Ski Nautique Salt water vs. Fresh water boat issue
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=31581
Printed Date: November-17-2024 at 11:16pm
Topic: Ski Nautique Salt water vs. Fresh water boat issue
Posted By: RobertV
Subject: Ski Nautique Salt water vs. Fresh water boat issue
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 5:41pm
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All, I posted this on another forum and have no responses after four days so I'm asking the same questions here. I've been bitten by the wakeboarding bug (at 44 yrs old :P) and have started to look at used ski/wakeboard boats. Our neighbors at our camp in upstate NY have been pulling me around with their 2011 Seadoo Speedster. I have also have the pleasure of being pulled by an older Mastercraft (unsure of exact model but is has a Corvette motor) and liked how much instant pull it had. We have a 4 yr old daughter who is a thrill seeker like her dad so I know she will want to continue tubing and I sure hope she takes to wakeboarding or water skiing. I first thought we wanted to jet a jet boat too, but have started to look at Nautiques and other name brand ski boats. I've been reading everything I can on the forums. So to the question for the forum: What issues do these ski boats have with regards to salt water use vs. fresh water use? Keep in mind I have a 1987 Silverton 34x (twin 454s with v-drives) that came from Long Island with 18 years of salt water use before we put it in fresh water so I know about the exhaust risers and other bits that require replacement more frequently due to salt water use. I've done all the work myself on the 34x : new exhaust manifolds, risers, drive plates, one tranny housing, full interior gut job, new carbs, etc. etc. We have had some issues with the tachs not reading properly that I have not worked on yet, but no other electrical issues (fingers crossed). I read one post that the electrical systems can be bothersome on salt water ski boats. The poster said to stay away from salt water boats bc you will be chasing electrical issues for the life of the boat. Is this really a problem on let's say a 94 ski nautique? I've been looking at 93 and up Nautiques so far since they fit in my budget and want to stay away from wood stringers. Are there any other salt water issues that I should be concerned about? And I presume that everyone here would say get a ski boat over a jet drive right? Thanks for reading and your input. Robert |
Replies:
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 6:17pm
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Would imagine a vast majority of the 93'+ Ski Nautiques you will find for sale are going to be non salt boats, why even consider one which has been in salt?? Don't even bother with a Jet boat for so many reasons if nothing else because they are terrible tow boats. |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 6:34pm
ski boats generally use lake water/ocean water for cooling the engine, not just the exhaust. Think through what salt water does to the exhaust risers on your large boat, and then compound the issue by circulating saltwater through your engine cavities, any heater cores you have, etc. I think cosmetically, nothing will last as long if exposed to salt water. also, most people either trailer their boats, or have lifts. flushing on a lift would be OK,if you had fresh water close by, but with a trailer boat, you also need to be concerned about trailer life, and the fact that you will be dipping the trailer every time you put the boat in salt. that requires some additional consideration to how roadworthy the trailer will be after a year or two. I agree with Quinner above, most of these boats are not used in salt, so it would require a MAJOR discount for me to even consider one. With the 94 or so boats being in the 10k range, I would only consider a salt boat for 3-4k, if everything was working as it should. JMO, so consider what you paid for it 
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Posted By: RobertV
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 8:12pm
The pickings are a bit slim here in NY. The main reason for my question was this http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1994-Correct-Craft-Ski-Nautique-102062772" rel="nofollow - 94 Ski Nautique b/c of the new motor and interior. I'd prefer a fresh water boat for sure, but didn't want to pass on something that might fit the bill.
I didn't realize that these boats don't have heat exchangers like my 454s do. That sure is a big problem for any motor in salt water. The boat above is on a lift now, but who knows how often they flush or if they flush at all. Thank you both for the input! |
quinner wrote:Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 8:19pm
| Yikes, pass on that overpriced heap. Pickings are not slim at all... where have you been searching for used boats? |
Posted By: RobertV
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 8:38pm
Correct Craft forums (here & planetnautique), craigslist, boatertrader, yatchworld, & ebay. Is there somewhere else I should be looking? |
Posted By: dwouncmd
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 10:33pm
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I have to put in a plug for the 2001 hulls. While I don't currently use mine for wake boarding, I bought it with the possibility of wake boarding in mind one day (kids). The wake can be made better for wake boarding than it can for slalom or barefoot, but you can't get away from the wood in the boat. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6535&sort=&pagenum=2" rel="nofollow - 89 SN <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6567&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow">7 |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 10:57pm
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Hang around here. We have a very active group in the Northeast. Tell them what you want, and they'll find a boat. It's almost winter, so you have time on your side. Plus, boats are usually less expensive in the winter. My 2 cents: If you are buying a boat to use in fresh water, I would stay away from a salt water boat. Even though you can replace stuff doesn't mean you should. We're not talking about a twin 37 here. Typically, you will find more ski boats used in fresh water than not, and typically, you are going to save 2-4K tops. Just not worth it. Conversely, if you live on Salt Water, then buy a boat and use it. They are boats, they are meant to be used, not stored in the garage. Even if you lose a few thousand dollars because you ran it in salt, who cares? You bought the boat to use it. Once again, however, I'd buy a fresh water boat to start out. Why start out with problems when there are so many freshwater boats available. To go with a saltwater ski boat, I'd have to get some crazy stupid deal, and frankly at the price range of a 93 or 94 Nautique, there's not that much room to get crazy stupid low. BTW - I grew up on a Salt Water home. We used the same boat there for over 15 years. As mentioned above, 93 or 94 ski nautiques can be ok wakeboard boats,much better than any of those jet boats, but there are certainly bettter wakeboard boats. For very little extra, you can find a 93-97 Sport Nautique which is a better wakeboard boat. If you really search you can find some good deals on early Super Sport V Drives. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: backfoot100
