Question re: 1997 "Air" Nautique
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48627
Printed Date: March-06-2025 at 4:10am
Topic: Question re: 1997 "Air" Nautique
Posted By: Mcdees84
Subject: Question re: 1997 "Air" Nautique
Date Posted: April-30-2020 at 4:25pm
|
Good afternoon all, My family is looking to possibly purchase a 1997 Air Nautique. I've looked at the 1997 brochure and don't see an "Air" Nautique, but a Sport Nautique. Is there such a thing as a 1997 Air Nautique, or are these just new graphics? It's open bow, has the 5.8 EFI 310 hp GT-40 direct drive. It's listed for $14.5k with all new interior and sound system, new tires, new prop and factory tower (which I can't tell if it's collapsable or not). Thanks for any advice! Matt |
Replies:
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: April-30-2020 at 5:09pm
Welcome aboard Matt. And yes, you're correct. The Sport Nautiques of that era were available with options such as: Wakeboard tower, taller pylon and ballast tanks. "Air Nautique graphics were also installed. My '99 Sport was set up just this way. See pic of my previous 'Sport'. The tower does fold forward by removing the aft mounting bolts. The tower then folds forward to the bow, where the cross bar rests on a rubber pad, as I recall. Not suitable to tow in this configuration, unless you strap the forward, but easy enough to swing forward for storage. Sounds like a reasonable deal for what you're looking at, depending upon hours on the boat. 
|
Mcdees84 wrote:Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: April-30-2020 at 5:30pm
|
Ultrarunner, Thanks for the reply and the welcome!!! I really appreciate that clarity. The listing doesn't indicate the engine hours, but I'm talking to the gentleman on the phone later today and probably going down to look at/test run it this weekend. From the pics, and maintenance he mentions, it seems pretty well taken care of. I'm actually more wary of low hours on an older boat. I''d rather it have been run and taken care of than sit, also just feel like someone is lying to me when they have a 20-year old boat with 300 hours. What hour range would you (or anyone else with knowledge) think is a good range for the $14.5K price on a 1997? Also, for anyone who might know, I currently have a 1988 SN 2001 (she needs restored and know one in my family wants to spend the time and money on that - new stringers and engine needs some work due to an unnamed family member running her too hot) how would the slalom wake compare? We ski courses occasionally and free ski like there is a course there (haha) - all of us run at 34-36 mph. Thanks again for any advice! Matt |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: April-30-2020 at 5:38pm
| Low hour boats from the north are common. When I purchased my '99, it was 10 years old and had 300-350 hours on it. The southern boats will have more hours, but these motors can go a long time! |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: April-30-2020 at 8:04pm
|
Matt, prices seem to be all over the place. And a cursory look at some recent ads on this site will show an approximate value range. Prices have come down the last few years, and folks still will generally pay a bit more for a lower hour boat. With that being said, a new interior on a Sport is every bit of 6 grand, from C & S Marine. I"d want to know if this boat has C & S skins, or done at a local shop. Big difference. Single axle or dual axle original steel trailer, or an aftermarket galvanized? Another big price swing. Perfect Pass or Zero Off? That's a pricey upgrade. What some folks would pay a bit more for, others would not, i.e, someone that trailers everyday might like that nice dual axle trailer, as opposed to someone that will keep it on a lift year round. If you like, post a link to the ad with some pics of the boat. Folks on here will be happy to give you an objective opinion. Really nice folks even offer to go take a look, if the boat isn't local to you  Again, with a high quality trailer in excellent condition, a new-ish looking boat that has been well cared for, with say under 1000 hours, and a quality CC new interior, PP or ZO, 14k is not unreasonable. Also, the Sports changed the decks a couple years later, I believe '99 was the first year for the large aft storage locker, and more of a 'walk-through' to the bow. Both those appeal to some vs. the earlier generation. Keep us posted Matt and shoot us the link to the boat so we can take a look. Mark |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: April-30-2020 at 9:17pm
|
Mark, Thanks for the added points to look into. Here is a link to the listing https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/184251422902190/?surface=product_details It's on Facebook, so hopefully anyone who wants to access it to comment can. The trailer is single axle and aftermarket, but that is not a huge issue to me. I'd prefer double, but it's not a deal breaker. From looking at the pictures of the dash, there does not appear to be a zero-off or PP. With all that, I'm very willing to be talked off the boat by those in the know. I know my '88 very well. But trying to discern all the hulls, engines, electronic issues of these newer boats and engines, potential transmission issues, etc., has my head spinning. I'm am most certainly appreciative for any help you great folks can offer. We are slalom skiers; us parents paying for the boat. Our kids would love to wakeboard and surf, but they aren't paying for it and quite honestly, we adults ski way harder than these kids will ever wakeboard. So the slalom wake matters a lot, but we really do want the most versatile boat and the wives are all wanting an open bow. Please pour your knowledge in to me (as I'm stuck being the researcher and boat finder). All the best and thanks in advance! Matt |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-01-2020 at 2:57pm
