Mastercraft... Maybe?!
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Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: Off Topic
Forum Discription: Anything non-Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16853
Printed Date: January-10-2025 at 6:26am
Topic: Mastercraft... Maybe?!
Posted By: Bri892001
Subject: Mastercraft... Maybe?!
Date Posted: March-19-2010 at 11:56pm
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Hi All,
Trying to get my first boat. My price range is just about 10k right now, maybe a little more if I do a loan, but trying to avoid it. I'm having a hard time finding any good Nautiques in New England. Also trying to avoid wooden stringers. I realize this is total Sacrilage, but I'm considering a late 80's Mastercraft Prostar 190: http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1644733719.html - http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1644733719.html I've talked to the guy and it sounds like he's taken care of it, even thought it's listed in South Shore MA, it was actually used as a NH fresh water boat. I guess it did log a fair amount of barefoot hours, bad for the engine? My only Nautique options are this SN Open Bow that would have wooden stringers but looks to be in good shape: http://www.adirondackmarine.net/listingdetail.php?boatid=151 - http://www.adirondackmarine.net/listingdetail.php?boatid=151 Also considering this V-Drive BFN, but super keen on the v-drive, but actually, just cause I'm not familiar with them. Thinkig the 454 could be a little excessive for my needs but the boat appears to be cherry and shouldn't have wood stringers: http://www.boats.com/listing/dealer_boat_details_nh.jsp;jsessionid=FFDC63C3EA2AF41AEAE6CF71A305743D.boapp05?entityid=111533421&r=111533421&ro=3&rev_srh=searchtype%3dmarinesite%26ceid%3d219759%26sid%3d60097%26luom%3d126%26is%3dfalse%26slim%3dmarinesite%26currencyid%3d100%26style%3ddw%26task%3dpreowned&sds=&searchtype=marinesite&ceid=219759&sid=60097&luom=126&is=false&slim=marinesite¤cyid=100&style=dw&task=preowned - V-Drive BFN in NH This one has caught my eye, but I'm nervous, not knowing what to look for in older SNS: http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1611674870.html - http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1611674870.html I'm also looking at a very nice condition 1993 Sport Nautique with 300ish hours and also a very decent little SN 176, I think a 1997 year, but that owner is a little aloof. He's not currently listing the boat. My ideal would be a 1993 and later closed bow 196 with less than 600 hours or so. Total pipe dream? Should I wait, should I just accept a loan? Are any of these boats not as bad as I'm thinking. The v-drive BFN is starting to grow on me if it's not already gone. |
Replies:
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: March-20-2010 at 12:04am
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Do a search for boats for sale here at CCF. there is a 2000 SN in NH for $12,000. Not far fro your range and no wood. Keep looking, they are out there. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4487" rel="nofollow - 1998 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: MartyMabe
Date Posted: March-20-2010 at 12:04am
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If you're a barefooter the BFN is the choice. If not ,I'd go with the 92 open bow or the 93. You and your family,friends will love the Open Bow. ------------- 66 Skylark http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5041" rel="nofollow - 93 SN If you're not living in NC, you're just camping out! |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-20-2010 at 12:13am
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What are you going to do with the boat. The late 80s MCs are good boats, not doubt. However, they have a low freeboard, don't handle rough water well, and, in my opinion, they are lousy wakeboard boats.
I was looking through listing the other day, and I saw a lot of 90-96 Ski Nautiques for under 10K. Kind of surprising to me actually. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-20-2010 at 12:22am
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Well, my parents' have a place on a pretty small lake in NH. The lake never gets too bad as far as chop. It gets a little rough at times, but nothin' at all compared to lake Winni etc. I think the low freeboard is ok. In fact, CC Mustangs, Tiques, Early Malibu Responses etc. are common and do fine there.
I mostly like to slalom, but I'm not quite at a level where the best wake as far chasing buoy's is a huge deal. I'm a bigger guy so I just want something with a lot of pull. A four cylinder stern drive won't quite cut it, but I'm getting to the point where I'm looking at some 4.3's. I do wake board a little, but again, don't need the perfect wake at this point. I'm more concenred about reliabiliy etc. If you saw a nice one in NH for 12ish, I'd definitely like to see, haven't come accross it. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-20-2010 at 9:35pm
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Here's a 1990 for 5 grand in Maryland.
%20 - http://easternshore.craigslist.org/boa/1639792453.html BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 4:49pm
Stay away from the older Mastercraft's, the ol Stars and Stripes are pretty boats, 83-86, but they are made so much different than Nautiques. Even the 2001 models handle water and are built different. As the other guys have stated, there are many great BFN or open bow's out there for you and the family. Check out this site, there are plenty Nautiques for sale. Good Luck!  ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 5:15pm
They're made different??? Yeah, they don't have wood stringers!!! Not a bad boat and you can find one very reasonably priced. I'm not going to get into a MC/CC arguement here but that statement is just too broad to be taken seriuosly. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
skicat2001 wrote:Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 5:30pm
  ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 6:16pm
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To add a bit more to Alan's thoughts. MC started Composite stringers in 83. CC didn't do so till 93.
