Discussion
After a pub chat with my boat sharing chum we decided to upgrade from Fletcher Arrowsport 16" 90hp, to a Ski Nautique. That was Friday, he bought one on ebay on Sunday without viewing. So it's a 1993 looks in fair condition from the photos. Can anyone give me any pointers as to common problems I should look out for when collecting it.
Why wind the poor guy up? The engine will likely be a pcm version of either a small or big block chevy which are some of the cheapest engines for parts going. I run an 8.2 litre in one of my boats and they are bullet proof if used in ski boats. If you're really unlucky a whole new long block can be had for 2k.
Fuel wise the big blocks are on a par with a 200hp 2 stroke so you're not going to find that a problem as you know you going up a level in performance terms.
The nautiques are very solidly built boat and other than checking for dings and dents the hull form should be in good order at this age.
Most important is to check the condition of fixtures and fittings and the running gear as already stated. This is not a boat for sticking up a beach!
Check the trailer over as well to see that it is supported well and will go and off with no difficulties. If it doesnt fit then look closer at the hull because any boat that has sat in a poorly supported cradle will end up bending to that shape.
Fuel wise the big blocks are on a par with a 200hp 2 stroke so you're not going to find that a problem as you know you going up a level in performance terms.
The nautiques are very solidly built boat and other than checking for dings and dents the hull form should be in good order at this age.
Most important is to check the condition of fixtures and fittings and the running gear as already stated. This is not a boat for sticking up a beach!
Check the trailer over as well to see that it is supported well and will go and off with no difficulties. If it doesnt fit then look closer at the hull because any boat that has sat in a poorly supported cradle will end up bending to that shape.
Thanks for the replies, in the end we passed on the Nautique as the hours run meter had been removed and the seller became more and more evasive on answering questions.
So today we picked up a Mastercraft, its a Prostar 190 and in fine fettle, bought from a loving owner and runs really well.
Here she is, can't wait to get it on the pond.

So today we picked up a Mastercraft, its a Prostar 190 and in fine fettle, bought from a loving owner and runs really well.
Here she is, can't wait to get it on the pond.

Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff