New Owner

[Yooper SN196]

Hello - my first boat. Just picked up my first Nautique - 2004 SN196 limited. Owned ProStar all my life and still have a 2016 but always wanted a 196. This boat needs a bit of work. It was used but not “loved” if that makes sense but the price and timing was right. I have a lot of oxidation to clean up and decals to replace. I plan on replacing the stock PP with stargazer and Zbox. I do have some initial questions that I hope understand by joining the forum.

1. My boat has a cheesy toggle switch on RH drivers side (3 position). Bottom position is bilge, middle position appears to be no
power to the dash pod, and up position is power to dash pod. In the up position I can enter a code and start boat. I hate this kind half *** ****. First why would a tech or owner do this? Can I assume I have issues with my dash pod? Anyway I can eliminate this toggle switch?

2. How do I get this boat into “keyed” on or accessory position that powers everything except starting the engine?

3. Is there good way to determine if I have a belly ballast tank?

4. Can I find a good list of steps for winterizing this Excalibur engine? I do all my own boat work so not a newbie here but I don’t want to mess up the winterizing process? How about info on general maintenance items? Fuel treatment (pumps, filters), ignition system, etc

5. Is there a good interface to use this website on your mobile?

Thanks for your time - Eric

[NautiqueJeff]

1. That toggle switch is factory. Leave it alone. It is a way to cut the battery power to everything, or leave power only for the bilge pump.

2. Enter the code and press Start once. That "unlocks" the system and will give power to most things, but will not start the engine. Press Start again to put the engine in Run mode, and a third time to actuate the starter.

3. The 196 never had a belly ballast tank as an option.

4. See the owner's manual.

5. Yes. We have an iPhone and an Android app available for free download.

[Kmayotte]

I had that toggle switch on my 2004 Super Air. Found it pretty handy.

[MN Ryan]

1. My boat has a cheesy toggle switch on RH drivers side (3 position). Bottom position is bilge, middle position appears to be no
power to the dash pod, and up position is power to dash pod. In the up position I can enter a code and start boat. I hate this kind half *** ****. First why would a tech or owner do this? Can I assume I have issues with my dash pod? Anyway I can eliminate this toggle switch?

Sorry, but this made me laugh!

[Yooper SN196]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I totally thought the toggle switch was a work around - sorry