trailer question

I'm considering buying this boat, but the trailer doesn't look like it fits the boat. Since everyone here is far more knowledgable than I am, what do you say? I know, not a great picture. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/525812491172193/

Matt,
I agree with Tim. Why do you feel the trailer isn't correct?

Correct trailer. On a straight inboard you want the axle underneath the motor which is where all the weight is. On an IO the motor is in the back so if the boat sat on a trailer like a straight inboard yeah that would be pretty squirrelly.

TRBenj wrote: ‘80-81 (not a 2001).

I heard at some point (from very knowledgeable CC folks) a few 2nd Gen Skis we’re still produced and badged as an 82. Any merit in that?

Roger that. Thanks for the input. Any opinions on this one? https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/222018971833158/ The seller says the floor by the driver seat is a hair soft,but solid. Id rather not take on a boat that needs stringers.

Always amazes me when sellers won't take a cover off of a boat when trying to sell . A tad bit suspect .

I looked at the 2001 today. "A hair soft" was more like really soft. There were several engine cradle bolts that wouldn't tighten, and disbanding of the port side stringer under the driveshaft access cover. I checked the oil, it was strange looking. Kinda like, new oil, but also dirty waterlogged oil? It's hard to describe, but it just didn't look right. Another wassailing the bilge under the engine. The owner said he's had it for a year and some, he told he replaced the fuel pump with one from auto zone, he said his winterizing was to run the motor out of the water and fog it. He didn't drain the block or exhaust. It wasn't in the water and he didn't have a hose so we could run it, but said it would book to run it for 10-15 seconds dry. I graciously said no thanks, and drove an hour and a half home. The boat itself looked like it had lived hard life, with worn carpet and lots of scratches in the gel.. And the pylon was bent.

A day wasted and fifty bucks in fuel. Better than that dragging home a turd that needs stringer and a new engine. I'll just keep looking and maybe bump up the budget a bit.

This looks interesting, but high price. https://fortwayne.craigslist.org/boa/d/1988-correct-craft-ski/6679489442.html

For the same price I could pick up this 99 https://fortwayne.craigslist.org/boa/d/ski-nautique/6655849157.html

I hear you on the 99, thats the wrong area code. It should be 260. I'm going that way tomorrow morning to pick up a pontoon, so I'll call and ask about it.

I don’t see anything screaming scam on that ‘99. I always wanted a 176. An Air Tique should have extended pylon, SN 176 would be same boat but standard pylon like what I see in ad.

I wish i could post from my phone, but I guess that's just the way the forum is for now.

I talked to the owner of the 88. I wish I had called earlier because I drove right by on my way home from picking up a pontoon. It sounds like it's been well maintained, third owner, winterized by a marina and stored in a barn, "heated barn". Do all sellers claim to store their boats in a heated building? Recently had some packing replaced, I forget whether it was the prop shaft or the rudder, but she said it would take on water when they had it out. She sounded like it would take on a lot, and that makes me wonder. I hope I can get some time to go see it tomorrow, but if I like it I won't be able to get back up there until Wednesday or Tuesday.


I told the seller I didn't want a project boat, but then my wife wanted me to bring home my dads old pontoon that has been sitting for seven or eight years, probably half that uncovered. It's got to be stripped all the way down to the deck, maybe even re-deck it.

I skied a 1996 176 that had a GT 40 engine down in FL. It was a bullet with a nice wake. Not as nice as a TSC 1 but still good. Phenomenal acceleration!

I ended up buying that second 2001. It was just too nice to pass. The interior is perfect, although now that I have it home and look it over again I see a couple spots on the back seat where the vinyl is starting to split. Both speedometers work, the engine oil looked good and the cradle bolts are tight. I met them at a little restaurant right on the water, so I didn't get a real good look at the outside, but it looked pretty good other than being faded a little here and there. Like the first one, the pylon is bent, but then I saw one on ebay that's bent, so maybe they are supposed to be like that? Came with a wake pole with speakers installed on it, although I may or may not use the radio. I don't believe the trailer is original, but that doesn't bother me as long as I have a trailer. It looks like it's been converted from surge brakes to electric brakes.   Talking with the owners, they always had the marina winterize it and then stored it in a heated barn. Heated because of their dogs I guess. Id get some more pictures but right now it's parked where there's a buttload of mosquitoes, so I'll get some pics this weekend on the water.

The only picture I took on the water. The kids loved going fast even thought it was in the 60's that weekend. My four year old wanted me to teach her to ski, so next year I'll get right on it.

Beautiful...love those colors.