Looking at 1987 SN 2001 *Pics*

Or he may be capable but not interested in doing the job. Can we skip the oppression?

Alright, here is the inspection report. My only concern is the freeze plugs that have been pushed out "slightly". No water in the oil and no leak would mean no cracked block, right? Would this mean it froze this past winter? I'm guessing the boat wasn't ran long enough to be 100% sure there isn't a cracked block... Thoughts?

Well back up. What's the compression? How long did it run? More bargaining chips may have come your way.

bb12 wrote: They didn't do a compression test and I'm not sure how long it ran...

Any reason why they didn't? It doesnt take long to do one.

bb12 wrote: They didn't do a compression test and I'm not sure how long it ran...

Ask for your money back.

The price was good to begin with. Now with a confirmed in writing problem with the manifolds, I'd say the purchase price can be lowered. The risk with a purchase is the block. Yes, the core plugs showed signs of pressure but maybe in this case it saved the block?? A compression test will not confirm a bad or good block. Only time will. I still feel the boat would be a good risk.

What's the worst case scenario? Does a cracked block automatically = new motor?

I'd just hope for the best and plan for the worst! Offer 3k cash... worst case scenario you have to have the engine completely rebuilt/replaced.

According to Peter, it is just taking engine apart and putting back together same as an oil change!

I'd be a little pissed about the survey/inspection you paid for. Doesn't seem to have given you any information.

If you aren't looking for a project, move on and double/triple your budget, and make sure you watertest the boat... that will really tell you a lot.

UPDATE: Well, it really pays to do your research and be cautious. I was able to track down a previous owner/dealer of the boat this afternoon (Google is your friend)...It's a long story, but I'll sum it up pretty quick: The guy I talked to this afternoon basically told me that the guy he sold it to overheated the engine and it got so hot that it melted the exhaust tubing...(if you look at the engine pic you can tell the exhaust tubing looks new). He said there has to be head damage if the motor got that hot. The current seller did tell me he replaced the exhaust tubing but at the time I didn't think anything of it. Long story short- too many red flags for me...I've decided to pass on this boat. My gut feeling was right.

So with that said, if anybody knows of any mid-late 80s 2001s out there let me know...And thank you all for the help and information. Your knowledge has been invaluable during this process!

Wow, that's great you got those questions with straight answers. For reference mine 87' was same condition as this one( cosmetics) for $4300. Great deal 2 years ago but I bet I've got another 2k going through it replacing maintenance items, new prop, shaft,cover and going through the trailer completely. And it's still not a 10

Sorry to hear that happened to that boat, but very glad you found out about it. As the others have said, there will be other deals. Just recently, a beautiful, running '86 sold on my lake for 3500. So just watch craigslist closely and something will come up.

Best deals are the ones you don't make sometimes.

rebel skier wrote: I picked my 85 up in Kansas with perfect pass already installed for 5, and other than 2 skins it was an 8 out of 10 in my book. I drove 9 hours to get it. You will find one.

You stole one in my own backyard! Just out of curiosity, where in Kansas did you find it? And how did you go about making the deal long distance? You had to be pretty darn sure you were buying it to drive 9 hours.

I found the listing on ski-it-again.com.     I talked with the owner at length. I then asked for references that had driven and skied behind the boat. I talked with them. Once confident, I was ready to drive out. The boat was actually on a small ski lake you see on the side of the highway heading out from KC to Lawrence. KU's water ski team skis there. Since I was part of the Ole Miss Rebels ski club that was a great coincidence.

rebel skier wrote: It would be a hike but may be worth investigating. When he says "restored" I wonder if that means stringers. Looks nice. ski-it-agina 1983 Ski Nautique

Thanks for looking out! That boat needs to go to a Tarheel fan!

I've got my sights set on an 86-88. I like the updated interior and dash on those years.