advice on 1986 nautique 2001

I could use some expert advice. I currently have a '07 MB Sport to ski, wakeboard and surf but the wake is seriously big even for a decent skier. I'm 58 and have had 5 knee surgeries so I want a smaller wake. I have the opportunity to buy a 1986 nautique 2001. One owner, 684 hours, all original everything. stored out of the water.

Question 1 - is the wake behind the old 2001 boats the smallest and best or are their other years with better wakes?
Question 2 - I'm not mechanical, just like to ski. What should I expect in terms of repairs or maintenance on a 30 year old nautique?
Question 3 - any idea what it would cost to fully restore it to "perfect" condition if you have it done by a good restoration place?
Question 4 - any recommendations on where to have an old nautique restored?

I'd appreciate any advice to any of my questions - many thanks

Welcome to Correctcraftfan Paul!


I'll answer your questions the best I can. The smarter ones will chime in later.

#1- no its not the smallest or best, but for its time it was. The 90's ski nautiques seem to be a very good wake.
#2- if it's been taken care of good by the owner, then it should just need a tank of gas. If not done recently, you'll probably need to change fuel filter and oil.
#3- depends on what needs to be done. It'd be cheaper to do anything yourself, just need to take the time. You'll be proud of yourself, and you learn a lot.
#4- I personally don't know ny places, but others here will know.

Let's see some pics of that boat.

It will be better than your MB. If it's cheap just buy it, use it for awhile and dump it if you don't like it. Cheap would be in the $3K - $4k range. If you want a better wake and no wood stringers then look for a '93 or newer SN. Can be found starting at about $6k.

I concur,

What speed do you ski? That info is important to the question.


Below 34mph, the 2001 was never a good slalom boat even when new, it was already outclassed
It was a really solid 3-event boat, and that is what it was sold as.

It always perplexed me why the novice tournaments used 2001 for the Jr divisions, wake up to their shoulders at 22-26 mph, then use the MC's for the adults.

Slalom wise, given your criteria, Consider the 93+ nautique, a Malibu response is great also.

Wow, this is an active and awesome forum and hopefully one day I can contribute to it. I ski about 30 mph as a recreational skier. I'd like to get better and think a softer wake will help me and extend my years of skiing enjoyment. Sounds like most or all of you believe the 86 is not a good ski wake so thanks for the feedback!

You all have been great!

Yeah you just dodged a bullet. Stick around and good luck with your search.

Thanks for the advice, just to be clear I ski pretty well today behind an MB B52 wakeboard boat with a wide and rough wake, would you consider the 85 nautique that bad? I'm getting the sense that most of the advice may be relative to something much better than my current boat. The boat I'm considering is in amazing original shape and a very fair price, one owner no mods to it. I love the look and as long as the wake is better than my current boat it may be okay even if better wakes are out there. Thank you!

Tell them you need to test ski it first

Had a 1979 Ski Supreme - excellent wake for slalom . Now own a 1988 - 2001 model . Excellent wake board wake , Slalom wake - not so much .

Thanks for the reply and advice.

I have an 89 2001, the wake is not flat but way better than the outboard I skied before buying this boat. When I bought the 89 I was concerned that the wake would be to flat. I like the wake, it has a bump that can be alot of fun. I am a good recreational skiier, I don't ski courses but if I did I would want something flatter. I like the little bit of air you can get off this wake when skiing. I agree with others if you can get a pull behind the boat give it a try. I ski behind a ski supreme often and only find that wake a little better than my 89.