Just Bought a used 2004 196 with the Hydro Gate?

[NautiqueJeff]

Looks like that one was modified properly.

[BadLuck]

I've been working on the boat a fair bit since this quarantine started... so far I have:

Changed plugs, wires and distributor cap

New drive belt

Replaced the impeller

New battery and terminals

Installed a new kill switch (prior owner had bypassed the switch)

Installed a new stereo (JBL PRV-275) and 4 channel JBL amp (I used the round stereo plate from Nautique, but it was a huge PITA to get installed as the diameter of the stereo was bigger than the hole. Ended up drilling about 50 tiny holes all the way around the circle to enlarge it by about 1/4" on all sides. It was a lot of work and ruined multiple drill bits, but I am happy with the finished result!)

Washed, waxed and detailed the boat (including the bilge area)

Installed a new steering cable

Removed, cleaned and reinstalled the rudder (pre-purchase inspection had found a minor leak from one corner of the rudder)

Disconnected and plugged the pilot tubes (Faria gauges are 100% functional, including the speedo, but didn't want to risk flooding the gateway)

Restored the teak swim platform

Still to do:

Oil, filter and transmission fluid change will happen once I have a chance to get it in the water and get it up to temp

Fuel filters will be done once I get some fresh gas in it as it has been sitting for a few years with minimal use

Install battery disconnect as even in the "All Off" setting, the boat is still drawing around 2.5 amps

Any advice as to what to check as far as the slow drain?
Where have people been mounting battery disconnects on a 196?

Source an engine cover (mechanic who winterized the boat prior to my purchase lost the plastic excalibur 330 engine cover, anyone have one laying around they wish to part with? Not sure its worth the almost 200 plus stickers new)

[SilentSeven]

Interesting. Thanks for the follow up. I was trying to see how they finished the area that was ground out but it's hard to see on my phone.

Did they replace the gelcoat surface?

Must be a reasonably big job to make this modification. Be interesting to get your impressions after you run it.



Posted via phone. Sorry for the tpyos.

[BadLuck]

Yes, everything has definitely been re-gelcoated. It's hard to see on pictures, but in person you can see a very slight shade difference from the original to the new. I'm waiting on my hydrohoist lift to be modified, but once that is done, I'll be running it as much as possible and let you know how she performs (the lift had a 23ft Chaparral deck boat on it before with two short runners and a front "V" mount, switching to two 14' long bunks on extended risers to accommodate the Nautique). Dock company says we are on the schedule, approximately two weeks out, assuming the world doesn't end first.

[Quinner]

I don't think I would worry too much about that shroud, if you happen to find one so be it. There were some issues with it if you had PP, the shroud would interfere with the throttle cable and cause high idle issues intermittently, even after the dealer under warranty "ground" my shroud to correct it, high idle still happened every now and again so I took the shroud off my 05' and it has been on the shelf ever since.

Looks like they really had to grind into the exhaust thru hull to make the gate fit, I would keep an eye on any water intrusion into the bilge on the first few outings, sure it's find but given your username, who knows