Jeff's 1998 Ski Nautique Restoration

[NautiqueJeff]

Got about half of the interior installed today. Had to make a couple of trips to the hardware store (funny how nuts and bolts go missing during these projects). I was hoping to get it all installed today, but it just didn't happen. Tomorrow's the day!

[obd666]

wow, that seadek looks incredible!

[ScooterMcgavin]

Looking real good Jeff! That is going to be one sweet ride !

[NautiqueJeff]

The floor was sanded after the carpet was removed. It is a messy process, but it is necessary in order to smooth everything out and eliminate glue and carpet fibers. The gelcoat was then sprayed directly on the fiberglass. I am not sure if they thickened it, but I don't think so. It is not polished, so it isn't shiny. You could do that, but it really isn't necessary. Only a small part shows.

[t.franscioni]

When upholstery goes in I'm sure I'll find myself recontemplating seadek all over again for the third time .... Looks really good and done right.

Jeff, did they spray the black gel coat directly over the raw fiberglass? Or did the fiberglass have to be sanded smooth first or preped in anyway with a skim coat to smooth the surface out in order to remove a lot of the "imprint" of the glass fibers to have a smooth surface to gel coat over?

when gel coat was sprayed was it thickened at all? To provide better fill and faster buildup? Did the gel coat then have to be polished after it was applied? This would help a lot of us who may follow your sea deck application and use gel coat instead of other alternatives.

[DLafont]

Man oh man, this looks awesome!! You're making me think about doing similar to my PAN...

[csa]

Looks great - I was wondering if you could tell me how much i should budget for new skins + install like you did. Not trying to get in your business but have been considering it on my 2000 SN. Thanks.

[NautiqueJeff]

Spent the afternoon cleaning the SeaDek in preparation for interior installation tomorrow! I hope to have this boat out on the water for a test run on Wednesday! Can't wait!

Only piece that I am still waiting for is the dashboard, which is down at Nautique being reworked. I don't need that to test the boat though!

[NautiqueJeff]

Can you share any details of the issues with the fitment and what they did? Did they add foam or go all new? Was it marine foam, or saran wrapped something else? Anything you can share on the thickness used in areas?

Some parts (like the engine box) got all new foam. Others (like the observer's seat)had foam added. Not sure exactly what type they used, but it seems to have worked very well.

[NautiqueJeff]

No. It is still dark green.


**Sent from my iPhone using the PLANETNAUTIQUE Mobile App

[t.franscioni]

Did you change the colors of the upholstery? Dark green to black?

[enzo thecat]

Holy Crap on a cheese stick. That looks amazing. Try it in the boat before you change anything.

[Full-Force]

That looks so freaking good! When I get mine done Im going to stick with carpet on the bases of seats/engine cover. Its much more forgiving. This boat is going to be good as new!

One question I have that I dont remember seeing an answer for. What all did PCM do to the engine exactly?

[RichK]

Upholstery was just delivered! I am happy with the upholstery installation, but I think I am going to have to change the SeaDek color on the engine cover base and seat bases. It looks like too many off-white colors coming together in one spot. I think black SeaDek would tone that down some. Thoughts?

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the documentation of your restoration and sharing your progress. I have a 1995 SNOB with new skins from Christine's as well. They have been in a box for a couple of years. I toy with tackling the job myself. I have also got an estimate or two. I would guess my foam is borderline. Can you share any details of the issues with the fitment and what they did? Did they add foam or go all new? Was it marine foam, or saran wrapped something else? Anything you can share on the thickness used in areas?

Just hoping for more info. Again thanks! And your boat looks awesome!

[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, I will definitely put it in the boat as-is. When it is next to the floor with the same color SeaDek, it might look better.

I'll be at the Raleigh Boat Show today, tomorrow and Sunday with White Lake, but I will get this in the boat early next week for sure.