Boats For Sale:
Considering a 1973 SN Restoration |
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dshack 
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Joined: June-11-2021 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 47 |
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 Topic: Considering a 1973 SN RestorationPosted: June-12-2021 at 11:17am |
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I've been lurking for a while and soaking in all the info on here, but this is my first post! I'm looking to buy and restore a classic inboard direct drive ski boat and could use some help vetting a potential purchase. The below pictured boat is for sale locally. The owner claims it is a 1973 Ski Nautique (obviously the graphics aren't original, so hard to tell for sure). He is the 3rd owner, so I'm not 100% confident he is correct. Anybody notice anything that might suggest it is a different year/model? THANKS!
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dshack
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Posted: June-12-2021 at 11:18am |
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Additionally, I've got the time and ability to hack my way through pretty much any task needed to restore the boat, but I'd rather not (knowingly) have to deal with rotten stringers. Does this photo suggest to you that the stringers are on the way out?
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samudj01
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Joined: March-10-2009 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 982 |
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Posted: June-12-2021 at 1:22pm |
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Unless redone already, I would say any 70s Correct Craft will need a stringer job. If not today, soon. Unicorns may be out there but most will need it.
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78 Ski Tique, 72 Skier w/302's, 93 SN w/351 & 17 GS22 w/zr409
Previous - 99 Sport Nautique w/GT40 and 87 Martinique w/351 |
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fanofccfan
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Joined: December-13-2009 Location: North Bend NE Status: Offline Points: 1796 |
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Posted: June-13-2021 at 4:55pm |
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It is probably painted and the person that picked the scheme must have liked the older Mastercrafts.
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2004 196 LE Ski 1969 Marauder 19 1978 Ski
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ultrarunner
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Joined: October-02-2005 Location: Ridgefield, Ct. Status: Offline Points: 1867 |
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Posted: June-13-2021 at 6:09pm |
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Hi David, the hood scoop and sissy bar on the back are period-correct for an early-mid 70’s vintage. The boat has been modified, as transom ladders were still a thing of I recall. And those would not be vintage Airguides;-)
I second what Sam says on stringers. |
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dshack
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Posted: June-14-2021 at 3:53pm |
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Thanks everybody for the comments, super helpful! And thanks to Jonny Quest for offering to help me check out the boat in person.
I ended up deciding to pass on this one and focus on a 2001 hull. If I'm going to put blood sweat and tears into a restoration, I want it to be for the classic 2001 since that has been the one that always caught my eye. I might even consider something a little newer for the right price that doesn't involve a restoration. Anyways, I'll keep hunting for the right one!
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SNobsessed
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Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102 |
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Posted: June-14-2021 at 8:14pm |
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The guys here will offer great purchase advice if you can fill us in on what you will be using the boat for.
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
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dshack
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Posted: June-15-2021 at 1:47pm |
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I intend to use the boat for skiing / wakeboarding / general cruising with my family. I've never wake surfed before, but I would like the option of adding some ballast and trying it out. I recognize the boats I'm looking at are not ideal for surfing (but its possible).
In addition, I'm also looking for something I can tinker with in my garage. I grew up around Ski Nautiques in NC and love the classic look. For me in my 30's, it's the equivalent of restoring an old American muscle car. Lastly, I see this boat as a ~5 year project/toy. I could afford to spend a lot more on a nicer boat, but I'd rather hold off for another 5 years when my kids will be old enough to enjoy it (plus we will need more space to take out their friends, etc.). Side note, I've got a lead on a '82 SN in good shape in Seattle. Anybody got a rec on a mechanic in that area that could take a quick look for me? I've googled / called around and so far haven't had any luck.
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67 ski nat
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Posted: June-15-2021 at 9:05pm |
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Selfishly would like to see you get a 82 or earlier. For the restoration pictures you will download
Love the 82 idea in Seattle, your probably on your own for inspections Go for a old classic ski boat you will enjoy process and finish product It will take 2x as long and 3x money as you plan but you know that right I do understand the more modern boat comfort, mine is a bit squirrelly and loud Get both. |
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wayoutthere
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Posted: June-15-2021 at 10:10pm |
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dshack, for what it's worth, get a boat now.
How old are your kids, heres why i ask, I was born in january, since may of that year i have been on a boat, next to my mom and dad, the boat/boating and all of the maintenance cleaning and recreational activities connected with boating are my fondest memories. Get a boat now have some fun and get your family into the lifestyle, make boating friends (that have their own boats) in 5 years or sooner you and your kids can get a boat project going. Working on something together you all love is a bonding experience on another level, plus you get to sneak in hard work pays off and value of a dollar w/o them even knowing it. cherry on top of that bowl of ice cream is then you all get to enjoy using it together because for what it's worth if you wait, you and your young family will miss out on 5 years worth of boat memories |
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dshack
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Posted: June-16-2021 at 12:31am |
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^Thanks, I appreciate that perspective! Definitely causes me to think. I too have great memories of growing up around boats and want the same for my kids (currently 2 months and 2.5 years). I hadn't thought about the fun we could have doing the project boat together in a couple years down the road. If I went with the project boat first, I can definitely see being frustrated at times that it isn't ready to go out on the water. Lots to consider!
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SNobsessed
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Posted: June-16-2021 at 7:26am |
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Consider renting a boat in the short term.
Used boas are in short supply right now, it may take a while to find the right one to buy.
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
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ultrarunner
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Joined: October-02-2005 Location: Ridgefield, Ct. Status: Offline Points: 1867 |
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Posted: June-16-2021 at 7:58am |
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During college, when I was restoring airplanes with my grandfather, we always made sure we had one in the hangar we could go flying in and others to work on.:-)
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dshack
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Posted: June-18-2021 at 3:59pm |
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Quick update -- I decided to roll the dice a bit with this project 2001 SAN: https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/forum/classified-group-buy-section/boats-for-sale-by-owner/633506-2001-san-project-for-sale-or-part-out
Sure it's not a classic CC, but the end result will be a boat that our family can really enjoy and grow into. It really is a perfect fit for what I'm looking for -- I get to tinker some, but it won't be a multi-year project to get on the water. I think it's pretty reasonable to end up at about $20K all in (I'm paying $12K + $2K transportation). It really just needs carpet + upholstery and some general TLC. I definitely still hope to do a classic restoration down the road when my kids are a little older and they can be more involved. Thanks for all the guidance on here!
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wayoutthere
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Posted: June-18-2021 at 11:35pm |
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I just skimmed thru that thread and do remember looking at it a few months ago.
You'll do fine with that boat, and it's really nice looking too, enjoy wrapping it up. Get a good service manual for it, and start a rebuild thread with pictures. Congratulations |
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wayoutthere
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Posted: June-19-2021 at 10:20am |
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For any parts, service/maintenance/assembly tips call ron, i have been slowly finding out the wealth of information and broad scope of his abilities, he's the authority on these ski boats.
https://www.skiboatpartsonline.com/index.php
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