My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

[east tx skier]

After reading Brad's thread, I figured I'd post some pictures, too. This was my new-to-me 1998 Ski Nautique when I stopped for gas on my way home from picking it up.



It was in fantastic shape when I bought it, but there were a few details I knew I wanted to get ironed out. The bimini and cover are currently having some mending done and the rear center cushion is being reskinned. The teak oil has dried and Stargazer should be installed within the next week.

I spent my Friday night pulling off the black tape striping and decals. My fingers are still sore. Both were in reasonably good shape, but had some nicks and tears.

[east tx skier]

RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

On Saturday, I dropped it off at the dealership. I swung by later to see Brad's new toy, which was in for some tape striping and a rub rail.

I went with a silver flake stripe and the OEM decals (though I briefly considered the newer drip molded 06/07 decals. I'm glad I stayed original having seen the end result. I couldn't be happier. While the dealer was finishing up the tape stripe, I even managed to get my rub rail straightened out in the front (glad Brad left a screw behind for me). One was all it took. Anyway, here are the results.

[NCH2oSki]

RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

That really looks nice! So tell us, how do you like it performs? I dont think I've read any coments on how well you like the pull, tracking and wake?

[tadelfio]

RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

The silver flake striping looks awsome. Did you get that through SKi n Sports too?

[bchesley]

RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

Yes we both went to Ski N Sports. Shannon is a wizard at graphics and tape. He worked for Correct Craft for 13 or 14 years so he has done few before.

By the way it looks awesome. Cant wait to see it in person. And that screw is the least I could do since I kept your saw hostage for all those years.......

[east tx skier]

Re: RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

Yes we both went to Ski N Sports. Shannon is a wizard at graphics and tape. He worked for Correct Craft for 13 or 14 years so he has done few before.

By the way it looks awesome. Cant wait to see it in person. And that screw is the least I could do since I kept your saw hostage for all those years.......

Shannon is a wizard, and yes, bought it all through them. LOL about the saw. Don't think I've needed it once and I'll miss bugging you about it.

Now here's an obligatory engine picture. I just got done eating off of it. :grin:

[east tx skier]

Re: RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

That really looks nice! So tell us, how do you like it performs? I don't think I've read any comments on how well you like the pull, tracking and wake?

In a few words, I absolutely love it.

Anything I don't love, is more of just getting used to things after switching brands and figuring out how to contort myself to work on the engine versus the last boat.

Initially, I had built the TSC1 wake up in my mind as being among the pinnacle of slalom wakes. My initial impression of it was that it was low and soft, but wide. Soon, I learned to keep observers out of the corner of the observer seat. And though I realize there are contrary opinions on this subject, the acme 422 seemed to have really made wake a bit more flat. Now, I don't even think about the wake.

Coming from MasterCraft, backing left keeps me on my toes, but I'm getting used to it.

The GT-40 motor is dropped down into the bilge a great deal more than my Indmar 351 HO was. I've found that some aspects of maintenance have become a bit constrained as a result of this. Also, the idea of having to take apart the water pump was a bit daunting where on the Indmar (Johnson pump), it was simply a matter of removing an access plate. In the end, the time of taking the pump apart versus trying to finesse the Johnson impeller out pretty much evened out. First time is always a bit more frightening I suppose.

As for everything else, again, I love it. From fuel injection to gear reduction, wonderful things to have over my old boat. The tracking is something I never knew I lacked until I got behind the wheel of this boat. As all seem to remark, it tracks like a freight train, and throws buttery soft wakes. But apart from that, there are a lot of nice little things that make owning a CC easier such as a dash pod that removes with thumb screws, an access panel for the stuffing box, wide combing pads, removable center cushion so I don't feel bad about glaring at people who still insist on stepping on my seats anyway.

I'm sure there's more to it, but I've only owned it for a couple of months at this point.

[RiverRat21]

Very nice boat Doug :mrgreen: Aren't you missing a tower :razz: :razz:

[east tx skier]

Very nice boat Doug :mrgreen: Aren't you missing a tower :razz: :razz:

Reminds me of "Office Space."

I don't know if I've been missing it, Bob.

