What kind of boat would you buy for 20K and why?

Solo · Criminal Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 99 City: Seattle, WA

A friend is in the market for an entry level wakeboard boat. Only wants to spend 20K. If you had the cash what would you buy and why?

Hahn

Jon · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1176

I bought a '01 Moomba Mobius (pic in profile) with 64 hours on it, in perfect condition for $21k. The good deals are definitely out there, you just have to wait sometimes. I was looking for a boat for a good six months and finally got this one. Remember, its a buyer's market right now.

noneya · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 796 City: Roxboro, NC

Last year I got a new Moomba Outback left over from the previous year for about that. I was also looking at used Sport Nautiques for about the same price.

Breezer · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 246 City: Austin

My opinion is that you will have an easy time finding used boats that are over 28K or so and boats that are less than 10K. It is harder to find a good boat in the mid teens. We started looking mid season last year and had a heck of a time finding one in the mid teens that was in good shape. Lots of people get an expensive boat and only keep it for a couple seasons and then sell it for about 30K. Or I think people keep a good boat for ever. A good boat in the mid to upper teens is hard to find after summer hits full swing. I do notice that there are a few out there now. Don't wait too long or people will start buying 'em up soon. Lots of people want a boat at those prices.

Jim M · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 2933

I would look at one of these if you are trying to keep it under $20K...

1994+ Mastercraft ProStar 205, 205v
1996+ Malibu Sunsetter, Sunsetter VLX
1995+ Correct Craft Sport Nautique, Super Sport Nautique

They all have great reliability, solid EFI engines, trustworthy names, and you can often find them with low hours and in excellent shape. It is hard to justify spending that much $$ without getting a warranty, thats why many people opt to finance a brand new boat. Payments can be about the same, but you will pay a lot more in interest and depriciation once you decide to sell the new rig. But all those boats I listed are A+, and their hulls are identical the high-end $50K wakeboarding boats on the market right now.

bigcut · Newbie Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Posts: 7 City: s.centexas

I have a 87 2001 its good but my friends 91 sport throws a lot bigger wake only 91 92s have this hull also more power and power plus tranny otherwise save more money

harenheadpaul · Posted: Mar 04, 2003 1:53 pm Post subject:

i rode behing a mid 80'2001 and it threw a nice wake, that boat could probably be picked up for a bargain

Ralph · Posted: Mar 04, 2003 3:43 pm Post subject:

If you have a crew of 3-4 I would look for a mint 87-89 Nauti 2001 that has been used for skiing only & add tower and stuff, you'll probably spend 15K all up, save the other 5K for when it breaks down.

If you have a larger crew or kids then I would try to find a 90-94 Supra sunsport that has been used for skiing only & add tower and stuff, closer to 20k all up.

ohsix · Posted: Mar 04, 2003 3:55 pm Post subject:

txnautique · Newbie Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 45

i gotta 95 ski nauti. for sale for 17k and its in great condition!?

snowboardcorey · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 6:20 am Post subject:

Oh man, my buddy is getting a 91 ski nautique and I am about ready to pee myself.

*chris* · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 982

yeah, im hopefully goin to get a 95 super sport. Very Happy

just one thing...what do i have to look for again, if i get the chance to check it out?

King of the Tigers · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 10:18 am Post subject:

I'd get a good Nautique like a late 80's 2001 or a 90's Sport. THe ntrick the thing out great with tower, speakers, sacs, etc, plus you may have some cash for new wakeboarding equipment.

laser145 · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 12:12 pm Post subject:

I bought a 99 Malibu sportster with 90 hours, in showroom condition, for 16k. You could find a deal in the mid teens and then trick it out with the money left over.

Solo · Criminal Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 99 City: Seattle, WA

Here's what I'm looking at for 25k. What do you guys think?

txnautique · Newbie Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 45

solo, that boat throws a really great wake and its compareable to any new boat on the market today, thats what i would have gotten but it was just slightly out of my range so i went with the ski nauti. I dont know if you've ever seen the wake on a ski but with a fat seat in the rear and 5oo# in the bow pretty much everybody thats ever riden with me says that this wake is the best that they have ever seen. real vert. and it really does get pretty huge.

ohsix · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 5:52 pm Post subject:

Solo · Criminal Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 99 City: Seattle, WA

Thanks guys I appretiate your comments.

ohsix · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 9:12 pm Post subject:

* by "center plug sparkplug wire" i mean the one that comes from the coil and connects to the middle of the distributor cap.

Breezer · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 246 City: Austin

It never fails does it. What ever limit people set on a boat, it is always surpassed by about 5K. It did for me.

*chris* · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 982

thanks for the info wes. im pretty sure that his boat hasnt been run in saltwater, seeing as how he lives in MN. but ill check just to make sure. ill hopefully have it in a couple months.....hopefully. Razz

PimpinD · Addict Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 785 City: Orlando, FL

mmm about ur trailor thing... im looking at a boat, and the trailora got some rust, but it wasnt a galvanized trailor ....??