Need Help Picking Boat- Supra, MC or SN

[Guest]

Hello everyone and I'm 58 years old and will be getting back into rec skiing asap. I have narrowed choice down to 3 boats, a 1994 MC Pro Star 190, 1998 Supra Comp and a 1998 Ski Nautique. I will never have more than 4-6 people on boat and it will be used for Slalom (mainly), tubing, kneeboard, wakeboarding and cruising. I understand that the MC and SN are the favorites, but the Supra has a aluminum Monster Tower and better stereo, while MC and SN don't have a tower. The tower would seem to help with storage but not a deal breaker. All have SBC engines, PP and only the Supra is carbed. Gel Coat, interior and hours all similar and I have wrench skills. Am I stupid for considering the Supra and does anyone have any advice ??

[B_S]

98 Nautique, hand down.

 

[jpattigr]

98 SN, all the way! One of the finest SL boats ever.

 

[Deanoski]

Bubble butt 98 best wakes best driving also

 

 

[skimtb]

Nautique first. Great boat. Get it fast.

Then MC if you miss the nautique

 

Unless you are a carb guy, then maybe the Supra is interesting w the tower. Adding a tower is likey easier than swapping to fuel injected engine…

 

6 people will be a handful on all of those boats.

Most on this forum are skiing with 2-3 people and want best ski wake possible.

 

[Mastercrafter]

As much as I like that era MC (and own one), get the Ski Nautique. Much nicer boat. I had a 1999 196 for a bit and miss it.

 

Don't get a Supra for the tower. I'd say add a tower to the Nautique if you need one but that hurts us all... maybe a pylon extension with board/ski racks if needed?

 

 

[MDB1056]

you'll love the SN or the MC . Both outstanding boats . Would recommend in that order but not hesitate on either

[dchristman]

A con for the Supra would be wood stringers - the other 2 boats have composite stringers.

[MDB1056]

@dchristman - they still had wood in Supra's in 98?

[dchristman]

@MDB1056 I could be wrong, but I think so.

[MISkier]

Agree with most on buy the SN first, then MC. Don't buy a boat for the quality of stereo it has.

 

As always, ski and drive any boat you are considering before you buy.

[foxriverat]

Supra started getting rid of wood stringers in 1992. Long line wake is terrible. But good for wakeboarding with that tower lol

[wakeslayer427]

Thanks for the feedback guys, great stuff !!

[LoopSki]

Whoever suggested a Sanger Dx on Your Facebook post is clueless! Lol

[WoodySkier]

The bubble butt SN is a great boat, that would get my vote. Those wakes are butter.

[vtmecheng]

Can’t ski with more than maybe 4 crammed in the boat. 6 can work for a boat ride but that’s really it. All about realistic expectations.

[Wish]

SN

and yes no wood at all in 92 Supras and on.

[6balls]

Another SN vote, owned a 2000 and skied a '97 regularly same hull. Same comments about the # of people in the boat--but I will say this--the SN was less weight sensitive for wake. If we had a driver, a driver plus spotter, a driver plus two 200 lb spotters the hole shot was different by my wake at 28 off n shorter equivocal. Also the SN is just built like a brick-so solid.

In other news--skip the carb. Get the EFI. It's not that you can't run carb I also skied a '87 carb MC for many years, but you will be way happier EFI and yes could add a tower easier than a motor swap as noted.

[Nashotah]

Wakeslayer:

 

Owned a ‘93 ProStar with the LT1 corvette engine and owned both a ‘97 and a 2000 SkiNautique.

ProStar had great wake for that era. But, Ski Nautique superior in build quality, tracking, and the wake: as good as it gets. Every line length is so so soft. Get the Nautique. Easy choice

[swbca]

5-6 people in the Ski Nautique would be great for a happy hour cruise. The Dog House has a flat top, good for a large trey with chips, crackers and dips.

[drmadd]

If SN would bring back the Bubble Butt hull, I think they would have a winner. I have the opportunity to ski behind everything, and in my opinion, it has friendlier wake than any of the new stuff.

[Woodybc62]

Sidebar question on the SN? Most had GT 40 (ford). There’s a 98 I have my eye on (owner is 89 and still skis!) w the Apex (Chevy) motor. Never seen another one. Anyone have experience w that motor? Pros/cons?

[Andre]

Isn't the Apex a 305 ci ?

[KRoundy]

SN is WAY out in front in your list. Don't get a tower, they just get in the way and are not needed for 99% of those doing anything behind a boat.

[MDB1056]

@wakeslayer427 - are we there yet?

[DFWskier]

4 - 6 people on a closed bow ?

[Woodybc62]

Andre. Apex is 5.7 liter

[Zman]

I had a 98 Supra. The wake was very good 22 and shorter. Tracked very well, easy to drive. Very little spray (can only speak for up to 35 off). Loved that boat. Yeah, no wood, at all.

Oh, I had the open bow version, called the Legacy. Same hull as the Comp. Plenty of room for 6. If running the slalom course and using the pylon, maybe 4 or 5 with a jump seat. We would put the jump seat behind the driver.

 

[Jerry44]

I've owned 3 nautiques and a have a MC now. Between those choices, definitely Nautique.

[aupatking]

Just buy it and post pics already. We all just want to see the boat! B)

[skimtb]

Yeah, this thread will be way better when decision is announced and a pic posted.

[wakeslayer427]

Well the Nautique sold and the Supra had the EFI switched for a carb, so I fell into a 1994 Prostar 190 with LT-1 and PowerSlot, 600 hours.

 

 

[Mastercrafter]

Nice, congrats. Great boat with a fun engine. Had a 97 with LT1 and that thing was strong. This will be worth your read:

https://teamtalk.mastercraft.com/forum/maintenance-tips-how-tos-and-refurbishing-topics/engine-drive-train/91661-so-you-bought-an-lt1

 

 

[MDB1056]

Outstanding boat! You’ll love it. Nice dual axle trailer too. Would have picked this over the Supra any day. Congrats- a real keeper.

 

[skimtb]

Nice job. Great boat and engine! The gel looks great. those early 90’s interiors hold up well too.

 

[6balls]

I voted SN, but that's a great boat you bought as well. Enjoy.

 

[LoopSki]

Great find. Wish i never sold my 93 ss