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What brand of ski boat should I buy?

Whats a reliable brand ski boat in the 1980s?

  • im kinda new to boats but i was wondering what brand of ski boats makes a long lasting and reliable boat i heard ski natique and mastercraft make long last ski boats im looking for something in decent running shape for about 8 to 9 grand nothing crazy something to get on the lake and have some fun just wondering what models of boats would be a good bet on reliability thanks for any responses

  • Answer:

    The boats you name are/where very good for 20+ year old boats. However I often say in used boats it's all about the engines. On ski boats the common engine in the 80's where big block 454CID V-8's which where gas guzzlers back then. (and still are). So, you are asking about reliability. Those two things don't often go together. The price of used boats are at all time lows, so your $8K will get you a newer very nice boat. I would look at much newer boats, that have a V-8 5.7L EFI Engine. It has almost the same power as an older 454 V-8 but 20% better fuel economy. Something in the 24 ft range. Not necessarily a dedicated ski boat. I'm thinking Chaparral, but I note asking prices are unreasonable given the market place. If you look hard on craigslist etc. you might find bargains. I wouldn't rule out even a Bayliner. I know of a 2005, 26'Capri that is available below $10K.......just how far below is a good question. Remember it's all about the engine, so you must have an in the water test run at speed for at least 30-40 min. Get something big enough for your family to enjoy. There is a lot more wake boarding and tubing now than skiing.

Ryan Jones at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Correct Craft (Ski Nautique)

Terry G

while many of hte boats built in the 80's were great boats back then, today they are mostly all junk. unless its aluminum, 30 years is OLD for just the hull. fiberglass boats also use wood as the main structural material. moisture gets into the wood and it starts to rot and weaken. doesnt matter how well it was taken care of, it happens to all fiberglass boats. and aluminum isn the perfered hull material for ski boats..... sanger is just about the highest quality ski boat brand on the market today. in this economy, you should be able to find a 20XX boat for sale that is in far, far better shape then even the nicest 80's boat will be in. and you should be able to find one in your stated budget. just a couple of things, when buying ANY used boat, maintence records, actual test drive on the water, and a mechanical inspection. the mechanical inspection is like getting a physical with your doctor. fairly quick and inexpensive, it will catch any major problems. pay for it yourself, if there are problems that cost thousands to fix, you are only out about $100 when you dont buy the problem filled boat. any seller who is unwilling to allow you the chance to protect yourself from buying junk is selling JUNK and is looking for a SUCKER.

Cliff

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