Good Wake for Slalom Skiing?

[hudek]

HI All, I am brand new to this community so I apologize if I violate some protocols. Please feel free to instruct me.

I am in my mid 60s and have slalom skied off and on since I was a teenager. I did most of my skiing behind whatever I/O was available but have always wanted a boat with a really nice slalom wake; something like a Ski Nautique or Mastercraft prostar of that era. I recently found a 1998 Sport Nautique in extremely good condition and am considering purchasing it. My biggest reservation is the boat says “Official World and National Wakeboard Tow Boat” across the back. In my experience wakeboard boats have big nasty wakes. Will the 1998 Sport Nautique mentioned above, have a nice flat slalom wake or a big wakeboard wake. Note, the Sport Nautique I am considering does not have a tower.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Quinner]

Don't mind the sticker on the transom, in 98' Wakeboarding was kind of in it's infancy and the Sport was one of CC's largest offerings. The marketing guy's had not quite figured out yet the V-Drives made better wake boats, so they pushed the Sport in that direction. I owned a 99' Sport, same hull as the 98', it has a very good slalom wake, great pull out of the hole and decent tracking, it makes a fine slalom machine. Keeping the boat light will make a difference as well, minimal fuel passengers, etc. Coming from an I/O you will appreciate every aspect of a tournament inboard.
Do you know which motor the boat has, GT-40 perhaps? Any other details, hours, PO, etc. Might also suggest you post your question on www.CorrectCraftFan.com as well, several Sport owners over there.

[swankster]

It's going to be night and day different between this direct drive and most of the I/O's boats. If you haven't been behind one, the first thing you'll notice is how fast you'll get on plane. My favorite slalom boat was a 1994 Prostar 190. All my buddies back then were MasterCraft fans, so I don't have any experience with Nautique direct drives. If your not running the course and want something with more room, the open bow versions work very well and give you more room. We use to run the course with the 190 and the 205, and the were differences but you had to be pretty good to pickup on them.

My experience with Nautique has been great.

[MTRBTR]

I own a 97 Sport. The wake flattens out quite a bit above 34 mph.

[hudek]

Quinner, Swankster & MTRBTR, thank you so much, you have really put my mind at ease! The boat has 485 hours on it and a 5.8L PCM GT 40 engine. It is a one owner who kept it in a boat house year round except when being used. Every thing including the upholstery is emasculate. I am buying it from MACCALLUM'S BOATHOUSE in EPSOM, NEW HAMPSHIRE. They seem to be exceptionally nice and honest people. Does anyone have experience with this dealer ship?. Thanks again!

[Quinner]

MacCallums is a fine dealer from what I have heard, they hosted a CCF gathering or 2 a few years ago and all attendees spoke very highly of them.
That boat looks to be in exceptional condition. It's not a bargain price considering it does not include a trailer but a good buy if it is the boat you want.
Hopefully you are the "deposit" it shows on the ad , you will love the boat!!

If you do plan on doing basic service yourself like oil changes, be sure to use the correct oil, off the shelf 10w40 as an example could be harmful.

[s_kelley2000]

I have never purchased a boat from MaCallum's but I have had various dealings with them since the late 90s and they have always been great to me. Really nice folks and very knowledgeable.

The boat looks very clean to me. The platform needs a cleaning and some oil which is pretty easy DIY but even better if you can get them to throw it in for you. The GT-40 is a great motor and 500 hrs is nothing. As Quinner mentioned be sure to get an oil with a high ZDP level to protect the cam, I think Shell Rotella T is a good one to use and can usually be found on sale at Walmart. If the price included a trailer I think you'd be right on, but without a trailer I think you have some room to work the price down and/or leave it on them to find you a suitable trailer. If you need a trailer you are probably looking at about $2-3K unless you can find something used. Best of luck with everything!

[hudek]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all of your generous and helpful tips. Think spring!

[Shane]

I highly recommend MacCallums Boathouse. Peter MacCallum and his team are top notch and it is a family run business, My parents have been buying boats from MacCallums since 1979 and my sister and I continue to purchase our boats from them, I continue to recommend them to my friends,