Pulled the trigger! First time Nautique owner

[Liamfm]

I've been lurking for a while here. You may have seen my other posts asking quite a few questions about boats. Well, it was between the MC 205 and the Sport Nautique, 97-99 vintage for both. I was leaning toward the 205 to be honest, but I jumped on a 1997 SN this weekend. 293 hours, original owners, records, docs, etc. Basic boat, no frills, but runs great and the interior and gelcoat are in great shape. I've got a list of things to do to it, so I suspect this thread might become me asking questions as I learn my way through here, but I'm excited to get back into boat ownership!

Okay - so questions:

1) storage covers - type, best place to purchase, etc. Boat came with a cheap one as it was stored in a garage. I'd like to get a nice one as I haven't figured out my summer storage yet (might go into my garage if I get a shed for bikes, etc). What's the best protection I can get for the interior and exterior against sun, rain, and leaves/pine needles? Links are helpful for this novice.

2) speedo - the line for the left speedo was disconnected, spraying water onto me during the test drive. I've pushed it back on, but is there any other connection (does it screw on, or literally just push on?)? I suspect the water pressure will push it off again?

3) Stereo doesn't have a 12v constant line for memory. Any issue running one? If so, straight to the battery with a fuse, or is there a lug I can pull from on the push button panel?

I'm sure more questions to come. Sadly, it will be a couple weeks before I have a chance to put it in the water... and winter is coming fast!

[GMLIII]

Glad you bought one. Try Boat Covers Direct also mention discount code from PN. I think there is a 10% discount.

[charlesml3]

I've been lurking for a while here. You may have seen my other posts asking quite a few questions about boats. Well, it was between the MC 205 and the Sport Nautique, 97-99 vintage for both. I was leaning toward the 205 to be honest, but I jumped on a 1997 SN this weekend. 293 hours, original owners, records, docs, etc. Basic boat, no frills, but runs great and the interior and gelcoat are in great shape. I've got a list of things to do to it, so I suspect this thread might become me asking questions as I learn my way through here, but I'm excited to get back into boat ownership!

Okay - so questions:

1) storage covers - type, best place to purchase, etc. Boat came with a cheap one as it was stored in a garage. I'd like to get a nice one as I haven't figured out my summer storage yet (might go into my garage if I get a shed for bikes, etc). What's the best protection I can get for the interior and exterior against sun, rain, and leaves/pine needles? Links are helpful for this novice.

2) speedo - the line for the left speedo was disconnected, spraying water onto me during the test drive. I've pushed it back on, but is there any other connection (does it screw on, or literally just push on?)? I suspect the water pressure will push it off again?

3) Stereo doesn't have a 12v constant line for memory. Any issue running one? If so, straight to the battery with a fuse, or is there a lug I can pull from on the push button panel?

I'm sure more questions to come. Sadly, it will be a couple weeks before I have a chance to put it in the water... and winter is coming fast!

The speedo is very easy to fix. First thing you need to do is disconnect it again and blow the water out of the tube. Really, you can just blow it out with your mouth. It doesn't take much. Next you need to fix the issue with it popping off. If there's some slack in the hose, then cut the last 1/2" off and push it onto the speedo fully. That should resolve it.

A constant 12VDC for the stereo is easy. Just run it directly from the battery. You don't need much of a wire for this. A light gauge wire is fine. Probably not a bad idea to splice in an in-line fuse as you mentioned.

-Charles

[Paxdad]

From the photos it looks like a really good find. Hope you got a good deal.


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[Liamfm]

On the cover, sunbrella for best protection and durability? Looks like I can do a Carver or Westland. Any experience either way?

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[charlesml3]

Sunbrella is a VERY good material for a boat cover. Work with BoatCoversDirect and figure out which one you need. They're really great.

-Charles

[Liamfm]

Ok, working out the bugs... The throttle may need adjustment. If I set it in gear but at idle, all good. When I try to come just off idle, the throttle wants to spring back to idle. No issue if I get to 1/4 ish throttle, it's just the first little bit off idle that wants to spring back. Any thoughts on how to adjust?

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[DW SD]

Glad you got one.

Sounds like throttle return spring it too strong or is there some tensioning device in the throttle lever mechanism?

I'd look at the latter if there is some sort of adjustment


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[Ski-me]

Congrats on new boat! Let's just say I have the "other boat" you were looking at, but there are a lot of similarities, generally speaking. My throttle cable also would not hold in place if I let go of the knob. I got a simple u-clamp at HD and put just a little bit of pinching pressure on cable. Now it holds great! Also, my PP would not work properly without the clamp.

Looks like a great boat!