Tweet
greetings. I am a new member and fortunate enough to have stalked and finally purchased a Silver Nautique. This is my first Nautique but not my first boat or project. The boat runs great but has the usual ( maybe more) problems including some soft spots and extensive below waterline blistering.. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy this one though. That said, I'm seeking opinions on the course I should take. Patch and paint (I run a large collision center and have extensive experience, or have it professionally re-gel coated (probably 3 times the purchase price). If it was yours, how would you proceed? 
-
-
Ask that at CorrectCraftFan. It sounds like you have been looking for this boat for a long time . Why would you do a half a$$ job and paint it? -
Hmmm. Tough call. Gel coat would be expensive and possibly get you upside down in the boat. On the other hand, painting may actually diminish the value of the boat IMO. I personally wouldn't buy a boat that had been painted. Sure it will look better than it does now, but I would wonder what's hiding under the paint.
A pureist (the likes who would be interested in buying that boat) would pay more for it if it was untouched rather than painted.
It sounds like the floor and stringers need replaced as well.
I could be wrong, but it sounds like an antique car restoration project where it costs more than the finished product is worth. A lobor of love as they say.
I would get on Correct Craft Fan and ask your questions over there. Also ask them what a nice Silver Nautique is worth before getting too upside down in a labor of love project.Last edited by Evening Shade; 08-09-2017, 05:14 AM.2007 Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV, 1995 Cobalt 200Comment
-
I agree, sounds like this boat means something, so do it right. I also wouldn't buy anything painted, especially a collectible.Comment
-
Cool boat. I heard (and have ski nautique) hears if barefoot nautique but never heard of or saw silver nautique. Beautiful boat and Very cool.
Sent from my iPad using TapatalkComment
-
The Silver Nautique is the same hull as an 86 Ski Nautique. They got special graphics and metal flake gel coat to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ski Nautique. I think they built 100 total.Originally posted by joechrom View PostShawn
2012 Blue Metal Flake SAN 230
1999 Black and Tan Python 502 Powered Super Sport (for Sale)Comment
-
Definitely gel coat... spend some time on you tube. If you can professionally prep and paint a car you can gel coat a boat. It's not too expensive if you do it yourself. Even color matching can be done yourself. YouTube YouTube YouTube..... check out the YouTube channel "boatworks today". The guy does lots of good DIY and lessons on fiberglass and gel coat. Iv even contacted the guy and paid him $30 for some fiberglass and gel coat consulting for my own project. Great guy and very knowledgeable about boat construction and repairing. If free time in the day is your issue then I'd fork out the cash and pay to have it gel coated. You can paint a master craft or a Malibu but not a nautique!Comment
-
To get a idea about regelling your boat check out Craig's thread on CCF-Comment
-
first, congratulations. that is a classic beautiful boat. It looks pretty original too. I have a Silver Nautique and feel that if you went to the trouble to get one of only 82 made you should keep it original. Gelcoat over paint. I have a friend in the DFW area who just bought a Silver Nautique too and he was referred to a company in Sanger TX that is supposed to be very good at gelcoat repair/restoration. I can get the number if you are interested. I have one too and plan to keep it as original as possible. Probably not a smart financial decision but neither is buying a boat in the first place.Comment
-
Wow I have never heard of a Silver Nautique nor seen one. Pretty cool and unique boatComment
Comment