trickski83 Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Hello! I'm new to the forum and I'd like your advice on my next boat... I do mostly slalom and trick skiing. I'd like a boat with a small soft wake between 24 & 29 MPH, no unnerving handling characteristics, and something well built & reliable. I'm a mechanic but I'd rather not have to work on my own vehicles too much. What boat best meets these specifications for $7000 or less? My local classifieds are loaded with 80s Nautiques, Malibus, and Mastercrafts for around 5-7K. I've only skied behind a couple comp boats, so I don't have enough experience to know what to buy. Also, should I go with a tried and true brand like Nautique, Mastercraft, etc... or would I be wise to look into an off brand like Hydrodyne? Thanks in advance!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller andjules Posted July 6, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2014 You'll get a variety of answers, of course, but here's my 2¢ (possibly overcharging at that) engines and transmissions and basic electronics all tend to be pretty standard.the biggest concern is structural wood in a 20-30 year old boat. If you go with a boat that has structural wood (stringers, floor, transom), it matters a lot how the boat was stored/treated. On a covered lift, or garage kept except when towed-to-the-lake is best.by the mid-80s, I believe Mastercrafts had no structural wood. 80s Mastercraft Prostars tended to have small slalom wakes but small trick wakes as well.it's butt-ugly (in my opinion), but if you look hard enough you might stumble on a Malibu Tantrum in that price range (1994-97, if I recall correctly). Had a cheap windscreen, cheap interior, but was on Malibu's groundbreaking (for the time) SV23 hull, and is the same hull as the (later years) Malibu Sportster. You can get a much newer boat for your dollar (but perhaps because it is so ugly). Also has no structural wood. Those are the two boats I'd be searching for, if it was me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted July 6, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted July 6, 2014 Mid to early 90's Malibu Echlan's r great boats. No wood.. Sitting in one now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickski83 Posted July 6, 2014 Author Share Posted July 6, 2014 Great point, avoiding structural wood in these old boats. Does anyone know if the old Malibu Skiiers have structural wood? Are the Skiiers any good in the first place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller andjules Posted July 6, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2014 @trickski83 can't speak to how good or bad they were, but they did have wood. Malibu eliminated wood beginning with the Echelon in 93, then the tantrum, the 'new' sunsetters (beginning in 95, I think), and the response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller andjules Posted July 7, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 and @Wish is right... if you manage to find an Echelon in that price range, that'd probably be the best investment. They had some kind of proprietary dash computer, so there is a bit of risk there (a little googl'ing/research should tell you how big-or-small of an issue), but a killer boat. Open bow versions will be above your budget, but closed bow can get down towards your $ range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickski83 Posted July 7, 2014 Author Share Posted July 7, 2014 I wasn't previously familiar with the Echelon, but sounds like a great boat based on my preliminary research. Pretty too. I'm going to put that toward the top of my list. There actually is/was a Tantrum for sale near me, but I have to second your opinion about the asthetics, andjules... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickski83 Posted July 7, 2014 Author Share Posted July 7, 2014 I found a nice 88 Nautique 2001 just a few miles from me. Are these any good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted July 7, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted July 7, 2014 Slalom no. Trick probably. Has wood floor and stringers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashman Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 @trickski83 where are you located? There may be several older but well cared for boats for sale in my area (central Indiana) soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller pgmoore Posted July 7, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 Regardless of which boat you end up with, the one defining characteristic I'd look for is an EFI engine. In that price range, you might have to hunt a bit. But you should be able to find one. The ability to just turn the key and have your boat start no different than your car/truck is amazing. No need to mess around with throttle, etc. For me, that's a must have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kstateskier Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 My first boat was a 90 Prostar 190. It had a 351 Ford in it, fiberglass stringers. It suited me just fine up to 35off where the spray became kinda bad. Boat tricked good and of course is one of the best slalom hulls ever built. You should be able to find plenty of these boats running around in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Waternut Posted July 7, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 Buy this and any direct drive boat will have a good wake tune-able to any speed you'd like. http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Bennett-X-14-Wake-Tab-14W-x-12D&i=71228 My boat feels like someone is taking a jack hammer to my spine with the wakeplate up but when I put it down, it feels more like a friends 2000 SN. I haven't figured out why these aren't more popular but everyone who's been behind my boat loves it when the wakeplate is down and hates it when it's up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted July 7, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted July 7, 2014 http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=19767 