1999 Longhorn Nauique Restoration

[dhmcfadin]

I just caught up on this thread... so I'm late to the game, but unbelievable work and persistence on this! Will be worth it all in the end. Such a bummer on the motor... any update there?

Actually just settled with the previous builder on the motor. Got an amount back I am happy with.

I had the engine disassembled and inspected, oil content tested, etc. Lots of internal damage but the lobes on the cam, pistons, valves all looked good. They also found a number of clearances out of tolerance. Block was sonic cleaned and re-honed. New rings, seals, etc were installed. Engine was primed with oil, etc. Everything checks out so far. I actually have the engine at John's being painted. We are getting there slowly.

[SilentSeven]

...Lots of people buying boats who don't know how to drive boats so lots of fiberglass and gelcoat repairs lol.

Oh man...not a good foretelling for this summer. Last summer was nuts enough...I wonder if this summer can be any worse?

[bird_dog0347]

Please edit/delete that last post!!! No one needs to ask that.

[GMLIII]

Please edit/delete that last post!!! No one needs to ask that.

Please don't delete. I would like to comment. With gas prices skyrocketing , I don't think you will see quit as many fools driving boats this summer as last summer. I could be wrong but I hope not.

[SilentSeven]

Hehe...best reason yet to ski and not surf! But then, I'm biased!

[jtryon]

if you can't afford $30 more to fill your tank then you probably shouldn't own a boat.

[bturner]

There are always going to be people that are on the edge but for most fortunate to be able to afford a nicer boat the price of gas will not stop them from being on the lake. We get to boat here about 4 maybe 5 months in the north, at least without freezing our tails off. In an average season we put about 30 hours on the boat, last year we did close to 40. I have a $60K+ boat with probably another $15K in toys and the lift thrown in there. Paying another $300 - $500 for the difference in gas prices is not going to stop me from using it. Honestly, I tend to throw the card on the table when filling up and never even look at the receipt. Life is just too short to worry about it at my age and income bracket.

Unfortunately policies implemented that affect the basics of our day to day needs in the modern society we live in always disproportionately affect those at the lower end of the monetary classes. It's easy to close down pipelines, stop drilling and enact green energy policies that only the more better off can afford if you're not in that group that's on the edge. Having been raised south of Detroit in a very blue collar area and experiencing the effect the first Arab embargo had on our family finances I can tell you first hand how these policies have a disproportionate negative impact on lower income families. When oil/gas prices rise there's also the rise in everything from food, clothing and keeping the house warm in the winter. Let's all hope some middle ground can be found before too much damage is done to those who can afford it the least.

On a brighter note..... it was in the 60s this week and the ice is almost off the lake!

[MikeC]

This isn't my thread, but it's probably one of the most interesting threads that's been on here in a long time - can we please get back to the original theme and not pontificate about the price of gas and boating - this is a restoration thread. I've never seen such care and attention to detail that the OP has put into this restoration of a one-off family boat. If you want to talk about gas prices maybe you should start a new thread.

[dhmcfadin]

Boat will be home in two weeks for final assembly. Decals are on. I hired domednumbers.com to recreate the oem Nautique font and all of the oem decals including the "flight control system on board" and "EFI". Except now this engine has sequential EFI from Holley so I figured a slight modification to the decal was required. Recreating the font and decals was a lot harder than I imagined but they did a phenomenal job! And, they are domed and glossy which I think adds a nice touch. They are neutral white, tan, and gold metal flake.

[t.franscioni]

Freakin awesome... leaving no stone unturned on this build. Looking amazing, can’t wait to see it assembled. I’m gunna have to check out that decal company I need some recreated myself.

[bird_dog0347]

That is so freaking cool... I just ordered my domed numbers from them this week and need to call to ask about them using the Paragon font for the name as well (not an option on the site).

[dhmcfadin]

That is so freaking cool... I just ordered my domed numbers from them this week and need to call to ask about them using the Paragon font for the name as well (not an option on the site).

They will literally make anything you want and the customer service was excellent!

[bturner]

Over the top detail. Very impressive.

[CincinnatiCC]

Wow! Beautiful job on this boat, and definitely one of the most fun threads to follow. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[SilentSeven]

dhmcfadin ....think she'll hit the water this year?