|
Hey Matt, I took a look at the ad. Definitely a Florida boat. My guess is it spent a fair amount of time outside, judging by how faded the dash pod appears to be. Likely the reason for the new interior. History of ownership? The tower appears aftermarket, but not necessarily a bad thing. Interesting it's advertised as a factory tower, as it's definitely different. Maybe you could spec your own. But if the boat delivered with the factory FC-1 tower, I'd take a look at what was done with original forward and aft mounts, as the town shown is mounted in different places than the original FC-1 tower. Did they just take the mounts off and leave the blank mounting holes? See the pic of my previous boat on the aft mount location. GT-40 is a good motor. How many hours? Service history? Any salt or brackish? I'd say it might be a bit overpriced, If it has a ton of hours on it and always sat in the sun...way less....again, depending on how it looks, condition, etc...when you see it.....keep us posted. Mark |
Posted By: cboland
Date Posted: May-01-2020 at 7:55pm
|
Matt, I upgraded from an ‘88 SN 2001 to a ‘99 Sport Nautique last year so I am familiar with what you’re looking at doing. The added room of the Sport compared to the ‘88 is very nice. It’s a very solid boat that still drives like a ski boat. 1998 was the first year they added a trunk to the back of the boat (between rear seat and the platform) and it SIGNIFICANTLY increases the onboard storage. The ‘97 you’re looking at does not have that so keep that in mind. The interiors of these boats are very expensive, so make sure you won’t need to invest in pieces anytime soon or negotiate that in. The GT40 is awesome, but it is definitely more sophisticated than the carb’d motor in your ‘88. If you do your own engine work understand that troubleshooting issues is a bit more complicated and with these engines now over 20 years old, the various sensors and electronic component can start to go bad, even on low hour boats. ------------- Bud 1999 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: May-01-2020 at 10:40pm
Somebody finally acknowledged that elephant in the room The "I'm having trouble with my gt40" threads get more numerous every year and without the right diagnostic tools life gets tough and aggravating. So for Matt, do a search on here about gt40 issues and you'll have lots of reading with long multiple page threads before you decide. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: May-01-2020 at 11:57pm
You just have to get the jump on everyone and start hording test equipment before the word gets out. Pennies on the dollar for what this stuff cost back when it was current.  ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-02-2020 at 10:17pm
|
All, Thank you for the wonderful advise and years of wisdom! I’ve tried to reach out the the gentleman about the boat, and were playing phone tag right now. There is another boat I found on here which from the one pic and description sounds great. He has someone who offered to buy it, but it might fall through. Price seems a tad high, but I don’t know with all the extras and how nice it looks. Don’t have any other pics yet, but what does this group think? http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forsale/details.asp?ID=9719&sort=&pagenum=1 If the link doesn’t work, it’s the 1994 SNOB for sale. Thanks again! Matt |
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: May-03-2020 at 1:04am
|
Don't be scared of the Black/White 1994 SNOB in Lousiana. Per the post, it only has 488 hours and has been garage kept. If you are currently running a 2001 series hull, the "slant back" hull (NWZ) will be a nice improvement in slalom wakes. I'm a little bit biased as my boat is a 1994 SNOB. JQ ------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-03-2020 at 1:45pm
|
Thanks re the SNOB. It looks beautiful, but waiting on more pics. Here is another we are looking at. We kind of have it narrowed down to the two above and this one. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2896978927054717/ This is a 1997, and interior looks great. Seller has been very honest and upfront. Low hours and new injectors installed, fresh water only and garage kept. Again, I really appreciate everyone’s insight, help and guidance, especially on price and value we might be getting for that price. |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-03-2020 at 3:45pm
|
Matt, posting links that are clickable is pretty easy, would make it easier for others, just click the link tab and it will tell you what to do. Anyway, you are looking at '97 Sports and a '94 SNOB. All will have better wakes than your 2001. If it was me, and of course I'm biased because I have a '98 Sport, I would look for '98 and up Sports. As several mentioned above, that trunk is a huge difference in stowing gear for a day on the water with a few adults and a few kids. All the life jackets, cushions, anchor, lines and fenders, etc. will all fit in there and you can fit a cooler and towels and backpacks too. It's huge. For slalom we try to empty it out because on these hulls the slalom wake is MUCH better with as little weight in the boat and as little fuel as possible in the tank. I've never been in a SNOB, have read that they are a tradeoff of a not very useful bow area that makes you lose cockpit space. Hope this helps. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-03-2020 at 5:00pm
