1996 Prostar value?

I have an opportunity to grab a 1996 Prostar 190 with 400 hours on the boat, 100 hours on a new engine for $7,500. Boat is clean and well cared for. The guy just wants to unload it.
I do not want to own this boat as we are happy with our Nautique.   It would be for a quick flip. He lives in an area that is hard to get to so he just wants it gone.
It has the LT-1 GM 350 engine.

It seems these are holding value at least at $10K. I saw one on Ski it again for $14 that is not as clean and had nearly 800 hours and there is a similar one listed in Sacramento and they are asking $10K. Am I all wet?   I thought I would ask before jumping in.

Thanks

Mark

The kool-aid drinkers on ball of spray think that’s the greatest boat ever built until the tsc1 came around. They will be your audience.

I know the 97 had a major issue for some reason on the water tests for approval. Idk the hull designs well but those quacks love their 80’s and 90’s ProStars and anything else is chicken feed.

Frankly picking up a boat worth $10k or so for $7500 isn’t enough profit for myself to warrant dealing with potential buyers. Let’s say you try for $12k but after 3 months settle on $10k, all for $2500 and a phone log of hagglers? if you have the gift to gab go for it. I’m fortunate to know I can make an extra $2500 in less time and don’t have to deal with people.

Nope, now you’re confusing the 98-00 hull. That was the “Disastercraft” that chine locked during AWSA testing, for which MC came out with the “positive tracking system” chine inserts/extra tracking fin/winged rudder as a fix.

95-97 had no such issues and is a good skiing boat.

Close but the 1998 Pro Star failed the AWSA towboat test. After a modification to the rudder and adding material to the aft end of the boat it passed the test. Nonetheless the 1996 Pro Star has a decent slalom wake. As Tim said it isn’t as prized as the 93-94 PS. Still a great deal for a slalom skier on a budget. I’d want to know more about why the engine was replaced and why the total hours are so low. Put a PP Stargazer in it for $1,000 and you’ve got a good training boat.

Only reason the 14 is deemed sluggish is because slalom skiers these days are above skiing public lakes with room. Instead they want to ski in ditches less than 1300’ in length and want to hit 36mph way before the 55’s so they can have time to fix their hair. I like the 14 bc the price today is more appealing over a 14 SN, better interior features IMO and if you can stomach the looks of the latest SN, well my hats off to you.

This one is a much better deal!

That was quick. It was a scam, '97 Prostar for $2500.

Mark,
If the boat checks out I would go for it. Although, if you ski behind it you will probably end up keeping it. Having two boats isn't a bad thing.

In CA our season is just taking off so if it is going to sell now has the highest value.
I believe the engine was replaced due to a Freeze, yeah it does get cold in parts of CA.
My buddy had called me and let me know about this boat.
I gave him details including great ski wake, powerful engine but rides harsh enough to rattle your teeth on rough water. All I think are accurate.
I also shared what I found out there for sale that was similar.
He has decided to go look at it with his wife. He thinks he will now buy it.
That is fine. I was just looking at it for a quick flip. I like my boat.
Thanks for all the feedback.   AND as far as time vs money made, I am now retired so I have more time than income now. Allows for playing with projects.

Ok that’s enough OFF CC TOPIC talk here.

Good information to know guys and I appreciate you guys offering your opinions.
I was pretty sure I could get accurate information even on a non Nautique from ski guys on this forum. Now I will probably get to help my buddy bring this boat up to snuff and that is fine he is a very good old friend.

Miles above a SN. If you have a SN of the era, burn the dog to the ground.

For Bruce

Riley wrote: TRBenj wrote: For Bruce So you're a Moderator, too? Who would have thought? I can hardly wait till someone asks about the value of '80's Malibu Skiers.

MC Wanted threads are ok

Guys at my old ski club called (2001 model) Nautiques Naw Tanks. They were 93 Pro Star purists. I had a 97 SN that they all wanted a pull from.