restored '77 Ski Nautique

[TRBenj]

It used to lean a bit w/out an observer but we moved the battery to live under the floor in the observer's position - no more lean. We typically skiied with 2 people, solved the problem pretty much.

Good idea- thats one bad habit I wouldnt like.

Id be curious to see pics of the wake. Exactly what hull mods did you make? How fast is it, by the way? 300+ hp would normally have that hull running in the low 50's- the mods must have slowed it down some, right?

Did you have to reglass around the shaft log or shim the strut? I would think that moving the motor forward would have changed the shaft angle.

[Schwingding]

Yup both - the strut and shaft log had to be mod'd some. It was some years ago exactly so I don't recall the exact amount, but in order to move it forward enough to make a diff (the motor) we had to make more mods than desired. The boat project wasn't really what I had in mind, all I wanted was a decent boat to ski from, Dad wanted a show winner. I got both as a result and I learned tons about building boats in the process.

It does 52 mph, IIRC. Last year I only got her out once and the carb was fouled - this year we'll know more.

[Nates78Ski]

Schwing, Nice boat! & what kind of tri's have you been doing, i just did my first last year, did a sprint distance, plan on doing 4-5 this summer, not a too terribly hard schedule, but enough to keep me training & also spend enough time on the boat...

Nate

[Schwingding]

Thanks Nate. I do them all, from sprint to Ironman distance. Started Ironman 4x, finished 3. Sprints are my favorite though, and I'm best on the bike. Gearing up for a 3 day/300 mile mountain tour as my next big event. You?

[Nates78Ski]

Planning on doing another couple sprint distance this summer as well as at least 1 olympic distance (Sylvania Tri), Trying to work up to doing a 1/2 ironman next year...just pacing myself nice & slow to get there. My best is probably running, years of playing soccer/lacrosse have helped me out with my running & surprisingly enough, i actually enjoy running more than anything else. Though, i just picked up an '08 Felt S32 in November, so i can't wait for the weather to warm up so i can get outside on it, it's tough to get motivated on long winter days to sit on the trainer for an hour staring at the wall...

Nate

[Schwingding]

more pics - before

Here's what this thing looked like before we started. I have more pics somewhere.

[baumanmt]

That is really sweet, nice job on the restore.

[Prometheus]

VERY IMPRESSIVE!

[TravisFling]

Very cool. I love the old boats. They just absolutely rock. Sounds like you had your hands full for awhile!