|
Sorry about the links, I though they were clickable. Doing this on my phone so learning to navigate everything. I’ll be sure to fix that if I post any other links. Thanks for the info. Haven’t seen any 1998s pop up in my searches, but I’ll keep an eye out. Interesting point about the SNOBs bow. Any others any here have any more insight as to the SNOB bow? I know someone mentioned they own a SNOB, but my phone isn’t letting me see the whole thread to tag that person. Again, ya’ll have been tremendous! Thank you so much! |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-05-2020 at 12:53am
|
All, We are leaving this week to travel and see a beautiful 1997 sport nautique, the one linked above. The seller sent us video walk throughs and the gel coat is perfect and the interior is like brand new, they are C&S skins. 442 fresh water hours. We’ve agreed on $14,500 if we like it upon seeing it. I’ll let you know if we pick it up and post some pictures. If it falls through, there is a 1998 Sport Nautique that we’ve lined up and I told the owner we were looking at another boat, but if that fell through we would be moving on his. At the end of the day, 97 had a tower and 98 didn’t and the color scheme on the 98 didn’t satisfy all in the family. Thank you everyone in here for your help and advice! It made this process so much smoother! |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-05-2020 at 10:20am
|
Hi Matt, don't underestimate Bud's comments above re: the 98-later Sports with the larger rear trunk. Having previously owned a '99, I can agree. With that said, unless you absolutely have a need to carry a ton of gear, the slant-back should serve you well. IMO, the SNOB's OB is not a place for two adults and a long day on the water. Just an FYI also, the earlier gen Sports you're looking at have a slightly different couch that takes a curved jump seat. It's nice to have to allow a second person on the couch. Let us know how it goes. Mark |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-05-2020 at 3:15pm
|
Thanks Mark, and everyone else who commented. We really did take the trunk into account but the storage isn't a huge issue for us. We typically go to a lake for 2 weeks and have places on shore for storage, so we don't need to be able to haul everything for a 1-day excursion. And even on those days, just having a board rack on the tower and ski locker will be a huge improvement over our 1988. At the end of the day, when you're coordinating 8 different people on a boat to buy together, it is pretty difficult to find that boat that meets everyone's needs/wants. I wanted the 1998, others didn't. What I'm losing in the trunk I can live with and the boat we decided on had 300 less hours and is just a better looking boat. That made everyone else happy. We leave Thursday afternoon to drive up 10 hours north, see it in person with cash in hand and if we like, we will head home with it. If we do, I'll post pics and or videos if I can. If not, then I will keep on looking I guess. All the best to everyone! Matt |
Posted By: burban65
Date Posted: May-05-2020 at 4:55pm
|
Matt if you do not end up getting the 97 PM me as I have another lead for you to check out before you go with your second options. Good luck! ------------- SRB |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-06-2020 at 8:34pm
| Hey Matt, did you look at the '97 just south of Orlando that's in the for sale section here? Looks to be a good value with the recent work. |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-06-2020 at 8:58pm
| If you mean the forest green one, yes. The consensus the the buying party didn’t like the color. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-06-2020 at 9:10pm
That's too bad. I'd look the other way on any color for all-new running gear in a heart beat! Also meant to mention the one in KY is the first one I can recall seeing with Chevy 350. Didn't even know they offered it. Or, is it typo? |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-06-2020 at 9:36pm
|
Yeah, I would too, but I’m not buying this myself. It’s a family boat being split between my folks, brothers and sisters. Have to find the right balance between all those people and color matters to some in the group and their money is just as green as mine, so they get a say. It’s a GT-40 engine. Has C&S skins, gel coat is perfect and interior is perfect. He sent us 15 different videos walking around every angle of the boat and starting it up cold. All in all, it checked all the boxes for everyone chipping in. If I had my own $15k in cash right now, I would have picked a different boat, but In these times, I’m not spending a large chunk of my emergency fund to buy a boat for myself when we all always use it together anyhow. I can settle and be happy with the 1997, as it will be better than what we have. If in 2 years we are all in a diff place financially, I trust we will have gotten our value out of this boat and then move on to something a little newer and with more storage. I took all your comments and knowledge and lobbied hard for a 1998, just couldn’t find one that made the group happy as a whole. Such is life. It’s a Nautique after all, it’s not like we’re making a bad decision. We not buying a MC ;-) I’ll let you know if we bring her home. Hitting the road in the am. Thanks again everyone!! |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-06-2020 at 9:52pm
| Yeah, I get all that Matt, you've got a large group to contend with. But all-in-all, a plenty inexpensive way to get into a good boat. When are you headed to TN? Sounds like a good one there too. |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-06-2020 at 9:58pm