For just pure slalom skiing, the 83-86 MC is probably better than the 83-86CC. However, I find the CC to be a more versatile boat. Higher freeboard, better rough water ride, better wakeboard wake. The 88MC he is looking at is not a "Stars and Stripes." Rather it is the first generation prostar which began in 87. The "stars and stripes" as most people call them actually have a model name of Skier or Competition Skier. I like CCs. But, given the financial status Bri89 described, I certainly wouldn't rule out an MC in the right condition and price. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 6:52pm
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Thanks Brian.. I knew they where made different, but as an opionion Correct Crafts just are better boats, all around. I have always been attracted to the older CC and the old Mastercrafts, but even the model he is looking for in the late 80's, I put a Nautique up against it any day.. [;)] ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 8:11pm
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I personally prefer the lines of the 80's era Nautiques as well, but am just not well enough versed on making sure the stringers are solid etc. This Prostar was in pretty good shape; the guy seemed to have taken care of it. I DID notice however, that the driver's cockpit is a lot more cramped on the MC. At 6'3", that's definitely an issue for me, my knees were crammed against the underside of the dash.
Would there be any disadvantages to owning a 93 BFN V-Drive, are those 454 significantly thirstier than the 351's. I do like that 92 Ski Nautique. Would the stringers be a concern now, or more like 10 years from now? |
Posted By: kapla
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 8:27pm
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as for the 92 it depend how it was cared...I did mine 92 strigers last years.but well my boat sunk in 2002..and I think that was the mayor reason of water intrusion!!! ------------- <a href="">1992 ski nautique |
Posted By: M3Fan
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 8:32pm
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For 10K I'd hold out for a 93+ SN or a 91+ MC. The 91-94 Prostars are considered some of the best slalom boats ever made by man. Personally just having to wonder whether the stringers are rotten or about to be rotten is enough to rule wood stringers out, IMO. Part of that is just me, because I would (and did) think about that all the time. If you don't worry about stuff as much as I do, a 90-92 SN could be added to your search mix. Also, be patient. Without fail every time I get impatient and purchase a boat or car, a better one for less money shows up right after I pull the trigger! ------------- 2000 SN GT40 w/99 Graphics/Gel 2016 SN 200 OB 5.3L DI https://forum.fifteenoff.com |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 8:41pm
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I think I share you view point, M3Fan, as far as worrying about stuff. I think I'd rather not have too.
One other thing I thought of is sort of "apprenticing" with someone who's doing a stringer job, that way I'd know how to do it and could pick up a boat for cheap. There WAS an older SN advertised around Boston where the guy came right out and said the boat needed stringers and he was looking to unload it. |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 9:24pm
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I guess my thought of wake was better with the Nautiques. The 2001 hull was used in many Championship ski tournaments because of the design and wake. I think the Nautique hull has always shot more of a flater wake than the Mastercrafts, espcially if you talking the 2001 hull against the the Pro Star hull. Do you agree?
Yea Mastercraft got us beat on stringers, but feel, ride, and comfort, and also re-sale value, Correct Craft is always a valued more because of the quality. Plus Correct Craft has PCM, Mastercraft does not.. ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 9:51pm
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I don't want to discourage you from taking on a project. I really enjoy the projects myself. However, if you don't get a lot of enjoyment from the project, you will be money ahead to keep your search open till you find a boat with good solid floors and stringers, or buy a 93 and later model. They are out there. You just have to be patient.
BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 9:58pm
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Look, I'm not trying to support MCs, I'm a CCfan. But, MC used PCM for many years. I'm not sure what year they switched to Indmar.
