'94 Sport Nautique - My first boat |
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KTMrider
Newbie Joined: May-04-2017 Location: Pittsburgh Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Posted: May-17-2017 at 12:14pm |
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Hey guys
As the title says, I recently purchased a '94 Sport Nautique which has been well taken care of with 640 hrs. Its the first boat I've owned and I have a few questions to get started in the right direction. I did spend some time on the water many years ago when I was younger but that's about the extent of my on-water experience. My friend had an early 80's Ski Nautique that we used for skiing, tubing and barefooting. I'm now 47 with two young boys and want to have some watersports fun with them. I've signed up for a boater safety course and recently attended an event for boat safety and proper procedure going through the locks on the river near us where we intend to dock the vessel. Any help/suggestions on the following would be appreciated: 1. recommendation on good mooring cover? I intend to keep it docked at a marina. 2. any specific type of dock bumper/fenders I should look that work better for the correct craft type boat? 3. does it matter what type of mooring/docking rope is used? 4. what type of anchor and rope should I use? Or do I even need one? 5. any recommended extra engine parts I should carry on board? I know Im probably forgetting about other items so any useful recommendations on what to use/buy would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance |
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quinner
Grand Poobah Joined: October-12-2005 Location: Unknown Status: Offline Points: 5828 |
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Congrats and you need to post some pictures.
Taking the coast guard course is a great idea, if your kids are close to 12yrs old have them take it with you. 1. Check with Angola Covers in Indiana, 2. IMO any fender will work, bigger the better, some guys like the bouncy ball things with the handles - hippity hop balls or something like that. Biggest challenge on bumbers may be a place to attach on the boat. 3. I like colored match is all, anything will work as long as strong enough 4. I bought like 150' anchor line and rubber coated danforth anchor 30 years ago, works fine and still have it 5. Impeller and a jump box, after you get to know the boat you may need other things. Do you have any driving/towing skier experience?? If not would be a really good idea to maybe join a local ski club or hook up with a local CCFan in your area, Paul (Gundriver) on the site being one that comes to mind. |
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Gary S
Grand Poobah Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
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Don't forget tools either,regular and phillips screwdriver,nut driver to fit your hose clamps.7/16, 1/2, 9/16 combo wrenches,channel lock pliers,needle nose pliers and a volt ohm meter. Put it all in a cloth tool bag from Harbor Freight. Do not ask Quinner for his tool box recommendations
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hal2814
Groupie Joined: June-20-2016 Location: Bedford, TX Status: Offline Points: 76 |
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Regarding 5, the only things I've experienced that were fixable but have left me stranded on the water (or made it really tough to get back in) are a broken drive belt, a dead impeller, and once when we ran over the ski rope. I've had other things go wrong out there but they were either minor enough to get back to dock easily or major enough that I wasn't fixing them on the water no matter what parts/tools I had with me. So I keep spare belts and last year's impeller on board as far as spare engine parts. I also keep a knife and snorkel mask handy with my tools.
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Blamey
Gold Member Joined: August-18-2015 Location: White Plains,NY Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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I have a '95 Sport Nautique (same boat as the '94). Really a great all round boat. Hard to find a boat that will ski and wakeboard as well. It is one of the classic wakeboarding hulls (the Super Air Nautique 210 used the same hull until 2006) and the boat was waterski tournament rated back in it's day.