| Leaving bright and early tomorrow morning. |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-07-2020 at 7:36pm
|
Hi gents, Quick question regarding HIN. I know the last 4 characters indicate the year built. If it says 95, would that make it a 95 model, 96, or could it be a 97? |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: May-07-2020 at 7:47pm
|
Actual model year, in the example below it's an 1988 model built in April of 88 Go down til you see boats made after August 1 1984 or later in that link- Look for this - ABC 12345 D8 88 https://www.hinsearchplus.com/hs_userguide.aspx" rel="nofollow - link ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-07-2020 at 7:57pm
|
Yeah, the HIN on this boat is CTC54046H495 So am I correct that it’s a 1995 model, built in March 1995? |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-07-2020 at 8:00pm
Hey Matt, look at your decoder and see what month it was built. That'll tell you. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-07-2020 at 8:07pm
|
Matt, here is what your looking at: CTC (manufacture) 6808x (production serial num.) L5 (month and year built) 96 (marketed year) So, in the example above, my boat, the "L" corresponds to a December build, and the "5" indicates the build was in 1995. And obviously 'sold' as a 1996 model-year boat. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-07-2020 at 8:12pm
No Matt, "H" is the month (August), the number immediately after is the year "4". So, an August 1994 boat build. Sold as a 1995 model-year boat. https://www.marinetitle.com/aspnet/hinum.aspx?hinum=CTC68083L596" rel="nofollow - Boat Hull ID decoder ring I think I got that right. Someone please chime in if I'm incorrect. Mark |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 12:47am
|
Well, long day driving, glad we have family nearby to crash with. After finding out the guy misrepresented the year (he listed as 1997 and it’s a 1995), we expected a price reduction but he wasn’t willing to. He wasn’t a jerk, but certainly wasn’t humble or apologetic or very nice about our 9.5 hour drive to find out it wasn’t what he said it was. His reaction was what’s the difference, 2 years in a 20 year boat. The boat was nice for a 95, but not for the price he was asking and we decided to walk. Lesson learned. Pics of HIN well in advance now. Also, now that we walked away, I can convince the other members to go for a 98 or newer. Got my eye on two already. A nice 98 sport and an 04 206 that we might not be able to afford. Again, I really want to say thank you to everyone and your quick and thorough responses. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 1:27am
|
Geez Matt, this is disappointing to say the least, on a several fronts. With that said, you and your family will prevail. We know you’ll keep us posted. Do a search or post a separate question re: the later boats...somewhere around 2000-ish, there was a change to an electronic keypad, and they were known to be problematic (can’t start your boat). But I’m not sure how long that issue persisted. Safe travels, Mark |
Posted By: cboland
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 9:36am
|
Matt, sorry to hear about your trip not bearing fruit. Having made a long distance trip a couple times I’ve learned two things: 1) the boat always looks better in pictures than in person and 2) even if it’s not exactly what you thought you were getting, it’s really hard to walk away after investing the time and expense of making the trip. So, good for you for sticking to your guns. Be patient and don’t settle. The right one will come along eventually. A key is your willingness to travel which you clearly are. I think your sweet spot will be a 98 or 99, the only difference between the two being that 99 went to a true walk-through open bow. As pointed out above, in 2000 they went to digital gauges and keypads which were cool at the time, but now seem very problematic. A 20 year old engine with electronics (GT40) is enough “risk” for me. I don’t need issues occurring on the dash too, so I chose to go with a ‘99. Good luck! ------------- Bud 1999 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: C_Heath
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 11:45am
I purchased a 2000 Air In feb of this year, the interior was one year old and it has 604 hours. Its pretty nice with a huge sound system. 8 speakers and a 12" sub and 1000 watts of power and a tower. $16500 ------------- 1979 Calipso Runabout (the boat that got it all started) 1988 Mastercraft ProStar 190 (sold) 2000 Pro Air Nautique/GT40 |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 1:39pm
|
Just to clarify, Chris's 2000 is a Pro Air, I think the boats being considered are all Sport or Air Nautiques, meaning direct drive. Chris that sounds like it was a great deal on the Pro Air, they tend to get a higher price than the direct drives. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 1:42pm
|
Wait hold that thought, in Chris's signature it says 2000 Pro Air, but in his diary it says 2000 Air Nautique, and I think I was mixed up in my mind with a Super Air. Sorry for the confusion. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 4:45pm
|
Hey Matt, in case you didn't see it, a 2002 Sport came up on our site today. Quite a hike for you, but looks to be a good value on a later-model. Mark |
Posted By: burban65
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 5:45pm
|
Mark, Not sure that 2002 Sport is really for sale as the comment notes: "Wifey decided since it has not sold to keep it for another season, sorry" ------------- SRB |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 5:57pm
