waterskifanaticGAJ 1994 Ski Nautique

[waterskifanaticGAJ]

My dad and I bought this boat brand new in 1994. I do a ton of slalom course, trick skiing, kneeboarding, and barefooting. My brother is an accomplished kneeboarder, and a strong slalom course skier. Our boat has close 1400 hours on after the close of the 2008 season. Despite all the use our boat is still in near mint condition. We have the 351 PCM carbureted engine with 240 horsepower and the 1:1 transmission. We just had Perfect Pass Stargazer installed last spring. It works just like they say it does. The main advantages a Ski Nautique has over its competition is it is the most user friendly for the driver, the hull and structure are very solid second to none, best tracking, and its skiability/wake characteristics are less effected by adverse conditions. The key is keeping fresh oil in the engine, winterizing it properly, and detail it on a regular basis. It gets a full detail job before going away for the winter, and then a monthly maintenance detail to keep it clean. A boat lift is a must!

[kevfran99]

RE: waterskifanaticGAJ 1994 Ski Nautique

Very nice looking! You've spent countless hours working to keep that boat nice! I do the same! What part of GA are you?

[waterskifanaticGAJ]

RE: waterskifanaticGAJ 1994 Ski Nautique

I live in Ohio, but I keep my boat in Pennsylvania. The lake in the picture is in western Pennsylvania. We usually start skiing in April, and ski into mid to late October. Keeping the bottom waxed makes the slalom wakes smaller. A friend of mine has the same hull, and it has a slightly bigger wake. Guys on the lake who have newer ones bust my chops asking me if my boat still runs. I bring it in for a tune up to a marina every 400 hours. The only actual repairs I have had to make are, replacing the alternator at 1300 hours, a couple of seat skins, and one steering cable at 800 hours. The prop is getting its first overhaul.

[CradGen2]

RE: waterskifanaticGAJ 1994 Ski Nautique

What lake in Western PA are you on. I'm living in Pittsburgh, but use to go to Conneaut Lake a lot growing up. Is that Lake Latonka?

[waterskifanaticGAJ]

RE: waterskifanaticGAJ 1994 Ski Nautique

Yes

[waterskifanaticGAJ]

RE: waterskifanaticGAJ 1994 Ski Nautique

Working on fixing a leaky muffler. I am going to take it out and cover the bottom half with a couple of coats of JB Weld. In the past, it has worked most of the times I have tried it, but because I am applying it upside down the epoxy may fall because it is hanging upside down it does not solve the problem. I want to see if that works before spending the money on a new muffler. I am going to take it out of the boat this time to let it cure while the muffler is sitting upside down. Any ideas?

[SNobsessed]

RE: waterskifanaticGAJ 1994 Ski Nautique

WSFanatic - I assume you have the fiberglass Invertaflow muffler. if so, I would pin point the leak (air pressure test or fill with water). Grind out the pinhole & use fiberglass mat with epoxy resin to plug the hole. You should do several layers, each one being about 2 inches bigger than the last.

Good luck!

[waterskifanaticGAJ]

I have had it patched up a couple of times with fiberglass. I bought 5 tubes of JB Weld to cover the bottom half. It has worked in the small areas in the past. I plan to cover the bottom half with it. If this does not work, then it will be time for a new one next year..