Jeff's 1998 Ski Nautique Restoration

[NautiqueJeff]

Got one half of the windshield reassembled this evening. It was much easier to reassemble than it was to disassemble. I had always heard that the opposite was true.

[NautiqueJeff]

Also received the new lenses for the Airguide speedometers in the mail today. I'll get these installed tonight and get the dash back in the boat very soon.

[NautiqueJeff]

Got the windshield frame and other small parts back from the powdercoat place today. Very happy with the results, especially since they only charged me $125!

[swankster]

Jeff, just let me know when it's ready for delivery.

[vvfdfirefighter]

Jeff,

The boat looks amazing!

[vvfdfirefighter]

Jeff, for the areas not repaired, did he have to wet sand and if so what grit did he start with? If compound only, what did he use?? Looks to be coming back nicely from the pics.

Usually when you wet sand, you don't want to sand with anything more aggressive than a 800. Even then, it might be too aggressive and you could, if not careful, burn through the Gel. I wet sanded my old Supra and in some spots I had to go down to 200 Grit. People Told me I was crazy but I knew the old Supra's had thick Gel on them. Worked all the way up to 1500 and then polished and buffed.

As for buffing compound, I've used 3m Heavy duty and a lot of others, however my favorite by far is still "Buff Magic" by Shurhold. That little 22oz can did my 20' boat 2x, plus a little more. Its great to use on metal, too. I like it because it seems to cut better in my opinion and not only does it cut but it breaks down and polishes all in one step. Just have a lot of wool pads for you buffer around. I actively used 3 while washing the other 3. Reminder that with buff magic, less is more.

I would pick a 12x12 area, and spread the Buff magic over it with an old pain brush. Only thick enough that the gel coat was just covered but you could still barely see it underneath. You'll eventually find the right amount for your application.

My first year of buffing, I used a Porter Cable Dual Action Buffer. Worked great and allowed me to learn how to properly buff Gel. It was slow though. A Couple years later I upgraded to a regular Buffer. I swear I got the boat done in 1/3 of the time and it shined even more. However, if you're not careful you can burn through the Gel with a full rotation buffer. Just take it slow. I would always use speed of 5 or less.

[NautiqueJeff]

Gelcoat is finished!

[Quinner]

Jeff, for the areas not repaired, did he have to wet sand and if so what grit did he start with? If compound only, what did he use?? Looks to be coming back nicely from the pics.

[keithh2oskier]

Wow. I didn't think that boat would ever see that green color again. That is impressive polishing.

[enzo thecat]

Whoa!

[seachicken27]

impressive

[NautiqueJeff]

The hull sides and the part of the deck that is Neutral (not black) have been buffed over once. It is really starting to look like something now!

They are still working on the bottom of the hull.

[NautiqueJeff]

The exterior will be all original. The interior will be original too, but with some special things done with SeaDek. It should be really cool once it is finished.

[Jbower]

Are you going back to the original colors or something different ? It's looking really good btw

[keithh2oskier]

Wow, that is so cool. I really can't wait to see how this turns out.