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porkfight Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 I would also consider the Supra Comp TS6M if it were my money. Prices can vary. The boat in the link in the previous post looks like a great deal too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted July 7, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted July 7, 2014 Owned a Ts6m. Boat was light years ahead of its time (80's) in design compared to all others. Skied great. But wood floors and stingers are a draw back. Late 90's they came out with a retro back to the 80's that was all glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted July 7, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted July 7, 2014 http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=27571 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller escmanaze Posted July 7, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 I think you are probably pushing your luck to try to find a boat that is both wood free and efi for that price range. Given your mechanical inclination, I would tend to prioritize wood free and plan on getting something carbed. In that case, the first boat I would be trying to scope out is a 91-95 prostar 190. Even at that, I think you'll be pushing it to get that under 7k, but if you search long enough... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted July 7, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 Agreed a 91-94 prostar 190. Carbs shouldn't bother you. 7k is tight my 94 was 9k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAJ0004 Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 A 1994-1996 Ski Nautique is a great trick boat. It is a good slalom boat, but you may not like it if you are used to skiing behind a newer one. The wake on it is flat, but hard. Mine is carbureted, but everyone thinks it is fuel injected by the way it runs. It is a good compromise if you need a boat that does everything. Put Perfect Pass in one and it is a snap to drive. It is still one of the easiest boats to drive if you have to pull someone manually through the course. There is one for sale on my lake. I think it is a '94. Silver cloud with teal and grey stripes, I think it only has 300 hours on it. I detailed it for the owner last fall. This boat is in mint condition. My boat has been very reliable. I also have a 1994 Ski Nautique. I have only had to replace 2 steering cables, an alternator, and a muffler through 1700 hours and 20 years of use. The rest has been detailing, tune-ups, and fluid changes. Not sure what the price would be on a 1994.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kstateskier Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 My 190 ran perfect with its carb for 10 years I owned it. Don't fear the carb, just maintain it properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Taylor Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 I just picked up a 92 Supra Comp Ts6m this spring. Amazing ski boat all composite 92 and after. Its carb but I turn key and it starts right up. I picked it up for $5600. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skihacker Posted July 7, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 imho the tantrum was a good looking boat as long as the original graphics were still on it. I'm somewhat biased as you have all guessed i'm sure. Mine had over 800 hours on it when i finally decided i deserved a windshield, it's cold in upstate ny in early and late season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller escmanaze Posted July 7, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 woops, my bad. @bracemaker is right. 91-94. I didn't know the Supra's were all composite after 92, so that could be a pretty good options as well and you would be more likely to find one of those in your price range. http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=30459236&cat=147&lpid=&search=mastercraft&ad_cid=4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickski83 Posted July 8, 2014 Author Share Posted July 8, 2014 Wow! I didn't expect to get so many great answers! It sounds like pretty much everyone agrees on the ProStar 190, Eschelon, and TS6M. With 3 boats on my list, I ought to be able to find a good one within a reasonable timeframe! Thank you everyone!! I'll try to find time to post pictures when I buy... hopefully that's very soon :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jhughes Posted July 8, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2014 I was in the same situation, in my case looking for a 2nd ski tug to leave at the lake house for short cash. I wanted the most slalom and trick boat for well under 10K I could get with NO structural wood and ended up with an 83 MC. 7500 but at concours quality. Slalom wake is good at all lengths. Not amazingly great or modern, but good. Same with the driving, not amazing or modern feeling but OK. Fairly lousy tracking and lots of spray. Really oddball ergonomics. In my case I wanted a carb boat so I could fix it if needed at the cabin out in the boonies no matter what goes wrong. If I were to do it again I'd save a bit more and go for a 93-96 SN. That's the no wake zone hull (90-96) but with no structural wood. Actually I'd even get a 90-92 for the right price with solid stringers. Those boats drive, ski, and track like a modern boat, something I miss a bit with the 83 MC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller RAWSki Posted July 8, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2014 You might find an (late 80s early 90s) American Skier, TBX or Volante (?) in that price range. Depending on your area and if there was a dealer selling them, there are several around here that seem to be very well built and very nice ski wakes. Of course there are a lot more Mid 80s Mastercrafts still going strong too and ski very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibumm Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=30255616&cat=147&lpid=&search=mastercraft&ad_cid=4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibumm Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=30555220&cat=147&lpid=62&search=&ad_cid=2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller RAWSki Posted July 9, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 9, 2014 That 84 looks sweet, love it go 'retro' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibumm Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 They are out there. My 94 centurion is still going strong. It has wood stringers with a lifetime warrantee and when I replaced my carpet last year I looked at the structure as I had read a lot of threads on nautiques getting new stringers. I took it to a well respected fiberglass shop to look at it and they drilled a couple holes and all is still as original according to them. They then repaired the holes and new carpet went down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted July 9, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 9, 2014 Do be suspicious of boats listed cheaper than they should be...lots of scammers out there. Just helped my bro source a boat and came across a number of scams. Some are really overt and obvious, some others offer a boat in pristine condition and it's out there for a few grand less than expected. Hard to not think wow what a good deal. Based on this, be suspicious of anyone selling for sad story reasons. Anyone who claims they cannot physically meet you and show you the boat. Anyone asking for some kind of wire transfer through ebay buyer protection or amazon services as a 3rd party. Anyone offering to ship you the boat as part of the deal (other than perhaps a reputable dealer) especially if there is some sort of guarantee to take it back if not as expected. It's all a bunch of poo. This all seems terribly obvious...but on one of 'em my bro who is not a slow guy and holds a high level exec job almost bit. He told me what he was arranging on a boat and I was like "NO, NO!" This is not razorskier1 by the way...I have 5 brothers (along with 4 sisters...crazy huh?). He now owns a nice Nautique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller foxriverat Posted July 9, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 9, 2014 Not all supras were all composite in 92 only ones with rounded windshield were. Squared off windshields were still wood in 92 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted July 10, 2014 Administrators Share Posted July 10, 2014 @rico The Ghost Boat is a 91 or 93 MC PS190.... I should know what year it is since I own it. Best trick wake ever and for a Perfect Pass boat nothing is better for slalom. I think T$ once said about that boat "it is like Free buoys". BABE’S ★ California Ski Ranch ★ Connelly ★ Denali ★ Goode ★ Mastering The Art Of Waterskiing HO ★ KDSkis ★ MasterCraft ★ MasterLine ★ PerfSki ★ Radar ★ Reflex ★ SLines ★ Stokes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted July 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2014 Currently have a late 80's and a 94 190 and use both. I will say if your lake is rough - the 94 is way smoother in chop than the 80's (drier too) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller RAWSki Posted July 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2014 The 94 is a great ski boat, I am behind one often I don't think there was a better slalom MC until this year. The late 80s were well made but a rough ride and are known on our lake as the "Aqua Massages' due to marble to near golf ball size spray pelting the skiers in any type of wind! OUCH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MISkier Posted July 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2014 Just skied behind a 1993 Stars and Stripes 190 at our club ski league. Very nice pull and soft wake for slalom - even slower speeds and longer lines. It is 285HP with a 4 blade and it gets the job done. I actually prefer ZO over PP, but that boat skied great. The worst slalom equipment I own is between my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted July 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2014 92 Prostar 190 $7,500 http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=27399 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted July 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2014 Another '92 Prostar 190 $8,200 http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=19767 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted July 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2014 A nice '91 Prosatr 190 w/ perfect pass for $7,000 http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=27909 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted July 10, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2014 Agreed, 91-94 Prostar. Paid $6,500 for my '91 the summer before last, with 400hrs. The slalom wake rivals anything built today, IMO, but the spray can get a bit hairy at times...just don't ski in a heavy head wind:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TylerR Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 I also suggest an early 90's Prostar. You can usually get them for for really cheap especially if the interior is trashed and you are willing to put in a weekend or two's worth of work with seat repair and new carpet. I've bought and resold a few over the last 6 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted July 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 11, 2014 This would nice, if you could beat them down on price? EFI:) http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=28646 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibumm Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 I don't think OP is that interested in this topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller foxriverat Posted July 12, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 12, 2014 92 prostar 190 932 hours but right in your price range $6900 http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/boa/4563688127.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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