The wakes were flatter on MCs through the 80s than on CCs. American Skiers were flatter for that matter. The 82-89 SN was known for having a hard lip on the wake. The CCs were one of the first boats with spray relief pockets which began to minimize spray at short line lengths. Yes, records were set behind CCs. They were also set behind others. Although the 82-89SN was known for a hard lip for skiing, it resulted in an unintentional benefit. The 82-89SN makes amongst the best wakeboard boat of those built during that period. With the MCs, American Skiers, Centurions, Ski Supremes, etc. of the 80s, they went with a very flat bottom, to produce a very flat ski wake. However, now that people want to wakeboard, these flat bottom boats don't produce a very good wakeboard wake no matter how much ballast you put in them. Add to that a fairly low freeboard in most of the models, and you can't add that much weight to them. At least not safely. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 10:18pm
Who made Ski Supremes and American Skier? In my opionion the only boats made better that Correct Crafts is Sanger, or Malibu.(Would never buy one though!) But Correct Crafts from the older style boats are just more solid and provide to many pluses than the others. From the late 70's to the early 90's, I love them Correct Crafts..   ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 10:36pm
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Hey, does anyone remember this article??!!:
http://books.google.com/books?id=euMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA86&dq=popular+mechanics+ski+boats#v=onepage&q=&f=false - Popular Mechanics Ski Boat Article I remember reading this at the ripe old age of 12, by then, I had already started lusting after these boats big time. At that point, my family had a crappy old starcraft with a 4 cyclinder OMC Outdrive. My older cousin could wrestle the thing to a stop on a kneeboard. I wanted a tournement boat soooohhh bad. This article was worse than Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man combined as far as hooking youth on something. It's funny, the 2001 was #1, but Supra and Supreme actually beat out the MC too, I'd still take the MC of those two though. I really miss Popular Mechanics' boating articles. They seem to have totally gotten out of that business but they were very objective. Modern boating magazines seem to be nothing but very fancy brochures, they never say anything that might sound like a negative. I've got a couple other cool PM ski boat links if anyone is interesed. They also did an outboard Barefoot review and and a full explanation of AWSA ratings. I thought about making that a seperate thread, maybe someone already has. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 10:36pm
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Ski Supreme and American Skier were each made by companies of the same name. Supreme has changed hands but is still in business, though I don't think they build many units. American Skier went out of business a few years ago. They were bought by a guy who changed the name to Elan. I don't know if they are still in business.
Sanger builds a solid hull. They still use wooden stringers. Fit and finish on the Sangers is not nearly as good at CC or some others in my opinion. Malibu builds a pretty high quality boat now. However, during the 80s, Malibu was just starting out. They were building a price point boat at that time. Quality wasn't even close to the CCs of that era. The Malibus of the early 80s, also had a fairly hard wake. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 10:40pm
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Good PM article. I think Marty posted it a couple months back.
BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 10:45pm
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http://books.google.com/books?id=guMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA48&dq=popular+mechanics+ski+boats#v=onepage&q=popular%20mechanics%20ski%20boats&f=false - PM AWSA Article
This was that article about the AWSA review I was talking about. It's a great shot of an early 90's open bow Ski Nautique as well. |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 10:54pm
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Does anyone know when Malibu stopped using wooden stringers?
My local Malibu dealer has a pretty nice condition, low hours, 1993 MALIBU Euro F3 in a very "unfortunate" color scheme. It's right in my price range. I am starting to think that skiing behind and aquamarine and pink ski boat could be more fun than spending another summer sitting on the dock, watching other people ride/ski by with their boats. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 11:20pm
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93 Malibu Echelon was the first boat that Bu made with all fiberglass construction. I don't know when they did so with their other model boats, but I'm almost positive that the Echelon was the only one in 93.
I've been recently chastised for worrying about the look of boats. As I said in another thread, I could live with an ugly color if I got a really, really good deal. If I'm paying top dollar, or even market rate, then I want a color I like. Don't be impatient. It's only March. In the next 4 to 6 weeks, folks will be pulling boats out of winter storage, and you'll see a lot more on the market. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: NEDLUTZ
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 11:37pm
| try going to themalibu.com you should be able to get that info there!! |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 11:40pm
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I found it. 93 Echelon was first. Phased in others next year.
All boats by 95. The Bu owners site is themalibucrew.com. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 11:42pm
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Great stuff guys.. If had to pick other than Correct Craft, Malibu be it.. Correct Craft been in my family for a long time, I would hate for some one come out the grave and beet me with a hammer..
But as I have stated in other posts, I think you others will do you better than a Mastercraft.. I have a friend of mine that owns a Malibu, a 92, it is solid and shows great durabilty with the how it is used. Malibu makes a tremoundous boat and will for the future. I think them and Correct Craft will compete for years to come. My opionion.. ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-21-2010 at 11:43pm
Is that there site like we have ours? ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 12:10am
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themalibucrew.com is a site similar to this one for malibu enthusiasts.
BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 12:53am
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I checked out that site, it's pretty good. Nothing is quite like CCFan though, in that regard.
