Jeff's 1998 Ski Nautique Restoration

[NautiqueJeff]

Yes, that's correct. They took it down to the fiberglass in all areas with spider cracks (there were a ton). They have filled those all in and shot new gel on the hull sides and deck. Some sanding was done today, with more tomorrow. Then they'll be buffing and polishing.

The hull bottom is still in the filling stage right now.

North Lake Fiberglass is doing the fiberglass and gelcoat work on this one. They do all of the work for the major dealers in the area (Nautique, MasterCraft, Malibu). They do great work!

The gelcoat work should be finished on Friday! Can't wait to get it back to my house to start the graphic installation.

[ffmedic74]

Who's doing the fiberglass work? Assume they are shooting new gel coat, then sanding/polishing?

[NautiqueJeff]

Gelcoat work continues...

Work happening on the underside of the hull today. They're fixing a big gouge and some spider cracks.





Also, the spider cracks on the hull sides and deck are almost finished being repaired. Some buffing will be next, and then they'll be all set. Still have some chips to fix, and the repair to the areas where the cover snaps were removed is ongoing.

[NautiqueJeff]

I also pulled the Airguide speedometers out of the dash, and I am working on restoring those as well.

I pulled them apart and found that I needed two new lenses with new grommets for the adjustment post holes. The rest of the parts look like they will clean up nicely. I'll be painting the needles back to bright orange as they were from the factory.

I found an excellent source for Airguide parts. See URL below.

Vintage Airguide Restoration / Repair Parts

[NautiqueJeff]

Attempting a repair on the dash today. This is the side that houses the stereo head unit. It looks like it cracked where the screw for the faceplate piece for the dash goes in. Trying a little epoxy to see if this will hold it together. I think it'll be fine. We'll see how this goes...

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep. The spider cracks were quite large, and they were ground out down to the fiberglass. They are building the area back up before adding the new gelcoat. Each of those sections were big spider cracks.

[Jbower]

Is the tape just a guide for the repair area or what is it being used for under they're filler?

[NautiqueJeff]

I have never done one to this extent before. The ROI will likely be a great boat that I keep for a long time (unless someone makes me a really good offer!).

[enzo thecat]

Even things that weren't perfect from the factory are being addressed? You are a Nautique fan. This is a truly remarkable thread. Have you ever done anything like this before? What kind of ROI are you expecting?

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[NautiqueJeff]

The gelcoat work continues. Floor is pretty much finished being prepared for SeaDek. We're going all-out on fixing any imperfections in the hull and deck. Even stuff that was not perfect from the factory is being fixed.

[NautiqueJeff]

I will update with costs once everything is completed. The windshield frame looks like it is going to be about $150 to strip and powder coat.

[jpattigr]

Jeff, Not sure how you feel about this question but: It would be awesome to learn what some of these projects cost in the end? Some of us with older boats would love to do similar upgrades and having a ballpark cost would help to budget. Thanks in advance, Looks aweome!

[Blamey]

Jeff, what does it cost to powder the windscreen. I need to get that done to mine as it's in similar condition to yours.

[NautiqueJeff]

From the factory, it is just paint. That's why it didn't hold up very well.

It is at the powdercoat place now. I should have it back in a few days.

I have heard that it is a little challenging getting it back together with the powdercoat, but that it can be done. We'll see!

[RyanNoble]

Hey Jeff, boat looks like its really coming along.

I have a 99 that I wanted to do something with the windshield frame as the black finish has been peeling. Is that powdercoat that is on there or is anodizing? I'm curious to see how yours turns out and if there are any fit issues with the glass or the joints once you have it powdercoated.

Any advise would be appreciated!