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 10:58pm
Listen to what Tim is saying Robert. You're only looking at a pretty small area geographically. Keep in mind that there are lots of guys here that don't even think twice about driving a 1000 miles or more one way for a prime CC! There's a lot of them out there! You want a nice boat, be prepared for a road trip to get it. You would also be surprised at how a seller might be willing to meet you half way too. Another option is having one of us go to check out a boat for you. Many members here have gone out to look at, drive and ski a boat and have even arranged to pick it up and meet you along the way to help on delivery. It's happened more than you can imagine. You're really limiting yourself to stay in your geographic area unless you're really patient and in no hurry. ------------- When people run down to the lake to see what's making that noise, you've succeeded. Eddie |
Posted By: dwouncmd
Date Posted: September-17-2013 at 11:27pm
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All on Craigslist: There is a 95 ski with a tower listed at $11,000 in Charlotte NC... There is a 99 Super Air Nautique in Raleigh NC listed at $21k There is a 99 Ski in Franklin VA listed at $14,900 There is a 99 Super Sport Raleigh NC listed at $16,500 AND There is a 96 ski with a pylon in Asheboro NC listed at $12,500 Not to mention various 2001 hulls, mustangs, martiniuques, excels etc Good Luck! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6535&sort=&pagenum=2" rel="nofollow - 89 SN <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6567&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow">7 |
Posted By: RobertV
Date Posted: September-18-2013 at 1:52am
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Thank you so much for the input. As you can tell I'm a noob when it comes to these boats. I will widen my search not only model wise, but also location wise as per your recommendations. Cheers everyone. Robert |
Posted By: dwouncmd
Date Posted: September-18-2013 at 8:19am
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As Backfoot said, local members will often take a look at a boat you are interested in, which can save you hours driving to look at something that would not fit your needs. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6535&sort=&pagenum=2" rel="nofollow - 89 SN <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6567&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow">7 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: September-18-2013 at 8:33am
+1! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: JPASS
Date Posted: September-18-2013 at 11:01am
+2 Two of my buddies have SeaDoo Speedster 150s. They are both dogs when it comes to towing. Plus they can barely hold 4 people. He paid $20K+ for his new speedster. I paid $6K for a clean '92SN that we got from the original owner. Keep looking you'll find the right boat. ------------- '92 Correctcraft Ski Nautique |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: September-18-2013 at 12:21pm
OnlyInboards.com is a good one, BallofSpray and Ski-It-Again could also be worth a look. On this site you may want to subscribe to the craigslist finds thread. |
Posted By: RobertV
Date Posted: September-19-2013 at 11:51pm
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Thank you again everyone. I sure do like the layout of the 99 Super Sport w/ v drive. That boat in SC look pretty clean, but how is that price of $16.5k? I found out that we might be able to buy the family camp and that will put our boat buying on hold for now. BUT you know I will be posting here and asking lots of questions till I finally get my ski/wake boat. I'll start posting over in the general section since I've moved on from the fresh/salt water question. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: September-20-2013 at 2:43am
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Snag the camp and pick up a beater. You won't feel obligated to wipe it down and outlaw snacks and shoes! ------------- |
Posted By: dwouncmd
Date Posted: September-20-2013 at 9:03am
+1 I have thought a lot about completely restoring my 89 (new carpet, interior etc). I decided I would rather have a ski machine that wouldn't have me constantly fussing at my kids to be careful. Someday, I will sell it or maybe make a show boat down the line. Speaking of beaters, those 2001 hulls make good wake boarding boats  ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6535&sort=&pagenum=2" rel="nofollow - 89 SN <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6567&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow">7 |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: September-20-2013 at 9:59am
Outlaw snacks??? Who does that? I've met some meticulous guys around here with nautiquehunter at the top of it but even he allows snacks on the 210 and I've even been guilty of drinking a beer or two on it.  Heck, he even does body work on your tow vehicle with his boat trailer so he really isn't that bad. ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: OverMyHead
Date Posted: September-20-2013 at 10:14am
IMHO Boating and cheesy puffs are a match made in heaven. If the carpet isn't orange at the end of the day, your doing something wrong.  ------------- For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: RobertV
Date Posted: September-26-2013 at 2:35pm
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Have a lead on a 86 Ski Nautique 2001. Still getting the details, but I was told over the phone by a person that works for the owner of the shop the interior was new a few years ago, floor is solid and the Nautique trailer is road worthy. So I'm going to ask the normal questions when I get the shop owner on the phone since it is over an hour away: Hours Compression Anything above 120 with little variance between cylinders is OK right? Any trans issues Recent work done Hull beat up Last time on the water Any known issues Once I get the beast on the water: I presume these have a temp gauge what should it be at once warm? Going to feel for smooth steering Any other things I should check? Is there a PPI list that someone created for these models? They are asking $3950 I know a lot depends on condition, but I thought $3950 was a good place to start. Thanks for the insight! Robert |
Posted By: RobertV
Date Posted: September-27-2013 at 1:14am
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I found the pre-purchase checklist for 92 and earlier Correct Crafts. Hope to check out the boat this Saturday with a water test too. |