tigadunner

Did you go-ahead and join the lake norman ski club yet? They have weekly evening skiing events on course on lake norman. Boat is provided by club members and they had a demo ski two summers ago too from Connelly. It's a good way to do what you want to do.

Join the Lake Norman Ski Club: https://lakenormanskiclub.com/

Thanks @jhughes @GAJ0004 @ALPJr for the comments. I will miss the awesome slalom wakes, but my overall family happiness level will increase with a crossover focused boat.

Thanks @Waternut . It was with a pro boat and then owned by a guy who didn't use it that much but did a great job with the interior. Now mine and hopefully someone else's by the Spring.

Updated post since November - I am selling my 97 Nautique. Ski it Again link: LINK 1997 Correct Craft Ski Nautique. Excellent slalom wake that performs as good as the new ones. Perfect Pass Star Gazer Three Event and Perfect Pass Precision Star Speedo. Boat is in Mooresville, N.C. Fuel Injected PCM GT-40 that was rebuilt last summer. Engine was completely torn down, vat cleaned, 5 angle valve job, new distributor cap, plug wires, belts, etc. 60 hours on new engine, 710 hours on boat. Other updates from the past year: Steering cable, ACME 422 prop, starter, high pressure fuel pump, fuel control cell, alternator, battery, bluetooth stereo. Entire interior was replaced by previous owner, has ~ 100 hours on it and is in excellent condition. Always changed oil on time, 93 octane/ethanol free gas, vented engine cover when storing after use, etc. Boat comes with matching Ramlin trailer, 1 year old full boat cover, Bimini top. Rarer (from what I've seen on the web) color scheme and gel coat is in excellent condition. I am selling because we need a bigger boat for lake family days. Next owner will enjoy the updates.

Great question and learning experience for me to always get a compression test before buying. I had engine issues right after buying the boat. After the 3rd time out (and first one with family) it stopped running 15 feet from the dock. Boat had several bad valves, so I got the engine completely rebuilt.

Just posted my boat today - so add this one to the list: http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=35103

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Comp_Boat&postid=35103 1997 Correct Craft Ski Nautique. Excellent slalom wake that performs as good as the new ones. Perfect Pass Star Gazer Three Event and Perfect Pass Precision Star Speedo. Price: $14,750 Firm. Boat is in Mooresville, N.C. Fuel Injected PCM GT-40 that was rebuilt last summer. Engine was completely torn down, vat cleaned, 5 angle valve job, new distributor cap, plug wires, belts, etc. 60 hours on new engine, 710 hours on boat. Other updates from the past year: Steering cable, ACME 422 prop, starter, high pressure fuel pump, fuel control cell, alternator, battery, bluetooth stereo. Entire interior was replaced by previous owner, has ~ 100 hours on it and is in excellent condition. Always changed oil on time, 93 octane/ethanol free gas, vented engine cover when storing after use, etc. Boat comes with matching Ramlin trailer, 1 year old full boat cover, Bimini top. Rarer (from what I've seen on the web) color scheme and gel coat is in excellent condition. I am selling because we need a bigger boat for lake family days. Next owner will enjoy the updates.

Thank you everyone.! I planned to develop a checklist...but, now I have a bunch to review and use.

Ballers - I bought a used 97 Nautique a few years ago, didn't do a good job inspecting/test driving it, and wound up doing a lot of repairs over the past year. It now a great boat, but we've made a family decision to get an open bow. I've learned a lot from the past year and plan to get a compression test, test drive/ski, run the engine and look for leaks, make sure buttons work, ect. But - I wanted to post this topic to get the infinite wisdom from BoS readers on other things I should do when checking out a used ski boat. I'm not worried as much about boat models (Mastercraft 197, Malibu LXI, etc).....just wanted to get feedback on things to look for..... Thanks!!

For something different....maybe try an old school/early 90's Tige 2000 slm.