1997 Air Nautique

Derek03 · Newbie Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 9

I am looking at trading my I/O for a different boat. I found a 97 air nautique locally and was looking for any information on it.
All it has listed is Powered by a PCM GT-40 320hp V-Drive engine, AM/FM/CD with Tower speakers, Built in ballast system, Factory wake board tower. I am trying to look it up on NADA and find out if it is a good price or not. I cant find a air nautique under 97. I dont know the difference in hulls but I know a guy that bought a ski nautique and put the AIR sticker on it. I just want to make sure I am getting the right boat and something that will put out a respectable wake. Here are some pictures.

Cornut · Criminal Joined: 07 Aug 2004 Posts: 75 City: Richardson

What you've got there is a '97 Super Air Nautique; one of the most respectable wakes ever. You'll have a hard time doing much better than that.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Technically what you have is a "Super Sport Nautique." If you're looking for the NADA pricing guide:
http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-24-38-5694-0-0-0&l=1&w=24&p=38&f=5697&m=0411&y=1997&ml=C&gc=MR&gtc=MR&d=1600047842

The Super Sport and the "Super Air 210" are essentially the same boat. They increased the freeboard later though but below the waterline the hull is the same as the renowned SAN 210.

I'd expect to pay $23-27k for that around here. Condition looks good.

Sinkoumn · Posted: Apr 04, 2007 5:23 pm Post subject:

Rust rust rust Sad

, the teak platform hasn't been taken care of Crying or Very sad

, I'd be careful with this boat for sure.

But they are the best hulls in the game - but I'm Biased Very Happy

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Sinkoumn, other than the hydraulic lifting arm for the engine cover, where do you see rust? And as for the teak, many people just don't know that you are supposed to maintain it, or how to.

We need more info on this boat, like what Erik requested.

E.J. · Ladies Man Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 7597 City: Mogadishu

Super Air's suck!!!!!!! Wink

I am in agreement, other than the visible rust you can see there.....the boat looks pretty clean. Gelcoat looks to have been maintained well, clean down below the waterline. IMO, that is an easy tell tale sign of someone that just doesn't give a chit. Then don't wife down, they let the colors fade.

Bimini, tower speakers, tandem trailer.... As long as it has been maintained well, that rust on the lifting arm is an anomaly and not the start of something more....the hours are not outrageous and the price is a good....that looks like a winner.

Derek03 · Newbie Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 9

I dont really know much more about the boat yet I am waiting on the seller to call me back.

DRAGON88 · Posted: Apr 05, 2007 12:37 pm Post subject:

To echo what others are saying and have said, the hull is one of the best ever IMO. The Super Air Nautique was actually first a "model" (I use that term as loosely as possible, because really it's just an options package.) in 1999. Before that they were known as the Super Sport Nautique, and actually, if you look at capacity plate all boats on that hull will refer to themselves as "Nautique Super Sport" even my '05.

Take the boat to a marina and have them do a leakdown test on all the cylinders to check for compression, ask for maintenance logs and if you do get it I'd flush all the fluids (transfer case, transmission, engine oil etc.) and replace the impeller and thermostat while you're at it. Even though the boat may not be in dire need for these things, I think it's always good to start out with some preventative maintenance.

Sinkoumn · Posted: Apr 05, 2007 3:43 pm Post subject:

haugy, the pictures don't show too much of the boat. But from what I see I would be cautious in purchasing. The rust on the lift arm is one indication there is more likely than not more rust somewhere else in the engine.

The maintenance of a boat is reflected all over the place, if you don't know how to take care of a teak swim deck what are the odds that you took care of the engine, oil, steering cables, etc.

The red gelcoat is really faded, you can really see it in the picture of the back-rear.

The fact that there are no pictures of the interior is suspect, but honestly I wouldn't have high expectations.

But who knows the boat might be the bomb! It's just from the looks of those photos that boat wasn't taken care of that well (I have a 97 SSN, and it looks nothing like that in terms of wear).

Derek03 · Newbie Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 9

Well bad news for me. I bought my current boat less than a year ago brand new and it has depreciated $7000. Anyone looking at purchasing a Tahoe boat from tracker marine I would advise otherwise. We bought the boat because I wasnt into wakeboarding like I am now and we thought we would do a little more fishing. Long story short I am stuck with an underpowered I/O that I am going to have to try and make work Sad

Sinkoumn · Posted: Apr 05, 2007 5:36 pm Post subject:

That sucks...that's the problem with boats, as soon as they leave the lot they depreciate without even seeing water Crying or Very sad

Sinkoumn · Posted: Apr 05, 2007 7:39 pm Post subject:

I say burn the old boat to the ground and collect...

Sinkoumn · Posted: Apr 05, 2007 7:42 pm Post subject:

just kidding, don't to that... worst idea EVER Smile

Don't sweat it too much, at least you have a boat and can at least ride behind it...trust me, it could be a lot worse.

Don't you know anyone that has a bigger boat, or have you seen anyone on the lake that you ride at with a wakeboard boat? If so, just go make some new friends - that's what I used to do, plus you usually get to meet some pretty dope people