| Ah, didn’t open the ad... |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 6:21pm
|
I tried reaching out that gentleman twice. Once two weeks ago and again last week, by email, phone and text. He never responded. I think maybe he didn’t really want to sell it. As to the electronics issue in early 2000 models, do you know about when that was resolved. I’ll do some more research once I get home, but didn’t know if you had quick info or a link. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: May-08-2020 at 6:31pm
|
It was resolved by replacing the gauges and that's why the hours on these boats are always suspect if it has new gauges unless the owner has documented proof. The engine's computer on Ford powered boat does not record hours like the Chevy's do. But to read a Chevy you need dedicated test equipment. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 1:06pm
|
Happy Monday all! After the long drive and disappointing results, took the weekend mostly off from looking for boats. Did run across this today- https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/396974634303393/?surface=product_details. Sorry if it isn't linked in the post, tried hyperlinking it but don't know if I did it correctly. I've read mixed reviews about the slalom wake behind a 216, but wondered if anyone in here had any experience they could share and also if if would be better than a 1998 2001 hull which we're used to. With our current 1998, we are used to a decent sized bump. As always - your replies are greatly appreciated! %20https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/396974634303393/?surface=product_details" rel="nofollow - SN 216 |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 1:20pm
| It won’t be better than a 1998 |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 1:23pm
|
Matt, don't you mean 1988, not 1998? ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 1:52pm
|
Sorry - yes, typo. I meant better than my current 1988 SN 2001. Ideally, we're zoned in now on a 1998 sport/air nautique or a 206 (206 probably out of the budget). But this 216 popped up today and I just wondered if anyone had experience. If this becomes a serious contender for us, I'll prob ask for a test drive and take my ski with me and some gas $ and just test it out for myself. But, It's a 4.5 hour drive and I'd like as much info ahead of time. Also, can anyone teach me how to insert a clickable link - i'm failing miserably and couldn't find anything in the FAQ to teach me how to do it. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 2:04pm
|
Matt, I can't speak for the 216 wake issue. With respect to inserting click-able links: When you click the 'reply' button to a thread, just above the text window is a row of editing buttons and icons.... The 4th from the left is a globe with a paper clip. Click that (you will have already 'copied' the link you want to post to your clip board). Once you click that globe, you're asked to "name" your link, i.e, 1998 Sport on CL. Once you name it and click OK, another identical window pops up where you "paste" the link you previously copied, and click OK. The clickable link now appears in your text window. MS |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 2:05pm
|
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/396974634303393/?surface=product_details" rel="nofollow - 216 Might be easier for you to got to the advanced editor, which is the arrow pointing up and to the right on the quick reply box. Then click on the globe with a chain link on it to insert hyperlink. A box comes up with screen display text which will be what we all see, click OK and then a box comes up to paste in the hyperlink. Hope this helps. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 2:10pm
| Thank you gents. http://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/396974634303393/?surface=product_details" rel="nofollow - Let's see if I did this correctly |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 2:12pm
|
I've never been in a 216. Some years ago I assumed it was the later version of the same Sport hull but was told here that it is a different hull, not as slalom wake friendly. Hopefully someone with direct experience will comment on it. For me, a 21' Sport/Air hull would be the "worst" slalom wake I'd consider. Like I said earlier, it's quite good when lightly loaded up. To go to something not as good as a sport for someone focused on slalom wouldn't make sense to me. I guess what I'm saying is if you're set on needing an open bow, and guessing your budget from your comments, I'd narrow the search to the '98 to early 2000's Sport/Air or look at a newer 206. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 2:20pm
|
Linky worky!:-) Nice looking boat. But might be over-kill if you're primarily going to slalom. With that said, it's a great all around boat for skiing and wake boarding. And a 10k price swing from what you've been looking at ;-) |
Posted By: C_Heath
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 2:49pm
lol yea its a direct drive, not a super air. Good Eye! ------------- 1979 Calipso Runabout (the boat that got it all started) 1988 Mastercraft ProStar 190 (sold) 2000 Pro Air Nautique/GT40 |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 3:53pm
 I know all the adult men want a good slalom boat. But we have 12 kids among us that are more into wakeboarding, tubing, and probably eventually surfing. I didn't know if this boat could get close enough to satisfying us "getting older every day" slalom skiers and the young lads/lasses that want to do other stuff in the water.
|
Posted By: lewy2001
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 9:57pm
|
The Pro Air hull is different to the Sport/Air hull. Which is different to the Super Sport Vdrive that was latter named the Super Air Nautique. The Pro Air is a centre mount still but the hull is totally different it has strakes and a couple of more funny shapes that was aimed at wakeboarding. The consensus was that it did not produce a better boarding wake than the Air/Sport and the slalom wake suffered. ------------- If you're going through hell, keep going http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2999" rel="nofollow - 89 Ski <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5685" ta |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: May-11-2020 at 10:58pm
|
My ski buddy has a 2005 216 and I have open water skied it many times. He has stated he feels my sport has a better ski wake than his boat. My daughters also felt the same difference. I did not feel a big difference, but the wake on the sport is slightly better. Disclosure: My boats have pulled skiers at Cyprus Gardens, but I have not skied at Cyprus Gardens or Lego Land either. ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 12:35am
Shipping and import fee's must have been enormous Donald. Was there a Lego Land on Cyprus too ? What are the chances of a Cypress Gardens here and a Cyprus Gardens overseas? And then to top it off a Lego Land is now on both sites? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 12:42am
|
Ok Matt, here's the deal... You and your mates want and NEED a slalom boat. This boat needs to be able to haul around folks on the dark-side when needed. You also NEED space for a day on the water with more than a couple of people, so an OB makes sense. With that said, all things being equal, which is rare, you can ALWAYS make a slalom boat into a WB boat by loading up the ass-end with weight. Folks been doing it for decades, as you know....fat sacks, ballast tanks, towers, and so on. But here's the catch...you can't take that same wake-board designed boat and turn it into a machine to run the course. Not-going-to-happen. So, since it is generally accepted that a SNOB is just not going to provide the space, my opinion is, and remember, it's worth just what you paid, is that you get a straight Sport Nautique. Not one with the wake package, which was ballast tanks and such, that we've already discussed. This will be as light a boat you can get in that size and with the space you need, and with a boat with an adequate wake on the course, all things considered. If you get a round-back, you'll have the trunk and you can just load that up with all the dead-weight, pop on the fly-high pole, and haul around the other crew. It's much better than trying to weight up a slant-back with several folks on board. Easy-peasy... You're welcome! MS |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 12:57am
| Haha ultrarunner, I love it! It is easy peasy. I’m pretty settled on 1998-2002 sport. Now just finding a good one somewhat nearby. Being patient is hard right now...that is for sure. Edit - a good one EVERYONE can agree it. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 1:07am
|
Yep, a strait Sport in that vintage will serve you well. And there's some out there. Hell, if it were not for this social-distancing crapola we've got going on, I'd take the road trip. Geez, I'm a pilot by profession. I'm not built for this staying-at-home crap, and the home-schooling that goes along with it. I NEED A 4-DAY! And soon! That feels better:-) Thanks for listening. |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 1:17am
 That's what I've done, have used the fly-high (mine's a Flightpipe) a ton over the years. Though mine had the factory ballast it was removed before I got the boat. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 10:58am
|
I was in the same boat (no pun intended) Sold my ‘95 SN slant back and went on the hunt for a boat with more room/storage/OB yet still a decent ski wake and hopefully under 18K That narrowed the search to the Sport but “Household 6” didn’t want the play pen up front so that narrowed it to ‘99 - ‘o2. After several wasted drives (I guess my idea of good/excellent condition must differ from others that don’t subscribe to this site) and a year later, I finally found a 2000 Sport an 8+ hour drive away in Kentucky and if it wasn’t for the price being adjusted I would’ve wasted another drive. I think for the things you want out of the boat that’s the model you should concentrate on. It has the TSC hull which when lightened up skis real nice and yet you fill up the trunk and throw in some bodies it is a decent wake for the kids plus plenty of storage and room for guests with a tower or an extended pylon. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 8:11pm
| Matt, check your PM |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 9:56pm
Hey Matt, this will get you started till you get approved on the FB page:
|
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 10:16pm
| ^^^^Way to much money for a ‘99 with 1300+ hrs and only a carb motor !!!! |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-12-2020 at 10:39pm
Yeah, maybe a couple grand. But it's worth what they get for it ;-) |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 11:01am
Yep As Dominic pointed out in his Long Horn thread when he found the original bill of sale, they weren’t much more than that new. I guess we can all say that’s a good thing how Correct Craft holds their value as compared to the rest of the manufactures out there, where a 21 year old boat is selling for just a couple K less than original price. To me that’s still a hard pill to swallow knowing parts are starting to get hard to find And they are still commanding top dollar. Guess you just have to weigh the alternative which is 90K for a new one. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 11:05am
