a sport or something with a little more freeboard/V to deal with ERIE! You say Maryland... I too frequent that lake... |
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dmudave ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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Awesome. I grew up spending my summers on Rock Lodge Rd. Deep Creek Lake.
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scootdogydog ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: November-03-2013 Location: Central MA Status: Offline Points: 404 |
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Donald -- I haven't heard that rumor. Chances are that it's more common for Joe to break his 1" shaft than me breaking my 1 1/8" shaft. That gives them a different prop selection though. I think I have 3 or 4 that I got fairly cheaply as they came some of the newer boats. |
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JoeinNY ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: October-19-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5697 |
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Woah Woah lets not bring my shaft into it, Donald apparently doesn't realize that the boat in question in this thread had a larger shaft from the factory and any rumors he has heard about small shafts are not applicable in this case.
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scootdogydog ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: November-03-2013 Location: Central MA Status: Offline Points: 404 |
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exactly. the python comes with a 1 1/8" shaft, which is the correct size for the engine IMO |
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74Wind ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: August-02-2011 Location: Georgia Status: Offline Points: 2101 |
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+1. If I were running in the bay or Erie i'd be looking for a deep-v...southwind...bfn... |
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1974 Southwind 18
1975 Century Mark II |
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s_kelley2000 ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: December-03-2012 Location: Boylston, MA Status: Offline Points: 141 |
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I have owned my 99 Super Sport with a 502 for 5 years now and I have never had much trouble finding parts. Per Zach at N3 they share a lot of parts with the 454. Between SkiDim, NautiqueParts or N3 I have always been able to find the parts that I have needed. Good luck with your search. |
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1999 Python Super Sport
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AAM196 ![]() Gold Member ![]() ![]() Joined: October-23-2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 846 |
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That is a sweet spot for kids to swim back in Cherry Cove... Python would be cool... but GT40 has been good to us and parts aren't a problem not that I've really needed any. If you want a test ride and are at lake, hauler at me. My Dad has a sailboat on Erie and I've been tempted to run the SN in the bay when no wind but haven't yet. Just never seems like a good idea... of course DCL on weekends isn't much better anymore! |
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sport1999 ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: May-10-2015 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 313 |
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x2 on the GT-40. Lots of helpful info out there, too. Don't rule out the Sport Nautique, fits right into your price range and still a good ski wake with a good bit more room. Either way, be patient, there are always some very nice low hour, Ski and Sport Nautiques in your price range. Just keep your eyes open!
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dmudave ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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So something more like this...
https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/5611905245.html OR this. https://jxn.craigslist.org/boa/5553720902.html |
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tryathlete ![]() Platinum Member ![]() ![]() Joined: April-19-2013 Location: Lake Villa, IL Status: Offline Points: 1797 |
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Detroit Python is a cool Super Sport but no ski boat.
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Gary S ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
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Before I bought mine Pete I was going to go look at a 2000 in Orlando. It was green with the white swoosh. I thought it would complement the HM in the Mustang. I think if it had been blue it would now be living in Illinois. Talked it over with TRBenj,he told me due to the way the engine sits in the Super Sports that with the 502 there is no room for the muffler. Well as you know I already have a loud one. A second one that may even be louder was not in the cards.
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dmudave ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: June-13-2016 Location: Huron Ohio Status: Offline Points: 32 |
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I am now reading old threads about how loud the python is. Vibrations. No muffler.
Sounds cool.... But I am not sure my family will appreciate it that much. I guess it is time to get to test driving. |
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jbear ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: January-21-2005 Location: Lake Wales FL. Status: Offline Points: 8193 |
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Did alot of skiing on that water for many a year with the WSWSC. We had a cottage in Bayview. Where on the Bay are you? john |
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"Loud pipes save lives"
AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
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63 Skier ![]() Grand Poobah ![]() ![]() Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4256 |
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I kind of made the same decision Gary. When looking for my boat 5 years ago I test drove a '99 Sport with python, really a nice boat and I think a decent value at the time. Loved the power and sound. But, for family use and my slalom use I opted to go with a GT-40 for the quieter ride and less weight for a better wake. I've never regretted that decision.
So why would I recommend a python to someone else? They are just cool drivetrains, and I have to think in a Ski rather than Sport the slalom wake would still be excellent. I have the '63 which is loud, and my jet boat is loud, so like you I don't need another loud boat! |
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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