Rookie here--some questions??

[brian.welch]

My brother and I just got a 1991 Ski Nautique 196. We have never had a boat so got some alot of questions if anyone can answer. Thank you in advance.

To ski just hook a line to the back black disk?

What is the electrical socket by it?

What are some good beginner skis and gear for adults and kids?

Whats the best place to buy it in Ohio or online?

Any beginner notes on best way to take care of the boat?

or teaching young kids to ski?

We have 6 young kids so we want to tube also. Can we hook the line on the back of the boat also?? or will it rub the wood platform or get caught on the side. If so what can we do?

Underneath the wood platform is 2 tubes connected to a black arrow object like thing. What are they for? One of black arrow things are broken off-the tube is still there. Where do we get repair parts for this?


Thanks alot guys and gals.

[TRO]

here's one answer. get some of this stuff to wipe the exterior of the boat down after every use. it is a cleaner and wax all in one and it will keep you from getting water spots. using vinegar and water will take the wax off the boat.

http://www.babesboats.com/prodBoatBright.php

Also, Babe's makes a Seat Soap for cleaning the interior vinyl (I typically wipe down the inside after every use) and a Seat Saver which is vinyl protectant (I typically use a coat of this after the cleaning).

http://www.babesboats.com/prodSeatSoap.php

http://www.babesboats.com/prodSeatSaver.php

But, in reality, the whole line of Babe's is AWESOME!

Sorry guys, I have no affiliation with them, but this stuff ROCKS!

I'm sure the rest of the guys can chime in with more answers! Enjoy the boat!

[brian.welch]

Thanks already have it ordered. Going to try it out.

[2004196]

Rookie

To ski just hook a line to the back black disk? - the slalom rope attaches to the ski pylon just in front of the motor (center of boat, behind and just left of the drivers seat), makes the rear seat unusable.

What is the electrical socket by it? not sure I'm with you here unless this could be the socket for the rear navigation light for after dark? Post a picture

What are some good beginner skis and gear for adults and kids? HO has a pretty good line of family skis from kids to adults.

Whats the best place to buy it in Ohio or online? Wiley's in Seattle is one of the best - wileyski.com - Darren can fix you up with most anything, great guy and great ski shop

Any beginner notes on best way to take care of the boat? - Dry it off after each use, wax (Nufinish) a couple times a year and 303 for the interior once a month

or teaching young kids to ski? - Barefoot boom is the absolute best way to get kids on skis, a few hundred bucks but worth every penny in saving frustrations on both ends, yours and the kids.

We have 6 young kids so we want to tube also. Can we hook the line on the back of the boat also?? or will it rub the wood platform or get caught on the side. If so what can we do? - Yes, that's the best for tubing, makes the back seat usable.

Underneath the wood platform is 2 tubes connected to a black arrow object like thing. What are they for? One of black arrow things are broken off-the tube is still there. Where do we get repair parts for this? - more than likely you are referring to the Pitot tubes, these are for your speed calibration and the tubes run up to the speedometers. One of the speedometers probably is not working correct? That would be why. Conant White Lake Marine (sponsors of this site and will give you a discount) for replacement parts.

Also - find a fellow Nautique owner, does not matter the year and have them help you with the boat and become familiar with its operation.

One rule for the driver when kids are behind the boat - NO ALCOHOL - best rule is when anyone is on the rope, regardless of age, the driver is totally sober, it's not worth the risk.

Have a great time with the new boat, you're going to love it!

[brian.welch]

Thanks, thought about this answer--

Barefoot boom is the absolute best way to get kids on skis, a few hundred bucks but worth every penny in saving frustrations on both ends, yours and the kids

I think ur 100% right. gonna get it.

If i don't want to use the center post in front of engine because of using the back seats what do I do to
tube?
or ski?

[2004196]

Rookie

You can tube or ski off the rear eyelet. Skiing won't be the same but to keep the rear seat usable it is an option. If you're just free skiiing probably no big deal.

In my opinion, the ECI boom is the best.

Enjoy

[Rick]

Take some lessons

If you have never skied and have alot of kids hire a pro It will be about $150 per hour . Having said that he will get almost all the kids up . He will have the barefoot boom so you don't have to pay $400 for one. Watch him he can teach you how to drive the boat pull skiers and be safe. It will be money well spent. If your near a college that has a ski team there is bound to be a starving student that can teach you. This will be less expensive and you will et almost the same results.

[Rick]

Where are you

Brian where are you? I may be able to hook you up with a nearby college ski team

[brian.welch]

Around lima, oh.

Middle of no where

[AirTool]

Some good threads on teaching kids.

http://planetnautique.com/vb3/showth...highlight=kids

http://planetnautique.com/vb3/showth...light=teaching

http://planetnautique.com/vb3/showth...light=teaching


Here is some barefoot and wake video to get you pumped

http://www.youtube.com/portsideboom

Get HO trainers all the way through grownup combos. They have about 4 sizes. The first pic below shows weights you can add to the rear to keep the toes pointed up before the start....a must.

You also need two o'brien funboards. You can order them cheap right now below...use code SD5 to save another five bucks. Depending on the skill/behavior of the kids, you can pull up to three of these behind the boat. I usually limit to two. There is video below. They can start prone, work to knees, then work to stand. EVERY newbie kid of any age watches my kids for one turn then they do it on the first try. Just be sure to enforce letting go of the tether going into a crash. I had one girl get a small rope burn...she cried and said she was done for the day. Then she cried asking when it would be her turn again. In the last pic, there is a different girl age 3 riding alongside dad on a kneeboard. We did have a big college kid tear the rope out of one...so limit the weight of the rider on these (also based on their behavior )

http://www.qualitymarinesupply.com/#m0c0p22821 Coupon Code SD5

Here are some other threads to get you motivated:

http://planetnautique.com/vb3/showth...highlight=boys

http://planetnautique.com/vb3/showth...ighlight=money

[whitelakerider]

Welcome to the boating family! I wanted to let you know that anything you need for your Nautique we will have for you at www.nautiqueparts.com. Everything from motor parts to clothing. We will do whatever we can to help you get the best out of your boat. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Feel free to call!!!

[Chexi]

Run your blower before starting and when idling or trolling. The manual says run it for 4 minutes before you start. This is so you don't blow yourself and your kids up. If you bought used, which it sounds like you have, check to make sure the blower is working (should hear a fan noise when on) and that you have an exhaust hose running from the blower to a porthole in the hull under the motorbox cover. I bought mine used and the blower hose was completely disintegrated.