1996 Ski Nautique Overhaul

[ingEneer22]

Long time reader, first time poster. After a bit of neglect, my dear ski boat is due for a bit of TLC. This is my first venture into a project of this scale so I am learning as I go and will happily take advice from anyone here who has done this before. I'm sure I will be posting questions regularly over in the Maint Forum. The end goal is to restore the boat to its original glory. The GT40 ran like a champ when it last ran about 8 months ago. On the list for this project:

- Vinyl
- Carpet
- Gas struts for all of the hatches
- Remove oxidation, wax, and polish gelcoat
- Cover
- Speakers/Stereo
- Paint exhaust manifold/risers
- Fix collapsing rear bench seats
- Replace various panels on dash and decals
- Replace rub rail
- Step pads
- Refinish wooden throttle ball and ski platform
- Cover

I have a quote for carpet and vinyl skins from C&S but I am open to having a local shop do the vinyl work. I am in the Corpus Christi, TX area and am happy to drive to Dallas, Houston, etc. if anyone knows a good vinyl or carpet shop. I also need someone to make a new cover. Even if I buy the skins from C&S, I'll need someone to install. Not sure I'm willing to tackle that one. Any TX nautique owners out there have any input?

[ingEneer22]

First step: Remove all the seats, coaming pads, engine cover. Put the battery on the charger and deep cleaned the interior.

[SilentSeven]

I love that model of Ski...such a neat looking boat and yours is my favorite color. Looking forward to following along!

[NautiqueJeff]

Looking great so far!

On the skins, I strongly recommend C&S for a couple of reasons. First, they are the only place licensed to recreate the official Correct Craft / Nautique logos in the skins. Other places will either be forced to leave the logos out or will put other logos in that usually don't look right at all. If you use non-official logos, you will devalue the boat. Second, the skins are guaranteed to fit, and will be the correct colors, and will be the appropriate quality. I have seen some BAD vinyl installed by random shops that doesn't match the original color or patterns, and falls apart within a few years. Not saying that all shops would use bad vinyl, but with C&S you know what you're getting.

[SilentSeven]

+1 for CS. Sandra is great. If there are any issues, they promptly resolve. I've purchase from them multiple times.

[srock]

A while back I approached CS about new skins and was told to give me a hull number. I wanted to make a color change and it was a no go without a bunch of additional money. Any idea why that is?

[ingEneer22]

Any recommendations for a vinyl/carpet installation shop in TX? Also looking for recommendations for audio, looking to replace the 4 speakers, head unit, install and amp and a small subwoofer (8-10" or so).

[bird_dog0347]

I don't have any recommendations for audio down that way, but up here north of Dallas a lot of the dealers use Scream Marine for audio installs. They did the work on my old 2007 Supra and it sounded and looked great.

[ingEneer22]

I plan on doing the audio myself, looking for a vinyl installer though if anyone has any recommendations.

[ingEneer22]

Took some more pictures of the outside as a reference as I start to remove the oxidation and wax. The rub-rail, ski deck, windshield, dash, and glove boxes were removed today to allow for a seamless wax job. I disassembled the windshield to have the metal parts powder coated. I was careful to take apart the plastic and rubber parts off without breaking but many are pretty dry. Can those parts be purchased today? I'd like to replace all of them.

I removed much of the cooling system and the exhaust manifolds and risers. I'm going to clean these up and repaint. Any tips on doing this? There is some corrosion on the inside, nothing crazy. Is there a way to clean that up? When are they too far gone and need to be replaced?

[ingEneer22]

Not as much progressed as I'd hoped, but been working on the gelcoat, dash, swim platform.

Gelcoat: Using Meguiars oxidation remover and a wool buff pad on the gelcoat. Taking some time but the oxidation is slowly fading away. I don't want to use anything more abrasive because I'm trying to salvage my decals and pinstripes. So far the right side of the boat and stern are treated. I've got a few spots to clean up but since I'm doing this in my driveway, I can only work in the evening after the sun falls behind the house. Next step will be to polish and wax!

Dash: All the oxidized and fades parts are being "freshened up". I purchased new dash panels from Nautique Parts, looking forward to installing these! The CB switches are pretty faded so I touched them up with some spray paint. The Airguides came apart easily and were cleaned. Touched up the needles with a bit of orange paint to bring them back to life. No joy on replacement plastic lenses though. The company that was selling them doesn't have their website anymore. Guess they closed up shop? A few of the holes for the thumb screws were cracked, touched these up with some plastic weld and repainted black. Got a new horn switch and 12v outlet cover to replace the faded and cracked ones. Next up, I'll be replacing the radio, condition the vinyl and re-glue the vinyl to the plastic dash.

Swim Platform: This one has been fun. Talk about instant satisfaction! Cleaned and brightened the teak twice and hit it with a light sanding. On coat 3 of teak oil and it keeps sucking it up. I'll see how it looks in the morning and will likely need another coat or two. Looks great!

[NautiqueJeff]

Looking great! Love the detail work on the gauges and breakers.

[Spud]

Looking good... you may need a BUILT NOT BOUGHT decal on that boat somewhere when finished!