2002 Ski Nautique Project

[Scooter G]

I like it.
Yes my demise was the stink of the carb cleaner, I think I would of come away unscathed had it not been for that, and of coarse there were dishes, wouldn't want to waste a cycle on just a single carb, lol. Not sure what I was thinking, seemed logical at the time.

[NautiqueJeff]

With the engine out of this boat, this is a GREAT time to replace the battery cables and the steering cable. The job is MUCH easier with the engine out of the way!

The black cable doesn't look too bad (although I replace mine with 1 AWG wires, so this one does appear a little undersize to me). The red one on the other hand looks terrible! I am surprised this even worked.





Ordered the new battery cables just now. In case anyone is wondering about the size of the cables needed, here you go.

I use the website below for all of my custom battery cable replacements. This is the site that used to be known as GenuineDealz. They have rebranded, and still offer a great resource for custom cables.

https://www.customcableusa.com/produ...de-by-the-foot

[NautiqueJeff]

Here's the steering cable I ordered. This will be so much easier to replace with the engine out!!

[bionaraq]

Neat on ordering the cables premade. I'd planned on doing what I'd done with my Yamaha. Order marine capable cables and hammer the ends on myself.
My stereo has no power because the leads have rotted out of the insulation. Good reminder that I should check the starter cable as well.

(I guess i should check battery age and size I can fit in it with the size stereo i'm adding.)

[Scooter G]

https://www.customcableusa.com/produ...de-by-the-foot

Thanks for the cable source Jeff, that will come in mighty handy someday...

[jtryon]

Thanks for the cable source Jeff, that will come in mighty handy someday...

check out greatlakesskipper as well, a lot of times they have factory battery cables labeled as for other brands that will work as a cheap "new" option for other boats. when relocating my batteries last spring i got a "Tracker Marine" 1/0 AWG cable that fit the length i needed for half the price of custom cable sites, with ends and everything already on. just because it's labeled as Tracker/etc doesn't mean it's not just an x-length cable with common battery ends already crimped. HTH!

example: https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/search/?q=cables

[NautiqueJeff]

Parts are here, and they look good!

[MN Ryan]

It takes a special man to get excited about battery cables.

[jaypro]

I am working on a 2003 Nautique 196 restoration myself! This is a great resource. How did you remove to gunwale cushions, I can't seem to find the studs to unscrew them like the other pieces?

[NautiqueJeff]

jaypro Look at the pictures in post 28 of this thread. You can see the holes where the studs go through the fiberglass. You just have to reach behind the panels and remove the nuts and washers.

Also, since you're working on a 2003 and this is a 2002, you might enjoy the thread about the 2003 Ski Nautique 196 that I am just wrapping up now.

2003 Ski Nautique 196 Restoration

[jaypro]

Thank you!!!!!

[jaypro]

any tricks to getting at those things?!? What a pain in the rear end!!

[NautiqueJeff]

Not really. Just gotta reach up there and find them.

[NautiqueJeff]

This boat has been stuck waiting for my gelcoat shop to have time for it, and there isn't too much more I can do until the gelcoat work is complete. Hopefully in about two weeks it'll go in.

I was able to get the windshield put back together today with the freshly-powdercoated frame. I love how much this affects the look of the boat.

[NautiqueJeff]

Got the new trailer guide pads and the tie-downs for the trailer as well.