Red57Bird
06-15-2008, 09:15 PM
After looking for a Nautique for almost a year now, I am finally an official Correct Craft owner. My 14-year old son and I picked it up from White Lake Marina in Graham, NC this past Thursday, took it to our lake house about an hour and a half away, and spent the weekend out with family wake and knee boarding. Had a blast.
As is par for the course with me, there were a few bumps in the road. While we were out on the water Friday evening I noticed the v-drive light come on a flicker a bit while we were at cruising speed and it eventually went off. I figured the oil was a tad bit low and once it heated up it made the light go out. So Saturday morning I checked the fluid and it was a bit low so added straight weight oil and took it back out for a quick test. Sure enough the light went off once over 1,000 rpms. Went back to the boat house, opened up the engine hatch, and there was water splashing everywhere in the compartment. I looked down in the bay and it appeared that the water pump was leaking. After checking closer, the heater supply hose appeared to have been re-installed from winterization incorrectly and was resting on one of the engine pulleys. It had worn holes in the hose. So off in to town for some 5/8th heater hose, a coupler, and clamps. 10 minutes later it was fixed and we were back on the water for the rest of the weekend.
Coming from an I/O it definitely takes some getting used to, especially in reverse. But I love how it drives, handles, and the wake is top-notch. There are a couple of small projects to work on, specifically replacing the ballast pumps. But I guess that is part of the fun of having a boat.
Anyway, attached are a couple of not-so-great pics. I didn't have the patience on the first weekend to get any good ones, but I guess these will do.
As is par for the course with me, there were a few bumps in the road. While we were out on the water Friday evening I noticed the v-drive light come on a flicker a bit while we were at cruising speed and it eventually went off. I figured the oil was a tad bit low and once it heated up it made the light go out. So Saturday morning I checked the fluid and it was a bit low so added straight weight oil and took it back out for a quick test. Sure enough the light went off once over 1,000 rpms. Went back to the boat house, opened up the engine hatch, and there was water splashing everywhere in the compartment. I looked down in the bay and it appeared that the water pump was leaking. After checking closer, the heater supply hose appeared to have been re-installed from winterization incorrectly and was resting on one of the engine pulleys. It had worn holes in the hose. So off in to town for some 5/8th heater hose, a coupler, and clamps. 10 minutes later it was fixed and we were back on the water for the rest of the weekend.
Coming from an I/O it definitely takes some getting used to, especially in reverse. But I love how it drives, handles, and the wake is top-notch. There are a couple of small projects to work on, specifically replacing the ballast pumps. But I guess that is part of the fun of having a boat.
Anyway, attached are a couple of not-so-great pics. I didn't have the patience on the first weekend to get any good ones, but I guess these will do.