2004 Changes

[wakeborder5]

I thought we mine aswell start a topic on the changes of Nautiques for 04, since this a Nautique site. Some of the changes I read about in the other forums were getting rid of the deck color and third stripe. Bow speakers are now an option and the extra cash saved is put into a better stock system.

[jefe]

Might as well add the obvious,
New to 04' is Nvert Tower Accessories, everything except the Lightbar can be purchased from Nautique. This includes the speaker systems and the NVert Board Clamps.

I also heard that they stopped powdercoating the towers due to the fact that most dealers order them without powder coating anyway, to avoid chipping/scratching due to shipping, and actually painting them local. Not a big deal, actually makes CC more efficient.

Anyone know about the changes to the tower? Are there any?

[wakeborder5]

I have not heard anything about changes for the tower, and I doubt they will. Do you think switching over to Nvert is more expensive?

[jefe]

I think they badly needed to add options for tower accessories, CC seems to be a year behind from everyone else, in that aspect.

Also, they are pissing off all the tower acc. manufacturers with their Tower patent, CC Dealers might be asked to remove a lineup of Acc. due to lawsuits and such.

Anyway, I am sure they would add a premium for such acc. but not by much. I applaud CCs decision to lower costs and hopefully maintain current pricing to be more competitive to the other 3.

I also think they should help Nvert or other company to build a FCT competition to give Nautique owners a quality tower with a different look, more options and such.

[SGY]

Any truth to the rumor that there will be hull changes to the 2004 SN? I also heard that the changes will not take place until 2005. If so, what kind of changes?

This is what I have Heard
#1 No more colord decks
#2 Windshields and other Aluminum trim peices that were once Black will be I.E "Air Vents ect". brushed Aluminum to tie in with the New Brushed tower.
#3 No more More 3rd stripe color.
#4 Prices for the New 04 modle's will not go up you can get a 04 for the same price or cheeper than the 03's Suposedly not powder coating and removing the Gell coat options will save more and pass it on to the customer.
#4 There is a Up charge for colors hull's I had heard $1000 dollars more but this is the only thing I was un sure of/
#4 The Tower on the super is Differnt all

[1kanaka]

I'm curious to see if and/or when CC is going to try to "revolutionalize" the wakeboarding community as Mastercraft feels they are doing this year with their Xstar. Maybe not '04? Future?

[tom]

I spoke with CC and was told no major changes to the SN until 05.

[Watarski]

If they plan on revolutionizing wakeboarding by producing a 60 - 70K+ boat, they can keep it. I personally think the prices are getting out of hand. From what I understand, the big difference on the new X-Star's wake is during double ups. At least that's what I've been told.

craig

[huddo111]

From the photos that i have seen the 04 SAN looks the business. Love the tower and windscreen! Just that observer's seat does my head in a bit!

[jefe]

First, I am extremely happy that CC is working on keeping their prices at a somewhat decent level, while all the other manufacturers are lifting their prices to the astronomical 60-70k range (XStar and Malibus new wakeboarding flagship - LSV)

However, I would have to say that I am EXTREMELY disappointed with the removal of the electronic release hatches and the addition to the old style latches that hurt and are uncomfortable. I think that was an awesome selling point CC had. You can't even lock them now. People DO use their storage area to protect stuff while on long distance trips, not EVERYONE lives on a lake. CC PLEASE BRING BACK THE PUSH BUTTON HATCHES!

Tower is OK, I wish they updated the windshield to form with the tower (like the 226), or the other way around (Like the Boss Belmont tower does).

No more colored decks are disappointing, but I am not crying over it.

I am very happy with the addition of the enclosed sub, dash tweeters, and the new graphics. I've heard that you can optionally install bow speakers, but I don't see that as an option? Also really like the hinged seat for the cooler, smart move. Also like the optional Carpet covers, and NVERT accessories.

Just my take.