| It doesn’t matter what they sold for new, $40k or $4k. |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 11:31am
This has been a hard pill for us to swallow as well. I started looking back last summer and was a little shocked at the prices. If you think that approx. 2005 era go for $25-30k, that's just crazy to me; for a boat around 15 years old. Goodness, a 20 year old vehicle used to qualify for an antique license plate. I think the thing keeping the prices so high is the purely insane cost of new boats. When you're talking about $90k-200k for a ski/wake/surf boat, it's like the market has gone bananas. That is the price of a decent yacht. Very few people can realistically enter that marketplace, making the used market artificially high. Add to that, NADA guides don't seem to line up with the prices people are asking, i.e., NADA says $10k-12k for a boat, and the market is asking $15-20k. It's been a learning experience and somewhat difficult to navigate. It's a big reason why I'm so grateful to you all for helping me through all this. |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 12:11pm
I think it does, besides the housing market (in the right area) this is the only market where a 20 year old object only depreciates a couple K |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 12:32pm
|
I'd agree. Having said that, I'm on my third ski boat since 2006... American Skier - Ron Tanis version ;-), my previous '99 Sport, and now my '96 SN. Made money on the fist one, "even" on the second (after 4 years of use) and I don't doubt I'll be even on the current one when the time comes. They do hold their value, a good thing. The first two, I purchased from the original owners. Current ride had one additional. At the end of the day, I'd always pay a bit more for a good-history, well maintained boat, as I think I'll get most of it back. It's worked so far. YMMV |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 1:06pm
Yeah. I think the lesson I'm learning from our experience is to get out of the boat a little sooner. Our '88 has served us well, but we held on to her too long and now have to essentially start over. From now on, I think we will look to move on to another boat every 4-6 years to stay nearer the market price of resale vs. new purchase of used SN. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 1:28pm
| Any scoop on the boat in CLE? |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 1:55pm
|
Kind of by definition, a used market is never "artificially" high or low. The market sets the prices, the prices are correct if people pay them. New Nautiques and similar being 80 to 150k is the same - people are paying it, total unit sales are relatively small, that's just what the market it going to be. Over the years we've discussed here "why doesn't someone make a $50,000 direct drive ski boat, bare bones but capable?" Well the answer is pretty clear, the market research and sales results say it wouldn't make sense, better to sell more 100k boats and not dilute the market. If absolute best value is the goal, we'd all buy 1993 NWZ for slalom. No wood, easily rebuildable drivetrain, could run forever with modest expense. But we look at what "more" we want in a used boat, whether it's size or open bow or better wake or more power or whatever, and find what we can afford and go for it. IMO there is zero comparison between car prices and boat prices. last thing, we are talking about a family looking for a '99-'02 Sport. If I had to guess, in the entire country, are there 20 people actively looking for that boat? Or maybe 30? Can't be many. And how many are for sale, maybe 25 or 30? Talk about a thin market. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 3:39pm
No. I didn't reach out. I do appreciate the lead, but after looking at it, the price they're asking, the distance from us (15 hours each way) and the look made me say I'll wait and see what else we can find first. We are headed down to look at this one on Friday. http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forsale/details.asp?ID=10097&sort=&pagenum=4" rel="nofollow - 1998 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 5:08pm
|
Don’t blame ya Matt. Yeah, I saw that Sport pop up. Looks like a nice one. BTW, it’s either 310hp or 320hp if it has the Apex GT-40. Not 330hp ;-) |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 9:51pm
| GT-40 is 310 stock HP |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 10:05pm
Correct Gun.... What was the change in the Apex GT-40 that got another 10HP over stock? |
Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 10:17pm
I think the Ford was turned into a Chevy to become an Apex
|
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 10:20pm
| Ahhh....well, just goes to show how much I desire to be educated in the 'other product offering' ;-) |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-13-2020 at 10:37pm
|
Ford GT-40 310 HP Chevy Apex 320 HP Chevy Excalibur 330 HP |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-16-2020 at 1:28am
|
Well everyone, I think we found our next boat today. It’s the 1998 sport masters edition I linked a few posts above. It’s been excellently maintained and boy am I glad you guys pushed us toward a 1998 instead of a 1997. So much storage in that trunk!! We actually didn’t like the look of the interior from the pictures, but we were already 4 hours south buying a trailer for our 1988 SN 2001 and we decided to drive an extra 1.5 hours just so we could at least get a feel for what a 98 felt like inside. But seeing it in person, it’s a beautiful boat and we took it out on the lake and it’s just awesome!! We already had one trailer on the truck, so couldn’t take it home today, but we put a deposit down and will head back down next week sometime to pick her up. Once I get the pictures sorted, I’ll post some here. Thank everyone, especially @ultrarunner, for all your help and guidance!! Truly, you have all been so helpful and wonderful. We are all so excited to soon have the next new family boat. |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: May-16-2020 at 2:33am
