I'm out out of my mind wanting an '86 Ski Nautique?

[spenclo123]

Hey folks. I'm relatively new to the forum having bought my first Nautique 3 years ago. I bought a one owner '97 SN with 600 hours on it and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I grew up skiing behind my friend's Nautiques in the late 80s and early 90's but never owned one. Now that I have my 97, I'd also love to have an mid-80's 2001 model. I have found two for sale, an 86 with 700 hrs on it that looks to be in pretty good shape. The interior looks really good for the age, as well as the motor and hull. The owner has told me it needs a new floor in it. He's asking $4,900 for it which seems like a pretty decent price, but i know from perusing the PN forums that redoing stringers/floors is a MAJOR undertaking. I don't personally have the expertise to do such a project but wanted to see what the forum had to say about it. Am I nuts to even think about this as it would likely cost $3-$4K to have a new floor put in it? Alternatively, I have also seen an 84 (original owner) SN that has 1100 hours on it and the owner says the floor is in good shape except for one spot where he used to hang his ski rope to dry. It is in good shape cosmetically also (hull and gelcoat) and motor too, and he wants around $6K. What would you recommend? Photos of the '86 are attached.

[NautiqueJeff]

Moving this out of the Show Us Your Nautiques forum.

[hal2814]

Due to the foam, wooden stringer Nautiques rot from the inside out. You don’t need a new floor. You need new stringers and a new floor. I would never tell you don’t do it. Just be aware what you’re in for. I still miss my old 83 Ski. If it’s a second boat and you have the time, money, and patience, restoring a 2001 would be a great learning experience. But from a purely skiing perspective, the 97 is better in every way.

[spenclo123]

Hey Hal2814, thanks for the information and perspective. Very helpful. Is it possible to find an mid-80's model that actually has ok stringers/floor or are any of them at this age going to be an eventual restoration?

[Kmayotte]

Went through this exact exercise about 2 months ago on a really good looking 1986 Silver Nautique. In the end I bailed as the risk outweighed the reward if I had to go through an entire restoration (likely). The price just wasn't right. In the end it was a blessing and the right decision with all the crap that has changed over the last few months.

I'll be looking for something 1993 or newer with fiberglass stringers eventually.

[spenclo123]

Appreciate the wisdom Kmayotte! Given I don't have the expertise, does anyone know anyone that does stringer projects and a ballpark as to what it typically would cost (for a good job)?

[NautiqueJeff]

North Lake Fiberglass here at Lake Norman does them all the time. Give them a call.

https://www.facebook.com/northlakefiberglass/

[hal2814]

My 83 never had new stringers. I sold it two years ago. So it is possible to find one that doesn’t need stringers. The more common scenario is finding one that’s already had a stringer job done. Just be prepared to pay a premium for that.

[sputnic6]

I had an ‘85 nautique that needed both stringer and floor. I had someone do composite stringers and floor and I believe it was somewhere around 6-7k. They did a great job. If you want it and plan on keeping it then go for it because it will only last longer


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[ScooterMcgavin]

I had a friend do this in a barefoot nautique and it was about 6k to redo the stringers and floor

[Kmayotte]

I had a friend do this in a barefoot nautique and it was about 6k to redo the stringers and floor

Holy moly. I'm glad I didn't go through with that purchase with stringer/floor costing this much.

[joechrom]

I’d make the investment. The SN2001 is the very best boat ever made.


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