85 SN 2001...Tell me what you think.

I'm thinking about getting a boat and thought the 2001 would be a good first inboard. I have only been looking a short time and found a couple of candidates. This following link is one that I am particularly interested in. It is a couple hours away from me so I am looking for more opinions. The thing that concerns me is that it was bought to be restored and another boat was bought along the way. I emailed the owner who said the floors were solid and the engine is has been gone through.
http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/1219487961.html

I think what would concern me is that it says the entire motor was rebuilt. To me that is a red flag. Carbs, distributors, and transmissions typically are what you hear about being rebuilt. That tower is pretty ugly and the interior looks like it still may need some work. Patience is your best bet when looking for one of these boats. There are some 2001s out there that are damn near perfect condition that go for around 8k. I would probably talk to that guy and see what all he knows about it.

I would also post up on www.the2001.com and see what others have to say. The pics and info provided wouldnt be enough for me personally to say that looks like a good buy.

Yeah I think I will have to give him a call and get more information. I think that the interior is new except for the engine cover. I don't mind the look of the tower too much so that isn't a big deal to me. The thing is I only have about $7000 to spend. If he says that the floor is solid, would it be wrong to assume that the stringers are probably okay? Thanks for your input.

Like Kevin said, check with the2001.com, plenty of information on these boats on that site. I would not settle on this one, unless you can get it down around $5k.

I would ask him if he has done the stringers or if they are original. Ask him about maintenance, was it kept outside, stuff like that.

I would never assume the stringers were ok. I am under the opinion that all 2001's have some sort of wood rot, unless they've been completely redone. The only way to know for sure is to core into the side of the stringer, only cutting through the fiberglass to get a look at it. You can check the engine mount lag screws, but this is not fool proof. Like mentioned above the2001.com and www.correctcraftfan.com are great sources for these boats, tons of good info that you definately want to read before purchasing.

^^^ I'm with Travis on the stringer issue. These boats are going on 20-25 years of age and it is hard to escape. That doesn't mean you won't get some more years out of it, but be ready to do some work on the boat. I've 'invested' many hours into mine and not regretted it. It's over 20 years old - there's always going to be something to fix. The trick is knowing what you're getting yourself into.

I wish I would have found those websites before I bought mine...probably would have waited. Don't get me wrong, I love my boat but Like you Fro-Z I've got lots of blood, sweat, and maybe a tear or two into mine. Just do your homework Craig and you can't go wrong, for the price you can't beat a 2001!

Hey Fro-Z - how about that V-Drive 2001? Sick huh?

Ran across these on ebay. Might be worth looking into.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Correct-Craft-Ski-Nautique_W0QQitemZ200357721832QQcmdZViewItemQQptZP ower_Motorboats?hash=item2ea64036e8&_trksid=p4506. c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317%7C24 0%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1989-Ski-Natique-2001_W0QQitemZ180374233878QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPower _Motorboats?hash=item29ff246316&_trksid=p4506.c0.m 245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317%7C240%3A 1318

Those look like nice boats. They are a little too far away. I'm in Ohio

I think the v drive conversion is gonna be a flop. Sure it will work but it is gonna be so heavy in the rear with weight that the wake is gonna be totally vert. It will take so much up front that the bow will be very very very low. cool idea though. Would probably be best on a private lake with more controlled conditions. End hijack*

There are good finds out there with no stringer or floor issues, it just takes patience. If your budget is 7K I think you could probably do a little better. It doesnt have the deluxe interior (or doesnt look like it) and that would drive me nuts I think. Contact him, see what he says and post back up.

Yeah I will keep everyone posted. I looked at an 83 last week. The owner had the stringers and floor redone, the engine looked over, and just put a tower on. I had him talked down to 8K and maybe even lower. I keep thinking about just buying the 83 but I want to see what else is out there.

Kevin- Looks pretty amazing to me...

http://www.the2001.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=1184&star t=75

*end hijack*