[Frost]

2004 has: Optional tower speakers
New tower for 210 (like the 226)
amp is standard for stereo
Allen fasteners for visiable screws
new ballast tanks in 216, provides much more storage
board racks
ski racks
optional step plates for 206/216 (step plates like on the 226)
Dash mount tweeters and mids in the front cockpit area
Rear mount ski pylon on 210 is optional
Tournament seat in the 206 (with flip down lean back for access to bow)
optional bow speakers (bow is pre wired and setup for speakers)
40oz. floor carpet
manual locks (these are keyed locks)
everything that was black is now sliver
new graphics
new gel coat colors (wineberry, vaper blue, crush orange, thermal yellow, and fusion green) I think that's all the colors?
210 port cushion is hinged with drop-in cooler
226 stbd cushion is hinged
226 transom walk-through has gas shock
I think that is everything, but I could be missing some things???

[SprintCar39]

jefe....
The new 2004 latches do lock. They come with a small key to lock all of them.
Yes I agree that the electronic latches we are very cool selling point. We will miss that option. From a service stand point they drove us nuts though. It is hard to kkep them lined up and adjusted when the customer opens them up and tweaks them out of alignment.
Just FYI :lol:

[FixerOstuff]

I agree with Mid Ohio. I can't stand the mechanism for the electric truck releases. It is a complete crap shoot to get those working consistently for more than a season. I welcome the new manual trunk latches, but DO NOT welcome the two bolts that are now on the laterals to anchor them down. Now I have two bolts to remove in order to service the motor on each side to get the motor box sides out. How about a quick release pin or something else like that. One thing Frost didn't mention (however I'm positive he's aware of it) any 210 with center ballast now has a flush mounted pickup plate, so as to not disturb the water in front of the Perfect Pass paddle wheel. The PCM Excaliber now has a single serpentine belt that allows for the installation of higher amperage alternators, and provides easy access to the impeller pump for service. The drive shafts are now dual tapered and cut down on vibration. The castle nut has been replaced with a lock nut, and still has a cotter pin. I drove an 04' 210 on monday, and I couldn't believe how smooth it was. Get out there and drive one! Also if someone didn't already mention it, the gauges in the pod are all now recessed. (Looks a ton better)

[jefe]

MidOhio-
I guess since I have not had any problems with mine (electric locking hatches), I couldn't understand the reasoning of having electronic keyless ignition when you have to have keys anyway to lock your stuff up. Oh well, I will definitely miss them next year.
Does anyone know how high from the windshield the tower folds to? Does it still fit in a 7' door?

[FixerOstuff]

Jefe, did you have a certain trailer in mind? We use DHM on the west coast mostly, I can measure one for you on Monday if you like.

Brice

[jefe]

Thanks Fixer-
I am just looking for a difference between the two ('03 FCT and '04 FCT) I know that the '03 barely fits a 7 foot garage door on a Ramlin or a Prestige, I also know that when it is folded, it is around 9" above the windshield. If you have the opportunity, could you see how high the '04 is when folded down, above the windshield?

[skinautique]

Here are a few more changes:
New larger stainless steel water pump (New location as well)
All engine covers and pulley's, etc are red to look like the ZR6
You can still get the team edition with a colored hull (additional cost on limited)
New 13 1/2 x 16 acme prop for the 210 (More holeshot but significant loss in top end)
New remote for the dash stereo control
Radios are now satelite ready
New air graphics (sides and back corners)
The flush mount belly ballast pickup was mentioned and it can be done to the 03's (all warranty)
The dual tapered shafts are awesome

I think everything else has been covered between all of the posts

[AbunDiga909]

I agree with everything said. However, there was a slight change in the 206 and 216. The windshield is more slanted and the tower for those boats are slanted to match the angle of the windshield which looks very nice.
What do you think of the new composite boarding platform? I saw one that was used for less than a year. ( In fact, i think it was one of New England Correct Craft's pro mo, but i could be wrong) It was all chipped and chopped up. I would think the teak platform is a lot more durrable, and it keeps the classic look that CC has that other companies like MC and Tiga have lost.
What i think is a nice feature that CC got rid of is the retractible front lifting ring. Why have it up when it is not being used? It was a much cleaner look when it was folded down.
CC really needs some nice tower acc. like lights!
It would be really nice to have the anchor light on the tower. i dont no about all of you, but there have been many times where i have been skiing in dark enough skies where the lights should be on. i also think its simply a nice feature so you dont have to carry around and worry about a 5 foot pole in the boat. I know i've had many problems with it and having it on the tower would help a lot!

I think thats it including what everybody else said.
~Austin E.