1997 Air Nautique

[dadjoke]

Hey everyone, I’m new to the forum but wanted to introduce my family’s '97 Air Nautique. We picked it up a few weeks ago — the previous owner purchased it new but only put 85 hours on it. Prior to purchase the fuel pump, oil filter, and steering cable were replaced. The outside needed a good detail so I spent the last couple weekends handling that. I’m a sucker for older Nautiques and am in love with the colorway. We had a late '80s SN 2001 ~10 years ago, so I’m looking forward to getting our boys on the water and to hop back on the wakeskate!

I haven’t taken many photos yet, but here’s what I have so far.

Prior to bringing the boat home:

Some before and after’s from detailing:

The only post-detail photo that I currently have, but will grab more in the future.

Looking forward to connecting and learning from everyone!

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[Spud]

Beautiful boat

[bturner]

Welcome to the forum!

[dadjoke]

The radio that came with the boat stopped working so it was time to find a replacement. I went with the Clarion M508 because its classic look compliments the boat really well.
A farewell to the old radio that screams 90s (in a bad way).

The old wiring needed a refresh, so I cleaned things up with a set of quick disconnects.

The new Clarion M508 fitted in its panel.

All buttoned up and ready to go.

During my research on this radio, I learned that classic Porsche owners also love this headunit for the same reason. I guess great minds think alike.
A couple more from Memorial Day weekend.

[MN Ryan]

Nice. If mine dies, that's the unit I was looking at.

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[BT]

I had that same color combo on a 1997 Super Sport. Nice!

[dadjoke]

Snagged a pair of display Clarion CMS-651-CWB speakers for almost half price, so that jump started the next project. I started on the driver's side to familiarize myself with the side panels and the best way front mount the speakers.
The kick panel was pretty straightforward. Adios old mesh speaker cover.

The classic grille covers compliments the styling of a 90's boat (in a good way).

Original speaker and outer PVC ring removed from the side panel.

I was hoping that new speakers would be as simple as dropping them in the front, but smaller cutout meant a little more work.

I removed the inner PVC ring that's fitted behind the vinyl. Doing so gave me enough room to squeeze the speaker in. Plus, the speaker's outer lip now acts as the wall created by the ring.


Back in the boat. Passenger side panel is up next.



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[dadjoke]

Never got around to posting the other speakers after the install, but better late than never.


The vinyl around the panel's rear speaker got a little tight from age, but I can deal with it.

Boat's currently out of the water for an oil change and a fresh polish. Maybe recondition the swim platform if there's time, as well.


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[srock]

I will offer my 2 cents on speakers.

Cent 1 - Always get a speaker with a cover that has screws or is intregral to the speaker as snap on covers will pop off.
Cent 2 - Throw out the manufactuers provided screws and put on your own stainless. There is a 99% change that your expensive marine speaker come with non-stainless screws.

Thats all.

[dadjoke]

I will offer my 2 cents on speakers.

Cent 1 - Always get a speaker with a cover that has screws or is intregral to the speaker as snap on covers will pop off.
Cent 2 - Throw out the manufactuers provided screws and put on your own stainless. There is a 99% change that your expensive marine speaker come with non-stainless screws.

Thats all.

Yeah, I'm not using the provided screws. I needed screws longer than what came with the speakers.


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