Baller Matt_M Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 Hi, I'm looking to buy a used ski boat but I'm not sure what would best fit my needs. Any recommendations or advice are greatly appreciated and thanks in advance! 1. It will only be used as a slalom tug so flat and soft wakes are my most important criteria (I usually ski 15 or 22 off at 32 mph) 2. It will only be used for free skiing and tracking isn't the most important to me. 3. I'm indifferent between inboards and outboards. 4. OB preferred but not required 5. ideally around 15k (20k max) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChadW Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 You can easily find a Ski Nautique 196 in that price range, especially the bubble backs. Awesome boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted April 16, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 16, 2015 Any bubble back SN 196 1997-2002. Bullet proof motor. Best wake period..especially longer lines and slower speed. Tracking should be very important to you as it makes the drivers life easier...the bubble back's got ya covered there too. Will give you decades of trouble free use. Don't even bother looking any where else. Ya, there are a few others that can meet your needs but wake for wake at the line and speed you're talking....they just don't compare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Matt_M Posted April 16, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 Thanks, that's one that I've been considering. Do you know if there's much difference between the slalom wakes of the TSC1 vs TSC2 hulls? I've read mixed reviews. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ilivetoski Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 2004 Malibu LXi. For your criteria, best boat you can buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted April 16, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 16, 2015 Yes, the TSC1 is better....well marginally..some say not so....others say yes it is. Plus you will start creeping past your 20k cap looking at TSC2 hulls...maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller GOODESkier Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 It won't matter between TSC1 and TSC2 hulls. Close your eyes and you couldn't tell the difference. I agree any 1997 and newer SN CB or OB will be great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChadW Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 I owned a 2000 SN 196 and my ski buddy has a 2002 LXi. Both wakes are awesome. The LXi is bigger/roomier and has an open bow. I'm partial to nautiques, but you'd be extremely happy with an LXi. My 196 drove and tracked a little better than the LXi, but if you need the space @Ilivetoski is right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Onside135 Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 @Matt_M…You can get a lot of ski boat for $15-20K. If I were in your situation, and was just looking for a slalom tractor, I'd set my sites on a TSC1 boat. More specifically, I'd try and find a '97 SN TSC1 w/GT-40 motor (I wouldn't mess with a carb'd boat, unless you are into that sort of thing). If you are patient, I'd bet you could find one well kept w/under 1000 hrs for $10-12.5K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Matt_M Posted April 16, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 Thanks everyone! Also, are there certain engines that I should avoid with either Malibu or Nautique? As far as the Nautique 196, @Wish , are you also referring the the PCM GT-40? I've also seen the 196s with the PCM Pro Boss 351 and Ford PCM 351 (not sure if there is any difference between the latter two). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 1997 Ski Nautiques or Mastercrafts in good condition are pretty hard to find for under $12K (at least they were for me in California) but you should be able to find a low-hour '97 for somewhere in the $13-$15K range. If someone is asking the higher side of that range it should have a trailer in very good condition with newer tires and fully functioning brakes and the boat should be pretty pristine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted April 16, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 16, 2015 Pick the GT-40 only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashman Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Keep in mind that the bubble back with a gt-40 has a loyal following and will hold value- I've had mine for several years and could sell it for what I paid. I ski regularly between my TSC-1 and my neighbors TSC-2 at -15 31-33 mph and don't notice a difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ MISkier Posted April 16, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 16, 2015 Don't know the hours on this one. http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=31678 The worst slalom equipment I own is between my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Onside135 Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 For reference…this time last year (April of 2014) I was looking at buying a mint condition 2nd owner 1997 SN w/right at 1000 hrs for $11,000. It didn't have a trailer and I couldn't find one quick enough. I was going to drive 22 hours roundtrip for it. I almost put it on a Wakesetter trailer, but wasn't sure it would work out. Anyhow, I missed out, but the deals are out there… Like @TallSkinnyGuy alludes to, sometimes the part of the country you are looking at is an important factor in price…for whatever reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersonicus Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 450hrs http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-Correct-Craft-Ski-Nautique-Open-Bow-GREAT-CONDITION-/131488127274?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1e9d4d992a&item=131488127274 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Matt_M Posted April 16, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 I know this is probably going to be controversial but what would you consider to be "low hours" and at how many hours would walk away from a boat? Also, what are other things that you would check when evaluating an engine? Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic. Thanks again for all the advice! I'll probably go with the 196 or LXi (depending on where I find the best deal). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Onside135 Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 Personally, 1000 hrs on a well maintained fuel injected motor doesn't scare me. The following links have discussed at length... http://ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/8734/hours-on-a-boat http://ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/12132/at-what-point-does-motor-hours-give-you-concern-in-a-used-boat-purchase Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 @Matt_M There are lots of boats out there from the 1995-2000 with under 750 hours on them and many with under 500 hours (I would consider under 500 to be low hours for a boat of that era). However, a 1000-hour boat that was well maintained could be much better than a 500-hour boat that was poorly maintained. When I was shopping for a boat of this era I was hoping to buy from an original owner who had good maintenance records. I ultimately had the owner take it to a trusted boat mechanic and I paid the mechanic about $175 IIRC to do a "used boat checkout service" which included compression testing of all engine cylinders. I also wanted a hull that had no significant damage and had not been beached. I've got a long list of items for a used boat inspection that I found on the Mastercraft forum. PM me with your email address and I will email it to you if you want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 Just found a link to a good "guide to buying a used ski boat." http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=257514&postcount=47 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Matt_M Posted April 16, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 Thanks everyone! This helps a lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 Depending on where you are, this is kind of an interesting option. Someone locally doing an EFI swap and new interior on a 1996 Response LX. 3 year warranty on the engine and the price is in the right ballpark. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4930403770.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fine409 Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 I think once you decide if having an open bow is a must for you or not, that should narrow down the crop of boats that will fit your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted April 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 16, 2015 One point to consider....you will find a number of boats in your price range that could use a little TLC. This can work to your advantage, or it can work against you. A hull with gelcoat that looks dull or chalky and graphics that have rub marks can be easily fixed up. Nothing a little wet-sanding and buffing won't fix. This might even allow you to negotiate a killer deal. For reference, I had my entire boat wet-sanded and brand new graphics put on for $700 (CDN). This is also something you can easily do yourself if you are so inclined. Interior...if the interior is coming apart at the seems or seems brittle...this is a different story. A full interior can run you 2,000-4,000 depending where you live. It's more work and more money than you think, when you first look at it. Of course, the more work you are willing to do, the better the deal potentially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakeski Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 My Dad and I were looking at the same list pretty much at the end of last season. We wound up going with a used 2000 MC PS190. We LOVE this boat! Great ski wakes, one owner boat, under 500 hours and got it for just over 16K. It was garage kept and in near-mint condition. Looks newer than our 08 Wake Setter. The key is just really making sure you are looking around and not settling for something that isn't in your list. With sites like BOS, Ski it Again, Craigslist, etc. it is easier to see whats out there, but the hunt is really exciting and frustrating all at the same time. Whatever you go with, I'm sure you'll find something great. Just a big fan of the Pro Star myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersonicus Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 Nice 1999 Nautique. Less than 400 hours!! boattrader.com/listing/1999-Correct-Craft-Ski-Nautique-196-652011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted April 22, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 22, 2015 @supersonicus - right in my town, don't recognize the lake it is sitting on though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersonicus Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 @oldjeep small world indeed. Us northerners don't have a long season but we do have nice options for low hour boats. That one looks really nice, asking top dollar and will need speed control though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted April 22, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 22, 2015 @supersonicus that dude is way over priced. If he gets that...I'm selling my 2000 with lower hours, better condition, perfect pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hitumup59 Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 hitemup59 1998 Ski Nautique 450 hours. Very nice and clean and babied. Trailer sand blasted and Line x'd in black. Sweet. If you have not found a boat, get in touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ The_MS Posted April 22, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 22, 2015 You never know what they will take until you dangle $$ in front of them. Toss out an offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller escmanaze Posted April 23, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 23, 2015 I have a 97 SNOB and I can attest to