Quality control on late 90s/early 2000s models

[MLars]

Just got back from a great week of vacation with our new-to-us 2000 Sport Nautique, and as I got more comfortable with the boat I noticed things that didn't seem quite right or up to "Nautique standards." I also have to keep in mind that this is a 17 year old boat and all these issues could be from the previous owner. Just wondering if anyone else with a Nautique from this era notices these imperfections?

1. Rear bench seat leg screw was stripped out, replaced it with the next size up
IMG_4808 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

2. Windshield doesn't fit quite right no matter how much I adjust it, although I can "bend" the driver's side piece enough to make it close
IMG_4807 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

3. Random screw holes in engine mount stringer, might be for a shower?
IMG_4806 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

4. No engine cowl alignment blocks, even though there are screw holes for them
IMG_4805 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

5. Missing middle screw from rear compartment hinges on both sides
IMG_4804 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

6. Bunch of random holes from what looks like the factory messing up the placement of the mounting bracket for the bow area cushion
IMG_4803 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

7. Screw in the middle of the floor holding down the carpet that seems to be bending up from the sides
IMG_4802 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr


And some bonus pics from the week:
DSC00661 MOD by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

DSC00510 by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

Neighbor at the lake also has the same boat:
DSC00366 MOD by Matt Larsen, on Flickr

[Wake.BC]

Photo Bucket doesn’t work anymore.

Every boat has there off problem, previous owners could have dome things too.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[MLars]

Photo Bucket doesn’t work anymore.

Every boat has there off problem, previous owners could have dome things too.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

Ya you're probably right, and most problems are most likely from the previous owner. However, the 3 holes in the bow area confuse me. Pictures should be fixed, reuploaded them to Flickr

[xlair]

Yeah a lot of those things you have pointed out likely were done over time. Quality control on your boat should generally be pretty good but like you said it's a 17 year old boat. Not many year 2000 era cars are even still around!

Just use the boat and enjoy it for what it is. It's a used boat so, by definition, it's not perfect but that makes it easier once you put the first scratch in it!


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[Fgroce]

Most of those items were probably done by a previous owner. I have a 2002 Ski Nautique and I took it all apart no cracks in the gel coat, no cracks in the glass, everything looked pretty good for a 15 year old boat.

[charlesml3]

I can tell you FOR SURE, the carpet has been replaced in this boat. Whoever did it took a lot of shortcuts. That's why the cowl alignment blocks are missing and you have those screws showing in the front "tongue" carpet piece. No way they came that way from the factory.

I suspect at least some of the vinyl has been replaced too. That would explain the random screw holes.

Source: I had a 99 Air Nautique I bought new from WLM. I did a full carpet and vinyl replacement in 2012.

-Charles

[NautiqueJeff]

Just wanted to mention that it is probably a good idea to just use this site's upload feature for pictures instead of another source. That way they will always work here.

[DLafont]

I'm with others, and think that previous owner did some of the .wacky. things you've spotted. Also, like others, have said, don't fret too hard and enjoy the crap out of this boat!! Summer is short. Forgot to add that the past two year hwen putting the boat in for the start of summer my drivers' side windshield had popped out from the fram. A few srews out, replace the gaskets/trim and back to perfect and closes properly.

[a0128]

Being that it is a 17 year old boat these items you highlight are not unusual. How many previous owners has the boat had? I've had to "upsize" fasteners in some areas (i.e. dash trim) in order to secure certain pieces.

Missing screws could be a result of a previous owner removing the cover and a couple of screws went missing during reassembly. Fasteners will also work their way loose over time as the boat gets pounded over large waves (wakes). It is unlikely the boat left the factory that way.

Sometimes my windshield will bind a little bit. Usually pulled out of alignment by the driver (or passengers) using the windshield as leverage to get out of their seat. Again not uncommon on a 17 year old boat. The rest is probably a result of various owners adding and deleting stuff.

Most important IMO is that the boat is mechanically reliable. I can overlook the cosmetic stuff - especially what you've identified since most of it is hidden anyway. Mechanical issues can ruin a day or weekend, a couple of random holes won't (unless they're going through the bottom of the hull LOL).