Pontoons
Barefoot Nautique Boats for Sale
The Barefoot Nautique is one of Correct Craft’s most iconic specialty inboards, engineered specifically for high-speed barefoot waterskiing. Introduced in the late 1970s, it was designed to produce a firm, flat wake and exceptional tracking at speeds well above those typical of traditional ski boats. Known for its unique hull design and powerful inboard engines, the Barefoot Nautique became the benchmark boat for competitive barefoot skiing through the 1980s and 1990s. Built with precision and performance in mind, it reflects Correct Craft’s dedication to specialized water sport engineering and remains a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate the thrill and technical precision of barefooting.
The Barefoot Nautique first appeared in Correct Craft’s lineup in the late 1970s, during a time when barefoot skiing was gaining popularity as a competitive and recreational discipline. Early models were based loosely on Ski Nautique designs but with modified running surfaces to improve stability at higher speeds. Unlike slalom boats optimized for 34–36 mph operation, the Barefoot Nautique was engineered to run efficiently at speeds above 40 mph, delivering a flatter wake ideal for barefooting.
By the mid-1980s, the Barefoot Nautique had evolved into a fully distinct model. It featured a deeper hull with tracking strakes designed for directional stability, allowing it to hold line even during hard cuts at tournament speeds. Correct Craft equipped many versions with high-output engines, including 454-cubic-inch big-block V8s and later fuel-injected PCM 502 models, to achieve the sustained top-end power barefooters demanded.
Through the late 1980s and 1990s, the Barefoot Nautique underwent refinements in both hull design and construction materials. Fiberglass layups were strengthened for rigidity, while interior layouts remained simple and performance-focused, typically featuring rear-facing observer seating and a functional open cockpit. The boat’s sharp entry and flat transom provided a unique wake signature—clean, minimal, and perfectly suited for barefoot tricks and longline runs.
During the 1990s, Correct Craft continued to produce the Barefoot Nautique as a dedicated high-speed inboard, often recognizable by its distinctive graphics and deep engine tone. It remained the official towboat for numerous barefoot tournaments and record attempts. Production continued into the early 2000s, with later models benefiting from updated gelcoat finishes, refined hull tooling, and fuel-injected power options, but the core design philosophy remained unchanged—maximum performance, minimal wake, and precise handling.
While Correct Craft eventually phased out the Barefoot Nautique as market focus shifted toward wakeboarding and surfing, the model remains one of the most respected specialty inboards ever produced. Many barefooters still seek out well-maintained examples for their unmatched speed, clean wakes, and robust construction. On the used market, the Barefoot Nautique stands as a piece of inboard history, representing a time when Correct Craft built boats for the most dedicated athletes in every watersport discipline.