2003 216 with 11 Hours!

[NautiqueJeff]

I just picked up a 2003 216 from a PN member in Wisconsin. The story is that this boat was purchased by the original owner, used two times in 2003, winterized, and has been sitting on the trailer ever since. It has 11 (yes, ELEVEN) hours on it.

Here's how it was found earlier this year:









Some cleaning was done by the last owner (not shown, obviously), but more needs to be done. I'll post more when I get it home.

[SkiTower]

That will be sweet if you can get it clean!

[core-rider]

I just can’t understand it... they quite literally took $50k and threw it away! ♂️ Hopefully you can bring it back easily and make some coin in the process.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SilentSeven]

Be interested in how much of that upholstery and seat foam can be saved. Interesting case...water and mold damage but thinking almost no UV exposure. The cover was on right?...just water seeped through and the inside was basically wet?

[NautiqueJeff]

Yes, cover was on. You're right, lots of mildew, but practically zero UV damage. The gauges are like brand new (except for the PP gauge, which needs to be reglued). I'm going to try my normal Spray Nine Marine and a stiff brush and see what happens. The carpet will absolutely come back 100%. I am hopeful about the vinyl. We'll see! If it doesn't come back looking great, I'll just replace it all. This boat deserves a perfect interior! It is a time capsule!

[NautiqueJeff]

I put some power to the boat tonight, and almost all of the electronics work. Blower, both bilge pumps, courtesy lights, stereo, dash lights, heater fan (all three speeds) all work. The front navigation light doesn't work, but it is probably just some corrosion or a bad bulb. No big deal at all.

I'm going to try to get it running tomorrow, or at least get a start on that. When a boat sits for seventeen years, you have to be careful.

I am sorry to say that it has more than the eleven hours it was supposed to have though. It has eighteen! That's seven whole hours more than it was supposed to have. I'm devistated! Kidding, of course! And those hours are off of the Perfect Pass gauge, not the main hour meter. I'l check that one tomorrow, and it usually shows a lower number than PP, but we'll see.

[CincinnatiCC]

Jeff, I have seen reviews of Spray Nine Marine causing fading in the colored vinyl. Have you ever experienced that? Or any tips to share to prevent issues? Thanks

[NautiqueJeff]

I have used Spray Nine for years with no issues. I just hope it is strong enough for this mess.

[gcam4]

NautiqueJeff have you called an arborist to get rid of the trees growing in that boat?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Cwurf]

Are you telling us what you paid? WOW i can't believe that its like a barn find of a 55 chevy

[SilentSeven]

I'd prolly make a point to pull the Faria box, spray it with a contact dryer and anti corrosion agent before doing too much with the with electrics. With all the embedded moisture and expected surface corrosion,I'd be a bit nervous that something's going to pop as you power it up and warm it up.

[NautiqueJeff]

The gateway box appears to be pristine. I am not sure if I want to open it up or not.

[NautiqueJeff]

It is sitting in my garage right now. More work will happen tomorrow!

Gauges are near-perfect. Interior is out, and ready for my attempt at cleaning.









This is the original prop from 2003 for sure. Check out the Nautique logo on the blades. I wish they still did that!

[SilentSeven]

The gateway box appears to be pristine. I am not sure if I want to open it up or not.

Yeah...for sure..either way it's a risk. I'd just be thoughtful on how I'd warm up and dry out some of those rare components.

[dkimball]

Jeff, i have an 2003 air 216 that I just put into storage for the winter but come spring I need to either grease the rudder/change to packing or replace the steering cable. How does the back seat come out of these? I have had the boat for a couple of years and looked at it briefly but wasn't sure how it was connected. Thanks.