2005 ski nautique 206

[bestoperator1]

Hey everybody, New to website and this is my first post. Had my Nautique built for my wife and I in 2005 They quit painting are color that year so It is quite unique It's primary color is Wine berry with Black as the second. This is also the case with the interior. We have a black half bimini that fits under our Nautique foldable tower, which is also painted black. When it's on the water it looks beautiful. Have never seen another even close to the look. Unfortunately after running it for 7 years I fractured my back at work and was unable to use it. I've been storing it in a completely enclosed boat house that I built for it. Hoping my back would heal so I could get back to skiing and barefooting in the mornings but it just wouldn't allow it. So, It's been stored for 12 years Even with it covered and stored it got quite dirty I'm enclosing a few photos to show the work I got ahead I want to remove all the interior panels and side rails but don't know how to remove them Especially the side rails and the open bow cushions in the very front that has the Nautique emblem embossed into the vinyl. I think by doing this I should be able to get it really clean this way. Does anybody know how to remove the interior for this boat? Are there posts which show me how this is accomplished. After cleaning it up, I'm gonna drain the fuel which I always filled after being on the lake. New battery, filters and change the oil. Have to replace the tires on my trailer due to the sidewalls splitting. Does anybody suggest anything else to get this ready to run again? Any help would be greatly appreciated, Chris

[NautiqueJeff]

I can help you with how to get the panels off, but I'd like to first ask what your plan is for the boat. This is EXACTLY the kind of boat I like to buy to fix up. Recommissioning one of these after they sit for that long is a process, and if you don't plan to keep the boat, you might be money ahead to sell it as-is to someone like me.

If you plan to keep it, I am happy to help you with how to disassemble it. Those interior skins MAY clean up OK, but more than likely they will have to be replaced in order to have a like-new appearance.

The bigger issue will be the engine and fuel system. I have some experience with boats that have been in storage like that, and it is likely that the engine will need some serious work after sitting unused for 12 years. Hopefully it is not locked up, but sitting that long in non-climate-controlled storage may have taken a toll. Was the engine winterized before storage? Don't forget to replace the impeller.

Things like the steering cable, throttle cable, etc, may also be stiff.

The gateway box, assuming this is a Limited or Team Edition, may work for a while, but is also a prime suspect for issues just due to age, and replacements are unobtainable now. You'll likely have to do a gateway bypass soon, and the parts for that are on a year-long backorder and about a $3,000 undertaking unless you install it yourself. Parts alone are about $1,500 (including shipping and tax).

[Jonny Quest]

I'm in the Salt Lake City, UT area...so practically a neighbor. I'd be happy to discuss options with you. Send me a Private message and I'm happy to discuss.

[bestoperator1]

Yes I'm going to sell it but I've already started cleaning it up. Got the new tires for it today and actually after doing some research was able to find a cleaning product that has been cleaning the vinyl to like new. It's literally just dirt or dust that has gotten in thru the holes in the cover and bled thru the canvas cover itself. Also, I'm a just retired heavy equipment mechanic and crane operator so I know my way around a engine and all of the drive system. Electrical too. That's why I actually started working on it. Felt it would be easier to clean the interior panels if I just removed them. It would be easier on my back so as no to have to do it in the boat. If you would graciously show me how to pull out the rails and all the bow seats that would be great. There's absolutely no reason for the motor to be locked up. Of course the fuel system will have to be gone thru even though it's only run 92 octane Chevron gas thru it. Matter of fact that's what has been sitting in the fuel tank for 12 years but of course it needs to be drained Curiously what's your offer if I just give it to you as is.

[bestoperator1]

I haven't even hooked a charger up to the battery yet to check the hours but I do believe it's in the low 300's

[bestoperator1]

And no the motor was not winterized cause I live in San Diego and it was in a boathouse all it's life So like Mid 50's at night even in January. So fairly climate controlled. Not like upper Michigan in the winter outside where I grew up!! The boat has NEVER been in the salt so fresh water only thru the cooling system