1991 Barefoot Nautique

[brian'91BFN]

I apologize. I'm the one that caused the "scope drift". campbelljo's boat is a dream. I can only hope to get mine looking close to that good.

All,

I don't use websites like this very often, so please don't hesitate to give me (constructive) critisism. My bulletin board etiquite probably needs some work.

[campbelljo]

No apology needed this is good stuff. Thanks again for all the compliments

I am also running a 4-blade it won't peg fifty but low end is great. Let me know if you need some specifics and ill try to post.

[brian'91BFN]

Does anyone running the 4 blade still use it for barefooting very much? I'm just a recreational 'footer, but I'd still like to have the option when someone says "I bet you can't ... :shock: " I'm a very small guy (155 lbs), but some of my friends (200+) need (or should I say want) a lot of speed to barefoot. I'd like to be able to pull one o' those behemoths about 47 mph. Some people don't glide, they plow.

campbelljo, If you ever show off your boat in Texas (at a reunion or something) I'd like to see it.

[campbelljo]

Barefooting is no problem i think mine will do around 46-47, i haven't checked the speedos with GPS to see how accurate but its plenty to barefoot with the boat loaded with people.

Brian,

We just bought a place on the lake so i dont get out much. Matter of fact i wouldnt ever leave but i have to go to work to pay for it. However i have some more pics if you need a close look at anything. Thanks again.

[brian'91BFN]

I'd love to see more pics of the boat. Do you have more posted on the site? I'm going to work on getting the drive train back in peak condition, then work on exterior, and finally (if it's going well) get some reproduction CC interior done. When I get to the interior stage I'll probably be begging anyone for some close up pictures of BFN or Excel interior.

By the way.. I posted some pics of our boat in the Members Boat section if you're interested. thanks!

[campbelljo]

Nice looking barefoot. I like the lettering in black looks good, i like those colors also.

The real close ups i have of the interior are outdated. Heres one that is a little closer. Here is the windshield after the powdercoat.

[joelhern2]

campbell,

is it me or do the nautique guys always have the hottest ladies on the water?

Hey, how did you go about getting your windshield powdercoated? Did you take the glass out yourself and put it back in the frame or did the shop do it? Cost?

Getting the windshield frame to match the tower is one of my last projects for a while (yeah right, huh?)...

[campbelljo]

Just got lucky on the woman part and the boat as far as that goes.....but really lucky on her.

The windsheild was a beast overall. Taking it off was no problem and getting the glass out was no problem. Getting it powdercoated was no problem ($100). Putting it back together wasnt that bad since i had it all labeled, until i caught the corner of the glass with a screw and shattered one entire piece. If this happens to you the glass is not curved its simply 1/8th" tempered glass that any local shop would have no trouble with...well any except the one i chose. 4 weeks later i finally get the correct glass and get it in. Getting the windshield back on where the walk thru would close properly was very challenging. It never seemed to be perfect before so i ended up redrilling and resetting so that it would align better than before.

I cant lie to you its a chore. However with your solid windshield it shouldnt be that bad...all except getting the glass back in the frame. Just take your time use a little soap and water and a rubber mallet and be mindful where the edges are when start screwing the frame together.


Lets see that new interior!

[brian'91BFN]

campbelljo,
Is your engine stock? I posted a question on the engine/technical forum to see if anyone had experience upping the horsepower. So far I haven't had a bite. I'd love to hear about the "wakeslayer" person that put the 502ci Python in his boat. I think a smoother flowing set of heads and a slightly more aggresive cam would put our 454's over 400hp.

By the way (I don't think I've already said this) Your windshield looks awesome. I bet "boat guys" at your lake trip over their tongues when they see your boat. The brand new boats are awesome but, in my pea brain, I think our boats will only increase in value from now on. I think that even the almighty Nautique has a steep depreciation in the first couple years. I've been wrong before....I'd like to hear what a dealer would say about it.

By the way, I didn't mean ANY disrespect to brand new boats. I'd love to have one, but I think I'll stick to what I have for a while.

-brian

[NautiqueJeff]

I'd love to hear about the "wakeslayer" person that put the 502ci Python in his boat.

That engine was a factory option that year. There are several people on this forum with the Python engine option in their boats.

[campbelljo]

Brian,

Thanks much for the nice words. Increasing the horses may be something i look into on down the road my engine only has 340 hrs on it so i dont wont to mess with it now, maybe after i wear it out if that is possible. I cant really imagine needing any more power. With a four blade you can fill it up with people and load it with 1000lbs and it will still put your head back. The 454 is a great engine and the best part of it in my opinion is its a chevy.

I think wakeslayer has a python in his 99 air nautique and he has previously owned a barefoot buy i could be wrong.

Thanks again.

[brian'91BFN]

Campbelljo and NautiqueJeff, I can't remember where I saw the picture but I was certain that I saw a picture of a Barefoot Nautique (thought it was Wakeslayer's) that said "Python Powered" on the side. Maybe I saw pictures of his two boats and blurred them together in my head. I'll look for the picture later. I know that Discount Inboard Marine (skidim.com) sold the Python 502 as a direct replacement that would, conceivably, drop right in our boats...if you had $ten LARGE burning a hole in your pocket.

[campbelljo]

Finally finished the BFN's home. I couldnt find a lift that suited me so i set out to build one more accomodating to an inboard.

[brian'91BFN]

Campbelljo. That's a great looking lift. I can see in the third picture that it's pretty much enclosed...nice. I've built three cradles similar to what you have, so I realize how much work goes into it. It's safe to say that yours blows away the ones I built. It's great to be able to hit the switch and be skiing five minutes later! Enjoy.

-Brian

[campbelljo]

Brian,

Thanks. Horrible angle on the pictures. It is enclosed here is a pic of the boathouse.