|
Congrats on finding a boat you like! We will pretty much have twins, though not sure what a masters edition is. That boat has some extras that you'd spend more than a few bucks on, already having an Acme 422, pop up cleats, by observers chair I assume he means the center insert seat, I paid a few hundred for mine if memory serves. Nice find. I chuckled when you said you brought the 2001 trailer home and left the new Sport. I'd have ditched the empty trailer somewhere and brought the boat home!  ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: fanofccfan
Date Posted: May-16-2020 at 10:44am
|
+1 on old trailer ditch idea! ------------- 2004 196 LE Ski 1969 Marauder 19 1978 Ski |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-16-2020 at 12:33pm
|
Congrats Matt! That looks like an excellent boat. Not having the built-in tanks is plus in my book. Less to break, lighter in the rear, and more storage when needed. Looks like that boat came with some nice upgrades, as others mentioned, when originally spec'd. Would that be what 'Masters Edition' means? Can't wait to get a Florida trip and check it out! ;-) |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-17-2020 at 7:34am
 ------------- /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: Donald80SN
Date Posted: May-18-2020 at 12:34am
|
I believe the Master's Edition is the gel color. The color of the boat makes it a Master's Edition. ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-18-2020 at 2:25am
| Correct, apparently the masters edition was the color scheme for that particular year and model. We are very excited about the boat and he came down quite a bit in price as well so we feel really lucky and the whole family is excited. We will head down this week to pick her up. Thanks again so much everyone. I just went back and read my first post in this thread and with research and all your help and guidance, I kind of chuckle at that post now and how much more I know about this era SN now compared to then. I really feel that without all your help, we wouldn’t have found this boat. You really steered us in the right direction! Thanks again! |
Posted By: Mcdees84
Date Posted: May-18-2020 at 5:30pm
|
Back with more questions... Anyone have experience with putting a tower on their SN? And if anyone has experience with the 1998 Sport Nautique, would love to hear from you. We've looked at New Dimensions, Samson, and Aerial. Aerial is the cheapest as it's a universal fit, but I'm concerned that I can't really find any reviews outside of their own website. New Dimensions has the OEM look, but I'm not sure we're a huge fan of the look. The Samson is the most expensive. One key consideration for me, aside from safety and stability (don't want to hear a ton of squeaking) is that the barefoot boom can still be used to teach our kids to barefoot. It seems the Aerial tower would make entry/exit from the boom into the boat extremely difficult due to the location of the rear tower feet. Anyways, trying to gain some wisdom from anyone else's experience on here. Thanks! Editing to Add links for anyone who wants to see what we're looking at. https://aerialwakeboarding.com/gallery/review-1996-correct-craft-sport-nautique" rel="nofollow - Aerial Assault Tower https://www.newdimensiontowers.com/towers/nautique/1998-2002-Air-Nautique/" rel="nofollow - New Dimensions Tower https://samsonsports.com/portfolio-posts/nautique-wakeboard-towers/" rel="nofollow - Samson Tower Looking at the Edge model. |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: May-18-2020 at 9:39pm
|
Lots of Samson towers in my area, likely as the factory is relatively local. They're nice from what I've seen. they custom make each tower, so if you need them to accommodate the BF boom, i am sure they could (if it isn't made for it already) |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-18-2020 at 11:21pm
|
Holy crap that Aerial Assault tower looks like a fricken shrimp troller. Way to busy IMO I personally don't care for the after market towers, keep your eyes open Stock towers pop up every now and then especially in Fla. You can grab a used extended pylon to get you going. I picked this one up off PN out of Indiana complete with a Tower Bimini 
|
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: May-19-2020 at 12:21am
|
Maybe I'm a purist, but towers are for wakeboard boats. Took mine off the day I got my Sport, and it was still wrapped up the day I sold it. My WB buddies had the pole when I hauled that bunch. Unless you need a good amount of board storage, over and above what you have in the Sport already, or you need a place for the massive boom-box speakers, the pole will do what you need, not get in the way of the boom and a Bimini can easily be modified to accommodate the pole. Savings? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ You're welcome
|
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: May-19-2020 at 10:52am
|
You are in Florida and that seems to be where I see the most used Flight Control Towers seem to be available. Use an extended Pylon until one turns up. Then take it too a powder coating shop to get the color you want and to freshen it up. I drove to Boston from NC to get the factory FCTII for my sport. JMO, ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |