First-Time Nautique Owner – Advice for Routine Maintenance?

[Reese]

Hey everyone,

Just picked up my first Nautique (2015 Super Air G21) and I’m absolutely loving it so far. That said, I want to make sure I’m keeping it in top shape and following the right maintenance schedule.

So I figured I’d ask the pros here:

1. What are your go-to maintenance tasks after every ride or weekend on the water?
2. Any specific tips for engine care, ballast system, or upholstery protection?
3. Is it worth getting a maintenance log app or just track it old-school?

Appreciate any insights—looking forward to learning from the community and contributing as I go.

Thanks in advance!

[SilentSeven]

Congratulations on the new rig!

You've asked a well discussed topic with lots of opinions. If you search, you'll find lots of posts on this topic but always fun to think out loud again.


Per use items

For the interior, my best suggestion is an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cleanup. Help your guests help you. No shoes in the boat please. No snacks with dyes (looking at you Cheetos, kool aid juice boxes, etc). Putting on sunscreen? - thank you for putting spray sunscreen on when on the swimstep and please avoid putting lotions on so thick you leave a white spot where ever you sit. Have a hand vac handy in the truck/at the dock for quick use for crumb and dirt cleanup. Vac before use when the boat is dry for better results. Ask your guests for 5 minutes of tidy up help at the end of the day...they are always glad to help if you just give them a little guidance. Oh, and I cover the boat every night regardless. It's nuts how much dust there is blowing around that sticks to everything.

Give your engine a quick visual inspection each run. Strainer condition, any water leaks, oil leaks etc. If you trailer, eyeball the wheel bearings and look for low tire pressures. Check that all the lights work as expected.

Wipe the boat down post use. Get some quick detailer and seat soap and have a few boat towels. For upholstery, wipe off obvious dirt and sunscreen. For the hull, mist with detailer and wipe the water spots, scum line, etc.

That's really about it for me.


Engine care / upholstery / ballast

You'll get all sorts of input here.

Engine is pretty much like a car - monitor and change your fluids regularly - oil, trans and gearbox. Replace your raw water impeller on a regular basis - annual or every other year or by so many hours. Eyeball closely for oil in bilge and tend to any leaks. Check battery water levels. Lube your rudder box if you have a fitting.

Upholstery. Scrub at least annually to remove suncreen and dirt. Treat with 303 or similar UV protection a couple times a year. Pull the cushions and clean between the gaps. Clean the carpet or the seadeck. How much work you have here sorta depends on how well you did above.

Check your safety gear annually. Fire extinguisher current? Check flares and signaling devices. Pull out less used life vests and see if they are still OK or due for replacement.

Add in an annual trailer inspection. Close check of each wheelbearing for leaks. Are the brakes working as expected? How is the coupler fluid? Are the tires wearing evenly or showing signs of dryrot or excessively aged. How are the bunks, bowstop and sideboards? Have any chips that need touchup? Bunks and sideboards OK?

Sorry, can't speak to ballast systems as I don't have one.

Maintenance Logging

Apps come and go so I keep a OneNote page with everything I do to the boat, trailer, etc. I put the date, hours and services done and just add to it in running order. Simple and works well. Easy to search. If and when I decide to sell the boat, it's my proof of maintenance I can wave at the prospective buyer.

[bturner]

Hard to beat the above so I'll go another way.....

Start researching and planning for winterization now. don'/t wait for fall, create a parts list of everything you'll need and document it all in a word document, a spreadsheet or both. At a minimum you should have the following.....

• Document the exact engine and powertrain you have. Get the serial numbers off both and add them to the document.
• Pick the specs, brand and capacity of the oil you plan to use.
• Document the part numbers of the oil filter, gas filter, water separator and impeller.
• Research and document the amount and types of antifreeze you'll need to winterized the engine and the ballast system.
• Check your service manual and document the gas and gas additives that are recommended.
• When the time comes be prepared to document you winterization process and create a step by step process for winterization.

I know none of the above is fun or fulfilling as cleaning and shining the boat but you will have rain days and getting all this done way ahead of time will allow you to think things through before the time comes and you find yourself scrambling. Many of the newer service manuals have a process documented with a graphic on how to drain the cooling system for layup.

Believe me, you'll be glad you have this done when the time comes.....

[Reese]

I’m relatively new to the Nautique world and just picked up a 2016 Super Air Nautique G21. We’re mostly interested in getting the best possible surf wave out of it for family and friends this summer.

I’ve been reading a lot, but I’m still a bit unsure about:

• Ballast setup (stock vs additional bags?)
• Ideal speed for surfing (is 10.8–11.2 MPH the sweet spot?)
• Whether to use surf tabs with extra weight or just adjust placement
• Any tricks for getting more push or a longer pocket?

Also, how do you all keep your wave clean when surfing goofy side? I feel like that side always takes more tweaking.

Appreciate any advice, setups, or photos you’re willing to share. Would love to learn from those who’ve already dialed things in!