Winter Project. . .but how?

[jhiestand]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Winter Project. . .but how?

flaswaliba -- I've done the jackstands/blocks method of lifting my boat and pulling my trailer out in order to do major trailer maintenance, but it was on a '79 Ski Nautique. I've got some trailer work to do on my SAN but am a little chicken to try it again. Not sure why, as it wasn't really THAT difficult!

Basically what Andrew suggested, I jacked up the rear of the boat so it's a little off the trailer, put wood blocks under it to hold it up (do on both sides), then do the same for the nose. The boat is now "off" the trailer then you move the trailer slowly until it encounters your blocked up supports. Jack that section back up, move your supports so the trailer can clear them, put blocks back in, remove jack and inch your trailer forward until it's stopped by your supports again. Rinse/repeat until trailer is completely removed. I recall it seemed scary as all get-out having my boat propped up like that and I didn't even like being close to it, but boat shows do it all the time so it can't be all that bad. It'd be way easier to lift it or borrow a trailer, but that won't help you getting underneath for buffing.

[flaswaliba]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Winter Project. . .but how?

Thanks JH. I knew that I couldn't be the only one who had ever had such a question/dilema. I'll keep all of this great advice in mind and let everyone know how it all turns out. I'll be refurbishing the trailer (Ram-lin), wet/sanding/rebuffing the hull, and restoring the teak swim platform. I'll post before and after photos for all to see. I know it sounds like I'm going to be doing a lot of work, but I can't stress enough the great shape in which I found the boat. The Sports are an awesome and very versitile boat-you can weigh them down and get a great wakeboarding wake, but you can also get an almost-tourney quality slalom wake. After a Stingray 195 LR I/O, I can't believe I didn't buy a CC in the first place!

[chris196]

My previous boat was also a Stingray. I had a 220LX. The 220 was a good boat for cruising and hanging out, and it was a good value for the money, but my wife discovered she liked slalom skiing. Now I have a '98 Ski Nautique and love it. Everything on the boat is solid and done right. Even though I think the Stingray is a good value, there is just no comparison with the CC. The CC just feels so solid. I don't have expierence with other inboards, but it seems like the whole inboard and v-drive industry is made to a higher standard than the I/Os.

Regarding bringing the gelcoat back. I know you plan on wetsanding and the whole bit, but in the past I've used the 3M products with good success. I used the one step wax/polisher for lightly oxidized boats and got good results considering how easy it was to do and the time involved. They also make one for heavily oxidized gelcoat, I would assume it just has more abrassives in it.

[mcbridek]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Winter Project. . .but how?

flaswaliba - I can offer you a solution, I also live in Raleigh - I have a 99 Sport, it is in the garage for the Winter. You can put yours on my boat lift for a few weeks. The only thing the dock is at Lake Gaston, 80 milees North. there is a ramp within 100 yds of my dock. mcbridek@us.ibm.com

[flaswaliba]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Winter Project. . .but how?

mcbridek-that sounds like a possible solution. If for some reason I cannot hoist it up using my forklift and a chain hoist, I'll let you know. I really appreciate the offer. BTW, Lake Gaston is such a beautiful place. My wife and I were up there the Thursday and Friday after Labor Day 2006, and there was not a soul on the water. We had glad those two days, even in the main channel! I'll email or PM you if we need your services. Thank you so much for the offer.

Chris196-I'll look into the 3M products. I have not idea what heavy or light oxidation looks like. I do know from watching Ship Shape TV that Starbrite makes some good restorative products as well. Does anyone else have any idea what heavy oxidation looks like or could inform me thereof? Speaking of Stingray, yes they are a good value for fun, but you just can't beat an inboard, much less a Correct Craft. July 4, 2007 was our first time behind the Stingray (4.3L V6) wakeboarding. I'm 6'3" and 205 lbs. After a couple pulls behind the lacking power plant, I knew I had to get an inboard. My boat buddy had always sung the praises of CC and Sport Nautiques (the hull and DD versatility). He also informed me of PN, and on August 1, 2007 I had a 93 Sport in my driveway. Amazing is the fact that I paid $16,000 for it, and I sold the Stingray for $16,000. I lost over $2,500 on the Stingray in a year alone. We added a tower to the boat, and I could probably get out of the boat what I have in it. It's amazing how well these Nautiques hold their value.

Wow, long post. I'll post some pics of the Sport when I finish the minor restorative work. By the way, the boat was in immaculate shape, purchased from a PN member, had 308 hours on it when I bought it, and the interior is original. Aside from a minor rope scuff on the engine box, it looks like showroom condition. Ya'll be good!