Restoring 2003 Nautique 216

[JakeB1985]

So I am going to be purchasing a 2003 216 one owner <50 hour boat for very, very low cost.
only problem is that it’s been stored outside in Wisconsin and hasn’t ran since 2007 when
it was winterized and stored. I know the original owner and he understands it’s in rough shape.
I haven’t had a chance to check to see if the block is cracked, wires chewed up or anything mechanical
what are done major red flags to look for before I pull the trigger. I plan on doing a restoration but would like to keep
expenses to around 5k-7500 on top of what I’m buying the boat for which we agreed on 5k as long as my mechanic tells me nothing major
is wrong with the engine.
do you feel I could get this boat back to tip top shape for around 12-14k total?
I’m new to nautique and will be trying to do as much of the work as possible but will still need a fair amount of help from the shop.

thanks for your help guys.

[Chris Parsons]

You could easily out this back together for that amount. 2 -3.5k for interior. 1000 for carpet or 2.3k for seadek. 3k for engine if needed. 350 steering cable.

Looks like mostly its a clean up project. Id buy it today.

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[JakeB1985]

Would you be worried about it sitting on the trailer outside for 12 years?

[JakeB1985]

What would be your concerns electrically if mice got at it?

[Chris Parsons]

You can buy wiring harnesses for everything. Or just re wire things. At thst price it would be hard for it not to be a win

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[SilentSeven]

Team or limited edition? Make sure the gauge package works or add in another 1k. Read the faria box thread for details.

Sat outside since 2007? Assume all the electrical stuff is suspect. Why did it get parked in the first place?

Wouldn't touch it without a full mechanical signoff. NautiqueJeff can tell you about engine freeze surprises on resto boats.

Call C&M marine and get a ball park quote for a complete set of skins. Will you do them or have someone do them?

My buddy did the carpet in his 206, was a bitch of a job. Wouldn't underestimate the effort and cost.

Need a new cover? Another grand.

What about the trailer? New coupler, brake rebuild and tires are like a grand or so. Wisconsin you say? Any significant rust problems?

Do you have a good shop, have time and are DIY motivated and handy? Could be an ok project. Or just look around and spend 30 to 35k and go straight to happiness.

We'd love to watch you bring it back and will cheer you on....

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[Chris Parsons]

Agree with all of the above. No matter what is wrong at thst price you won't ever be upside down in it.

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[SilentSeven]

Btw, a 216 is a direct drive boat. Not in the best of favor right now with everyone wanting v drives to go surf.

Does this one have a tower?

A no tower nicely loved 216 is maybe a 20 to 25k boat. Your margin here is less than if you were doing a SANTE vdrive. I'd do some quick searches on what 216s are selling for.

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[Chris Parsons]

A 2000 pro air (same thing) is running abiut 18 to 20k. A 2003 is easily a 22 -24k boat.

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[Chris Parsons]

There is ao much margin in this its crazy.

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[JakeB1985]

I’m diy savvy to a point and highly motivated.
I have my limits and electrical is one of those limits.
I will be going to take a closer look at it in 2 weeks and from there will
be taking it to a mechanic.
Original owner bought new in 03 for 39,900. Used for 2 summers, bought a campground and never had the time
for it. It was inside for the first 4-5 winters but been outside ever since.
Would it be worth or even possible to do a v drive conversion?
im thinking even if I were to have someone else do 100% of the work I’ve still got about a 8-10k margin.

[JakeB1985]

There is no tower but I would be adding that eventually after I get it running right and everything working mechanically/ electrically.
Where would be my best resource for buying parts? Should I buy OEM or aftermarket if available?

[Chris Parsons]

Not possible. Its a direct drive. If you are unclear on this it may be a bad purchase. If the wires have been chewed its going to be a big project re wiring. But with that much profit margin you could possibly pay someone for that part.

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[Chris Parsons]

Nautiqueparts.com

The electrical stuff you could go through a local dealer maybe

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[JakeB1985]

I didn’t think there was anyway to do a v-drive conversion but the way silentseven referenced the sante had me guessing. I must have misread his post.
I understand it’s a completely different layout and drivetrain but you never know what kind of Frankenstein stuff people come up with.