You're right about stuff coming unwrapped soon and coming on the market. Whenever the subject comes up, my father loves to say, "there's plenty of boats out there" And I'll say, "yeah Dad, but are there plenty of good condition, low hours, direct drive, tournament ski boats, under 15k with teak platforms and fuel injection and..." |
Posted By: M3Fan
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 3:02am
Bri, there are. This is a fire-sale selling climate. You should be able to get into a no-wood EFI boat for around 10K. ------------- 2000 SN GT40 w/99 Graphics/Gel 2016 SN 200 OB 5.3L DI https://forum.fifteenoff.com |
Posted By: 502Python
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 1:52pm
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As a slalom skier, you will not be happy with the BFN. In fact, it's not even that great of a barefoot boat. With a tower it's a good wakeboard boat though. ------------- 1999 Sport Nautique-Python Powered 1999 Ski Nautique-Python Powered |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 2:38pm
I suspect you think the wake is taller than ideal? Its hard to beat the table though... We'll find out for sure this summer, but I suspect the larger wake on these boats can be largely attributed to the additional water weight theyre carrying around. We took over 500 lbs of water soaked foam and wood out of our '79. You wouldnt have known it was that heavy by its performance otherwise (it ran 56+). Im hoping the wake gets a bit smaller at footing speeds with the no-foam and composite construction. Ill let you know for sure this spring! As far as the original poster is concerned, I wouldnt dismiss a mid 80's MC if slalom is your main pursuit. Thats about the only boat company that Ive been up close with that holds a candle as far as quality goes (Malibu isnt all that close). I still prefer the handling and driving position of any CC compared to MC, and Id only own a Correct Craft- but the MC's do ski very nicely. I ski behind '94 and '95 PS190's fairly regularly. I wouldnt look too hard at the 2001 hull, as the 90+ Ski Nautique (No Wake Zone) hull was a huge improvement in regards to slalom performance. I do understand your struggle in finding a nice boat for a reasonable price, though- the values for closed bow inboards seems to be higher in the northeast than anywhere else in the country. Ill keep on the lookout for you. ------------- |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 3:12pm
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I have never skied behind a Mastercraft, lots of Nautiques and loved there wake. But have heard stories that the older MC'S have a small wake, a dream to ski behind. ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 3:36pm
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I think perhaps 502Python was referring to the specific BFN that Bri was considering. A 93 V-Drive.
BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: 502Python
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 4:43pm
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Yes, I was referring to the V-drive. My brother had a '91. Teriffic boat but not for slalom. The wake is large and hard. We had some great times in that boat though. ------------- 1999 Sport Nautique-Python Powered 1999 Ski Nautique-Python Powered |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 5:01pm
Ok, thanks, I appreciate that. I've seen reference in some of the other forum topics that the v-drive's are harder to work on. Although, on that particular boat (93 BFN) it seems there's a pretty cavernous engine room. My primary activity is slalom, but I guess I'm mainly looking for good all around water sports boat. My brother likes wakeboarding more, although I'm not buying the boat for him particularly or anything. I am looking at this one 93 Sport Nautique in CT that's just a little bit out of reach $$ wise. |
Posted By: Fl Inboards
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 5:11pm
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If you are intersted I have a very nice 98 Malibu Response LX on a aluminum single axle trailer comes with bimini,mooring cover barefoot boom and has been very metuclis about service 660 hours $12K OBO.
Can send Photos upon request and service records. ------------- Hobby Boats can be expensive when the hobbyist is limited on their own skill and expertise. 1993 Shamrock "fat" 20. 2008 Nautique 196 5.0 |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 5:22pm
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Yes, I'd be interested to see pictures of the boat. Any idea how much it would cost to ship it to MA/NH?
Here is my email address: mailto:%20 - mrmullin@yahoo.com |
Posted By: Fl Inboards
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 6:10pm
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e-mail sent! ------------- Hobby Boats can be expensive when the hobbyist is limited on their own skill and expertise. 1993 Shamrock "fat" 20. 2008 Nautique 196 5.0 |
Posted By: M3Fan
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 6:45pm
Monsoon? Terrific boat for the money. That's a great hull, pre-diamond or diamond, it's great either way. ------------- 2000 SN GT40 w/99 Graphics/Gel 2016 SN 200 OB 5.3L DI https://forum.fifteenoff.com |
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 7:09pm
If you check history you'll find the MC started out of a SN, Supreme came off a MC, Centurion came off a Supreme etc. etc thats why they are all so similar. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4487" rel="nofollow - 1998 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 7:40pm
Wow! I did not know that. Back in the late 80's, when I was learning to ski at a summer camp, they used Ski Supreme for there inboard boats. They where very similar loooking like MC. They put off a great wake I can remeber for a beginner tyring to learn how to ski. That whole family there I never really followed that whole family there, except Master Craft. But I would always see a Correct Craft come by the dock, my mouth was always wide open in shock of beauty and sound.. ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: March-22-2010 at 7:42pm
| Yeah, it's funny. When you look at that PM article, 4 out of the 6 boats look identical. The Nautique and the Supra are kinda doing their own things, but the other 4 are pretty close to the same. |