WANTED - Looking for interior for my 1976 Ski Nautique Restoration Project

[sberard5]

Hi Guys,

I am in need of some help. I am restoring a '76 Ski Nautique, (well trying to) and I am trying to find an interior. Unfortunately, the boat did not come with an interior. Originally, I was planning to build the seats myself but I'm starting to think its over my head and I should buy a interior that I can install and reupholster down the road. Does anyone have a boat they are parting out or know of someone parting one out? Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Steve
sberard@myottmail.com

[TRBenj]

Seat frames are available from Christine's. They can sell you the correct vinyl and foam. The only thing left to do is build the seat bases, which involves cutting some rectangles out of plywood... Not exactly brain surgery.

[sberard5]

I did request a quote from Christine's. We'll see with what they come back with for a price. Judging by what I have seen so far for the price of the frames and foam, its going to be way over budget for me. An affordable used interior is what I am hoping for. Thanks for the reply!

[TRBenj]

Hoping to find the frames from a parts boat is a worthy goal, though I can tell you from experience that they don't come up very often. You'll need to be patient (and a little lucky!).

As far as the cushions go, finding a complete interior in nice shape would be an extremely rare find (let alone one in a matching color, at a nice price). It's the part of the boat most susceptible to wear, and people don't replace perfectly good interiors on a whim. Oftentimes when replacing, foam is reused and the vinyl is dissected as a pattern, so there is nothing left over to sell. It's hard to piece together a cheap interior... I've tried and never succeeded- it's that one item you just need to suck it up for (in my experience).

If you can't afford an original interior, which is admittedly quite expensive, milk crates work! Generic seats from overtons are probably cheaper than original too, i see them used all the time in budget boats. Or, you can invest in an industrial sewing machine and build your own. We can provide dimensions and pictures if you're starting from scratch.

Good luck with the search!

[Jan288]

You might try posting on Correctcraftfan.com also. A lot of vintage CC owners on there

[sberard5]

Well, I posted a few ads and places and I have found 2 complete interiors. One from a 70 Cuda and another one from a 82 Ski Nautique. I'm planning on purchasing the one from the 82. Sounds like seats are in good shape with recent vinyl. Comes with drivers seat, observer bench and rear seat. Problem is, they don't come with brackets. May have to do some fabrication. I have seen the brackets on Christines.....Ouch!

[TRBenj]

Unfortunately, the brackets and the drivers cushions are the only pieces that would swap over nicely... The observer seat may be a bit too wide and the rear seat most definitely will be. Make sure to buy the 70's brackets and not the 80+ style as the latter requires a fiberglass or wood pedestal and seat tracks in addition to the frames.

Maybe I'm just used to the prices, but having gotten a number of things custom fabricated I think under $200/pr on the brackets seems downright reasonable!

I'd be interested in the Cuda interior if you're not going to pursue it- feel free to forward the info!

[sberard5]

Ended up purchasing a complete interior from a 18' Southwind from Zach n3. Great interior in great shape and vintage look. Will need to shorten observer and rear bench seats about 5" each. My upholstery buddy will be helping me out. Engine cover will need to be lengthened about 6 inches or so because Southwind engine cover is shorter. Again no biggie. Should be able to do with a little carpet. Zach was so incredibly helpful with his tips and recommendations.

[Tryathlete]

Yeah he's a seriously dedicated guy with a lot of energy. He's rapidly ascending to guru status in CC land.


If it ain't broke, sell it.