Jeff's 1998 Ski Nautique Restoration

[Blamey]

I hope to one day receive a box like that in the mail.

[hondaprlud]

It must have been winter, I haven't seen this thread since the first page lol.

Tremendous transformation Jeff!

[ScooterMcgavin]

Hey Jeff if someone orders skins for an older boat like your 97 from Christine's will they get the newer style vinyl like Nautique is using currently on their boats? I know they have changed the vinyl over the years and I was curious if they use the newer vinyl on the older boats too? Or do you get something similar to what was their originally?

[ffmedic74]

The new vinyl doesn't seem to be as good. Leaves indentations easy and doesn't like to return to its original tight look quickly. This is especially true when slightly cold out. Wish they would go back to the old stuff.

[brit_hunsicker]

That Christines Marine box looks awful familiar! Just got mine from her in February and got them all installed shortly after!


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[t.franscioni]

You'll love the new skins. I really like the classic colors of your boat too it will look amazing with the new vinyl. I have a question going into my gel coat refinishing. I noticed you pulled the rub rail which I think is a good idea when working with the buffing pads and sandpaper. Was it easy to get back on? And is fragile? Main concern is cracking it while handling it as far as I know they don't make them anymore and can't afford to break it.

[brit_hunsicker]

You'll love the new skins. I really like the classic colors of your boat too it will look amazing with the new vinyl. I have a question going into my gel coat refinishing. I noticed you pulled the rub rail which I think is a good idea when working with the buffing pads and sandpaper. Was it easy to get back on? And is fragile? Main concern is cracking it while handling it as far as I know they don't make them anymore and can't afford to break it.

http://www.nautiqueparts.com/rubrail...durometer.aspx

There is a link to your rub rail on Nautique parts. I replaced the rub rail on my previous 98 Air Nautique a year ago. I had bought the rub rail about a year and a half ago and I think the price has come up some since then. If I recall I think I paid somewhere in the low 500s for mine from NP. Maybe not, but none the less, they are pricey either way! I would assume if you took yours off it should go back on easier than putting a new one on. It wasn't all that difficult to install my new one, just very time consuming. Might I suggest to either do it in a heated garage or wait until you have a nice hot and sunny day. Heat gun may be required either way. Not sure if you will need one though since it will likely keep its shape fairly well.

Oh and be prepared for lots and lots of screws!!!

[Blamey]

The rub rails are made by Taco Marine. I believe this is the kit used on Nautiques (but I'd suggest you verify the measurements).
http://tacomarine.com/product/V11-34...e-Rub-Rail-Kit

I have found the kit for around $200. Best prices I have found have been on eBay but there are other sellers. Honestly, if I was going through the effort of removing the rub rail, I'd replace mine unless it was in really good condition. There are quite a few videos on replacing rub rails on youtube. Looks like with two people it's not a terrible job but would take a few hours to do.

My rub rail is pretty beat up so this is on my list for next winter.

EDIT: Figured I'd come back and correct this post. The rubrail is not made by Taco but rather a place called integrity marine. You can call and order directly from them for a little over $200.

[t.franscioni]

Thanks for rub rail lead... Thought nautique parts was just selling the rubberized insert for the rails.... Didn't realize it was the whole kit.

[vvfdfirefighter]

Hey Jeff if someone orders skins for an older boat like your 97 from Christine's will they get the newer style vinyl like Nautique is using currently on their boats? I know they have changed the vinyl over the years and I was curious if they use the newer vinyl on the older boats too? Or do you get something similar to what was their originally?

That's because the newer (Us Regulated since 2015) upholstery has had all the arsenic taken out of it. You'll also start to notice that Darn "Pink" mold that grows on the upholstery as well. And it doesn't go away hardly ever.

[NautiqueJeff]

The boat is still down at SeaDek having the floor installed. While it has been down there, I have spent some time reworking the swim platform.

Here's a shot of it before restoration. I don't think the previous owner ever even oiled it!




I took the whole thing apart, since there were several chunks of wood missing that required major sanding. There were also several screws protruding through the wood. Not something I would want to step on! Here's the disassembled platform.




I sanded each piece with a belt sander, and then finish sanded them all by hand. I then reassembled everything. Here's how it looked after that.




Here's the finished product, all oiled up and ready for installation. No more rough chunks of wood or protruding screws!





The underside looks as good as the top, although I didn't take any pictures of that. Maybe I'll take some tomorrow. It also got new platform brackets since the originals were broken and discolored.

[t.franscioni]

thats awesome taking it apart and sanding each peice individually. Going the extra step always proves to be worth it in the end . Looks like brand new now nice job.

[BaylorUBearFootin]

This is my favorite thread on the entire site. I love restoring things, and whenever I get around to convincing the wife that we need two, and not just one, Nautiques, I want to restore a 97-01 vintage SN too. Nice work, Jeff. Amazing work, actually.

[RyanNoble]

Hey Jeff! Any updates, We haven't seen anything happen for a few weeks now...

[NautiqueJeff]

Nothing to report yet. The boat is still down at SeaDek. They're working their magic. I should have it back soon, and then the updates will resume.


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