the very small wakes at conditions you mention. I run 30-32 mph most often at 15 off and the wakes are terrific. I actually got a boat with the "5.7 pro-ski" engine in it. It is fuel injected, but it is throttle body fuel injection instead of multi-port fuel injection. For this reason, it has less power than the GT-40, but I feel like I got it discounted for that reason, and even at elevation here in Utah, I never really even think about it having "less" power as it still gets me up and out of the water as fast as, if not faster than, any other boat I've ever skied. For 15-20k you shouldn't have any problem finding one in great condition. Good luck, report back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller brody Posted April 23, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 23, 2015 Look for an early 2000 response lx the wake is great and they handle batter than any boat out there. The nautique is great if you drive in a course but handles like a tank outside. They are built for driving a straight line only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted April 23, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 23, 2015 TSC's handle awesome outside of the course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rockdog Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 @brody I think you are the only person in all of history to make that statement, needless to say I disagree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller wskier Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 I have a 1999 snob . Nautiques do not turn at slow speeds like the flat bottom inboards but one thing the nautiques have over the other boats is tracking. My wife has never skied and my normal boat driver moved to Florida, She has no problem driving my snob she hated driving me behind my 1986 Supra comp ts6m. Boat will be up for sale soon, Family wants a v drive everybody surfs and I ski with friends with inboards. In Nor Cal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 The three boats I ski most are a '00 Response Lx, a '97 bubble butt and a 2000 bubble butt both with GT-40's. Love to ski all 3 though wake at 28 off opener better behind the Nautiques...shorter than that kind of a wash. Nautique built better, tracks better, FAR quieter, FAR better driver seating position to throttle, wheel, windshield. Rope never catches on the bubble butt and tapered platform. Nautique also has HUGE glove box space...seems kinda silly but sweatshirts/sweatpants, towels all fit in there nicely to keep out of the way and off the dash. They have a drain, too...so drop drinks and ice in there if you want not to mention the drained in floor cooler. Motor box is hinged off the floor so can open the motor box without getting ropes etc on the floor in with the motor or under the box when you set it back down. Response Lx has a trunk, more generous open bow than the open bow SN of the day, is a better footing boat, has the wedge option. The 2000 SN has tune-able rudder...nice. Overall in this vintage both are nice boats...but I take the SN to own if given the choice by a significant margin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Xpropman Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 Matt please call me . I have a 1998 ski 196 for sale 56 hours yes 56 hours 863-605-0340 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 Wow, how do you only put on 56 hours in 17 years?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller brody Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 I have driven a lot of different nautiques over the years including the tsc1 and 2 and now the 200's. I will take a Malibu for open water use any day of the week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller brody Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 To clarify, if I was strictly driving a course I would choose the nautique. If a boat tracks straight, that means that it doesn't want to turn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller aupatking Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 @Xpropman , IM @whitecaps . He was looking for a low hour TSC a while back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashman Posted April 24, 2015 Share Posted April 24, 2015 this one just popped up on SIA 1998 GT40 1050 hrs asking 12,500 http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=31913 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 That one has a great color scheme, but what's up with no coaming pads and rear seat at all? Decent price though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Mateo_Vargas Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 I like the text on that ad. This boat is worth a look! https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/4991810528.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted April 24, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 24, 2015 @"Mateo Vargas" nice find.. That's 10mn down the road from me. I'd be more then happy to take a look in person for anyone interested. I'll even do a test ride..... Just let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted April 24, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 24, 2015 this would make the perfect re-powered /ZOed Ski tractor http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=31913 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckyone Posted April 24, 2015 Share Posted April 24, 2015 I've got your boat.Orig owner 700 hours,perfect pass & well kept.2002 American skier pro,you can see at ski it again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted April 24, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted April 24, 2015 @"Mateo Vargas" someone flagged the boat add so it cannot be seen anymore. Bummer. I'm sure someone will jump on that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted April 24, 2015 Baller Share Posted April 24, 2015 @wish I doubt that the accessories were included Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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