2003 Ski Nautique 196 Project

[NautiqueJeff]

Put the windshield back together today. I love the look of a freshly-powdercoated windshield frame.

The only piece not installed is the piece on the walk-through window that has the clips to hold it shut. I need to rivet the clips back on, and I can't do that if the piece is installed.

[SilentSeven]

I always enjoy watching you bring these tired machines back to life.

[bionaraq]

Hmmm, our 2004 216 has silver windshield. I prefer the black. You've got me wondering getting it redone in black.

As to the speaker grills, i've been trying to find the bow optional speaker and cup holders. Any idea if anyone has it NOS. I do not see it on planet nautique. Otherwise i'll have to try make them myself.

[NautiqueJeff]

I think the silver started in 2004, so you have one of the first I believe. Super easy to change it if you want to. The sandblast and powder coat process only costs about $250 around here.

I don't know of anywhere that has those panels anymore. NautiqueParts is out of almost all types of them now. You might check with N3, just to see. They may have some.

These are the only ones I know of that are still available. They are the wrong color for me, and only one side.
https://www.nautiqueparts.com/produc...5-216-2006-07/

[NautiqueJeff]

This windshield should be finished by now, but the rivets I got were too small! I just ordered the right size (and in black), and they should be here on Saturday. Then I can install the last piece on the windshield.

[NautiqueJeff]

Finished up the windshield today. Got the two clips riveted back on (even found some black rivets), and installed the stopper piece that keeps the glass from hitting when the windshield is opened.

Next up while I wait for the boat to come back from gelcoat is restoration of the teak platform.

[NautiqueJeff]

Today is swim platform day! This is one of the most rewarding days of the restoration. It is a fairly quick part of the process, but the transformation is usually one of the best.

This one wasn't the worst I have dealt with, but it was pretty neglected. I doubt it had EVER seen teak oil before.

I ended up sanding it with 40 grit on a belt sander, and that cleaned it up nicely.

I'll be applying teak oil for the next few days, until it stops absorbing it.



BEFORE SHOTS:







AFTER SANDING:





FIRST COAT OF TEAK OIL:

[bionaraq]

I've always loved the teak platforms, that looks fantastic. Another one of the items to replace the fiberglass one on mine after all the other projects i already have.

[NautiqueJeff]

I looked into the Zero Off upgrade, and while it is doable, it is cost-prohibitive unless someone REALLY wants it.

Just the parts alone for the Zero Off upgrade would cost over $3,700. Many parts on the engine would need to be replaced, including the ECU, entire engine wiring harness, throttle controls, lots of sensors and switches, various brackets, even the throttle body and flame arrestor. Then there is the time it would take me to install all of those parts.

Perfect Pass Star Gazer with the Zbox option is only $1,649, and is virtually plug-and-play, except for one or two wiring splices needed. It should work almost identically to ZO, so I don't see the value in going to ZO unless I find a buyer who REALLY wants it.

I am probably going to place an order with PP on Monday.

[MN Ryan]

$3700 just for parts? Ouch. That would be a hard no from me, too!

[bturner]

I know the slalom "true believers" have to have zero off and I guess if you're at that crazy level where you're weighing everybody in the and adjusting their placement by inches it makes a difference. That said a boat of this age is going to be at best someone's training boat and more likely a recreational slalom tug. Nice to have but let's face it if you're going down this rat hole the boat you're going to be skiing behind in a tournament is not going to be this year of model. Going to the zero off IMO goes further than I would go. StarGazer would be my limit.

[NautiqueJeff]

I agree. PPSG with the Zbox (to emulate Zero Off) seems to make the most sense.

[NautiqueJeff]

I should have the boat back from fiberglass/gelcoat tomorrow or Monday! Woohoo!

[NautiqueJeff]

Slight gelcoat delay due to the gray gelcoat not matching the original to the shop's requirements. I don't mind waiting a few more days in order for the repairs to be perfect.

This new gelcoat shop that I am using seems to be VERY detail-oriented, and they seem to be doing excellent work. They are taking their time, which is fine as long as the results are great. And it looks like they will be.

[NautiqueJeff]

I love to come home from a trip and find a box with stuff like this in it! I'll probably mount the gauge in the dash tonight.