"The Boat" - Our Official Introduction

Hi Everyone,

I've been poking around here in and out the past few weeks...figured it was about time to introduce myself and the boat. I just created a diary...so that should be up shortly with a picture.

So...my cousin Craig and I (24&26) accidently became the proud owners of an 80SN this past February. Accidently? Well, our '77 Cee-Bee (ever heard of that?) finally gave out the end of last season. We've been in the water since our parents taught us to ski at 7 and the thought of no reliable water time was terrible...so in January we started boat searching, with an idea in mind to spend $3K total. It wouldn't get us much...but hopefully enough. The interior wasn't important...just a functional motor. Well, we came across this boat that said "O'brien Ski"...with a Pleasurecraft Engine - 265HP for $4K including a trailer. We were amazed at that much HP, so we had to take a look. I flew down to Lewisville, Texas and test drove it as was impressed! But, it wasn't until I signed the $4K check...and came home and did more research, did I determine that it was a Ski Nautique...and that was a joyous day! Sure, we were $1K over our budget...but to own a Ski Nautique for 2K each...not bad.

The interior is pretty rough, but we expected that. The engine has 1000 hours, a new tranny and new carb, and the compression test checks out as healthy.

We've already learned the hardships of owning a Nautique, was caught a log earlier in the year and replaced the strut and upgraded to an ACME 542. We've also added the Hummingbird 610, a Skylon pole, fat sacs, and refinished the teak areas. During the down time we also replaced part of the flooring up front and fortified the seats to get us through the season. During the Winter we have plans to tear the boat down and replace the interior, automatic ballast and rear seat. Not sure if we'll get the funds to redo the exterior...but a new paint job would be ideal. We're not real keen on having the boat read "O'Brien Ski". I'm sure we'll be looking for help...and have already been searching all of different options.

Anyway...I'll try to provide insight where I can...thought I'm sure this sight will give much more to us than we can offer back.

Thanks!...a picture link will be coming...
"The Boat"
Scott & Craig

ps...it's named "The Boat" because that's what we've called everything we've ridden in since we were babies...and now we have our own :)

Congrats on the boat and welcome.

Looks like a great buy. Enjoy it. BKH

That Boat has a great look to it. What do you figure with the O'brien Skis on the side, maybe a promo boat from the good ole days or someone just liked their Ob's. Interesting, but either way I like it, enjoy.

That's a good idea...had really heard about that before. I just assumed it was a promo boat that was altered after purchase...but better to know beforehand. I'll do some searching.

And yeah...it was the one off of boat trader...and iboats, I believe.

Nice ride and I agree with them. Do some research.

Boattrader is where I saw it.Nice work.

Nice boat. Better get some O'brien skis to go with it.

So, it likes your or the PO cut the ring off the pylon. Those rings are hard to come by if you ever want it back. Unfortunately it was not properly removed and offered up to someone looking for a replacement.

Whew, way to go. Hang on to the ring for sure.