[tadelfio]

Definately a very clean boat Doug. I'm very jealous that you guys are getting to work on your boats this winter while I'm still trying to get my wife over the shock of the initial cost of buying a ski nautique. She would have been just as happy with a 1973 Galaxy w/ a 50 hp 'rude on the back. I know what you mean about having to be a contourtionist to work on that engine though. I'm a big guy and I'm sure it wasn't a pretty site for my neighbors while I was winterizing.

Oh, and Doug.... What would you do if you had a million dollars?

Big fan of office space as well.

[SNMike]

Re: RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

That really looks nice! So tell us, how do you like it performs? I don't think I've read any comments on how well you like the pull, tracking and wake?

. But apart from that, there are a lot of nice little things that make owning a CC easier such as a dash pod that removes with thumb screws, an access panel for the stuffing box, wide combing pads, removable center cushion so I don't feel bad about glaring at people who still insist on stepping on my seats anyway.

Gorgeous bost Doug!! BTW, I can relate my friend. 99% of the time I take my back cushion out, and leave it at home. I can do you one better, I think. We dry off on the platform before getting in the boat.

How psycho is that?!?! Yellow_Flash_Colorz: Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

I know how your boat drives and sounds. I owned one. They're awesome. That's the one thing I've missed on my 02, and now 07, it's so quiet. I know that has good points, but the sound of the older boats coming and going is freaking awesome.

Looks great man! :grin:

Mike

[Nautiqueman]

RE: Re: RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

Your "98 is New, have not seen one any cleaner. You are going to like it a lot more after summer. Good choices on lettering and stripes.

[M3Fan]

RE: Re: RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

Doug, the silver stripes are an awesome choice and really set the boat off. It's like a silver master's edition!

SNMike, IIRC they still use the same hull-hugger muffler now that they did in 98. Now if you're talking about Ford engine noise vs. Chevy, then right on! The GT40 has a different noise to it for sure- maybe it's just me.

[east tx skier]

Thanks, all. So to hit a few topics ...

I was seriously considering getting an end of season 08 Promo when this little jewel came up for sale. I pitched it as a money saver and my wife must have seen it in my eyes. We saved a good deal of money on this boat over a promo and I couldn't be happier with it. As for its cleanliness, a great deal of credit goes to its previous owner. He really babied it and it shows. I knew from talking to him that we were cut from the same cloth as far as boat ownership goes. Did wonders for my confidence as a buyer.

I've been looking at 196s ever since I skied the TSC2 at ski school. When they went retro with the graphics in 06, I absolutely fell in love with the red and white boat in the brochure. That was the partial inspiration on the pin striping.

So if I had a million, I'd keep this boat and buy some lake front property.

And there's nothing wrong with Galaxie. My first boat was a Ski Deck by Deckboat. Galaxie bought the hull and still uses it in the 1800. I have a picture, but am not going to post it. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

As for the sound of the boat, one thing I've found really interesting is that it's quieter at 3,400 rpm than it is at 2,400 rpm. Wonderful RUMBLE at idle (my two year old loves that aspect). But it certainly doesn't scream at me at ski speeds like my old carb'd 351 HO did when the secondaries opened up. My father-in-law has a chevy in his boat and there is definitely a different sound between the two fuelies there.

I'm fairly anal, but I don't mind the carpet getting wet. Carpet dries and there's nothing to rot there. The carpet definitely isn't fluffy and I'm going to need to give it a good cleaning and hit it with the brush to see how much I can restore there.

To keep me happy, passengers have only to not step on my vinyl and take their shoes off. Now, of course, I dry off on the platform, too. But as for the rest of them, they are merely offered towels while they're still back there. 8-)

[SNMike]

Re: RE: Re: RE: My 1998 Ski Nautique (winter projects)

Doug, the silver stripes are an awesome choice and really set the boat off. It's like a silver master's edition!

SNMike, IIRC they still use the same hull-hugger muffler now that they did in 98. Now if you're talking about Ford engine noise vs. Chevy, then right on! The GT40 has a different noise to it for sure- maybe it's just me.

That would be correct M3! The Vortec vs. the GT40. Also, in 02 CC implemented the Novidamp system in the boats, that's the good part. The GT40 just has a meaner sound hands down, IMVHO.


BTW Doug, I vacuum the carpert EVERY time out. Always have. Only takes a few minutes, keeps it looking showroom new. However, If I could get my hands on matching carpet runners, they I could ease off with the craziness. :shock: SOMEBODY HELLLLP!! Yellow_Flash_Colorz: :grin: