thoughts on 97 SN

Looks pretty clean, nice from the one diary picture. Sounds like he's put a lot of new parts that one wouldn't normally do if they were just looking to sell it. Probably a very nice boat, probably a reman engine though maybe new considering he went to the extreme of new wiring harnesses, etc. Perhaps a small part of the price is all the extra gear ... don't know if your friend needs all that stuff. Bottom line, for a really clean, restored 97 I don't think 15k is all that bad.

I’d like to see it at 12,5 but 15 isn’t crazy for that boat. Whew, it least it isn’t masters green like most 97’s and all 98’s.

Sounds pretty much in brand new condition, all the stuff you would spend on is already done. I think it's a fair value given all that. Maybe my only comment is if I was a strong skier into running the course I might see if I could come close to that price for a few years newer 196. No way you'd match the "new-ness" of this one but might be worth the upgrade.

man0seven wrote: I might be wrong but that is the TSC1 and it doesn't change for a few more years. I think it is either 2000 or 2001 when they change up to the TSC2 A '97 is a great spot because it is the first year of that hull.

I never can keep this group of years straight, but I believe the one I used to ski on was a 2002, which I thought was the change year. Someone will straighten me out!

It's in Theodore, Alabama, which is near Mobile Bay. It may have been used in salt or brackish water, thus the need for new parts. And it has a galvanized trailer. But it's a nice looking boat, I loved my 97 SN.

Good catch on the location/trailer suggesting salt water. Here is seller's response to my questions. Not real easy to follow, but it sounds like not only was it on salt water, but also under salt water. Even if all has been replaced, I have my concerns/doubts.

This boat I’ve ski on it since it was new, I bought it from my best friend but he did not pull it out of his boat house durning 2006 hurricane, he just remove the drain plug, which saved the boat fr/ damage, but got water to the engine, purchased it then & pickled it until I was ready to restore it, I had a few other Ski Nautique’s at the time, I got a new 5.8 Short Block & used the GT-40 heads it had on it,The transmission has a new re-built kit done, I put a freshwater cooling system on it, that was just for me, I ordered new Skins fr/ Christine, the back seat never stays in the boat, he wiring harness ordered & all gauges, new steering & cable, it has been completely apart and put back together, I’ve re-done over 6 nautiques, & present I have a 83 Cuddy 90% done w/ a GT-40 going in it,
This boat is a 97, which I love it, but I hate things not to be used, most all the parts I get is from skidim Vince, it has a new ECM box, injectors have been tested, I still have the short block that came in it,
     The trailer it came with it was a steel and it died, I got this trailer and I blasted it & galvinize it local,and use parts off the old trailer, torsional axles, new tires & new matching rim/tire, All this boat was used for was free slalom skiing & ski course, and some trick/air chair, I have more ski’s then I will ever use, I have the high end ski’s in the house some will go too, I’ve even found a fat sack I got from another boat purchase that will go, It’s a good boat and if I don’t sale it I’m fine, I’ve been in Ski Nautique’s since 1979,
You can come down and take a ride in it when you like, it stays ready
Regards Gary

The seller certainly sounds capable, confident, and willing to tell the whole story rather than hide it. That would count for a lot with me. Say a boat was swamped in salt and one of our known expert restorers on the site did all that work, I bet any one of us would buy it without a worry. So maybe this one just needs someone to go take a look, test ride, and meet the guy and take it from there.

I do think the swamp and rebuild story is worth a discount though.

Hmmm, yeah 15k is too much. What’s been done, without further inspection doesn’t scare me too much but you can find the same boat in Midwest for sale money and good condition and never seen salt before.

That one in Ocala seems ok. 1004 hours doesn’t bother me. I’m not so sure upon close inspection that the boat and trailer isn’t as good as pics might show. Exactly where in Ocala is it? If he’s south of Ocala I can probably arrange a looksie, but if he’s northern Ocala at the moment I don’t think I can make it.

Completely agree with Joe ...
And honestly, I've been there, done that with a swamped boat. Though the PO denied it, I'm 100% convinced my boat was a hurricane boat as well after all the rebuild and the length I went to and countless hours in cleaning her up - there was fine silt sand in every single crevasse on/ in the boat. Though it sounds like a lot of parts went into rebuilding it, you can never tell just how far a person will dive into the clean-up.

Wet foam would be my worry.

I would want to know the hours, but this could have some potential if you can low ball this guy. Beat him up on the fiberglass work and interior. New skins, some fiberglass work and a polish and this boat could be a beauty.

97 in North Alabama

260 HP Base engine, top speed estimate 43-46 MPH my guess.

Orlando76 wrote: I looked at and checked out the potential 97. It’s got the I believe 260hp base carburetor motor which 22 years later I feel is a perk. What should the top end be? I felt the motor was leaving some on the dock.

What were the hours on that 97??

What about this one? If I weren't knee deep in mine I would seriously consider this one.

'97 SN

Orlando76 wrote: Ugh, purple. Only a real man could drive that.

No kidding!