As mentioned Angola Canvas is a great bet for a cover. They are hard to beat on price and do great work. Just be sure to mention that you are going to keep the boat in the water so they can advise on the best cover for that. I have one of their cover and love it but mine covers the swim platform so I can't use it when the boat is in the water. I used the Polyform G Series fenders that you can buy off Amazon. They are relatively cheap and well made. The also come in multiple colors. The G2 is the correct size for the stern of the boat and the G3 size work well with the factory cleat at the Windshield. If it is in the budget, I'd recommend upgrading the prop. Best option for this is to post what you have and some numbers (top speed and top RPM) and the prop experts here can recommend an upgrade. Props have gotten much better since the boat was made and it is also good insurance to have a spare prop so you don't ruin a weekend if you hit something out there. And looking into adding Perfect Pass or another speed control device. It makes a world of difference to the driving and skiing/riding experience. I personally think it's also a safety device as it keep less experienced drivers from getting distracted trying to monitor speed. Lets see a picture of the boat. |
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96 Super Sport
Previously: 95 Sport Nautique, 1980 Ski Supreme |
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TRBenj
Grand Poobah Joined: June-29-2005 Location: NWCT Status: Offline Points: 21109 |
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Why can't you use a cover that covers the platform in the water? We did it for many years.
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Gary S
Grand Poobah Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
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I think I know,saw it in another thread-- is it because you have to get in the water??
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Blamey
Gold Member Joined: August-18-2015 Location: White Plains,NY Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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I had always just assumed that the cover would get wet and it wouldn't last. And maybe also this
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96 Super Sport
Previously: 95 Sport Nautique, 1980 Ski Supreme |
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TRBenj
Grand Poobah Joined: June-29-2005 Location: NWCT Status: Offline Points: 21109 |
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You can put the cover on without getting wet if you know what you're doing. I sometimes put my cover on while on the lift and I don't get in the water... not that it's the end of the world though. I can't think of any other way to secure the cover around the back of a NWZ euro tail (without the dreaded snaps). It does get wet and you may want to clean it more often but the cover holds up fine (at least the materials we've had were a non-issue).
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Hollywood
Moderator Group Joined: February-04-2004 Location: Twin Lakes, WI Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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You're not supposed to get your cover wet.
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Bri892001
Grand Poobah Joined: September-27-2008 Location: Boston MA Status: Offline Points: 4945 |
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2.) I use the Taylor Made, Tuff End, round buoy fenders. I fasten them to the dock instead of the boat. There are cheaper options, but they've held up well and protected the boat well. I used a bigger one towards the front, where the bow sweeps in.
1.) On the cover, you'll need some method of propping it up too, so it acts as a tent when it rains. I used a section of PCV tube with an end cap, slipped over the pylon towards the front, and purpose built pole to prop the back section. Although, I plan to make something out of pvc for the back as well, as the pole puts a lot of stress on one spot on the cover. |
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AAM196
Gold Member Joined: October-23-2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 846 |
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Hey Cory, Looks like you got some good info already... what river/marina are you at?
Here are some of my suggestions: 1) Angola does make good covers for our boats, I've had one that fit decent right out of box, since you are going to leave boat at dock, you may want to give Tumac's in Pleasant Hills a call and price a custom fit sunbrella cover. My Dad bought one from them in the 80s that still looks good! 2) Taylor made fenders work great and seem to be std... probably a pair of 20" is all you would need... are you aloud to use "mooring whips" at marina? If so, I'd invest in them! 3) Yeah, dock lines need to be color matched... 1/2"-5/8" double braided pre-spliced. 4) On the rivers for temporary use, the mushroom style anchors hold well in the mud. I have a Fortress (danforth style) and it is overkill for a ski boat! Get at least 150' anchor line... you will need it to lock up and down as well... typically, when anchoring... you only need 75-100' rode out for good hold on river. 5) In my boat, I have extra impeller, set of belts, extra spark plug or two, section of extra waterhose (left over), hose clamps, zip ties, electrical tape, stabil for fuel, quart oil, tran fluid, tool kit, paddle, etc (stuff starts to accumulate)... Good luck, see you out there! |
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SNobsessed
Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102 |
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Best tool to have on board in case of emergency is your cell phone.
It's also good to have someone (besides 911) on land you can call if you get stranded. |
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
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rebel skier
Gold Member Joined: October-17-2014 Location: Middle Tenn Status: Offline Points: 771 |
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Many people are Angola fans but I also have to add that I have had exceptional service from Carver Cover.
It probably goes without saying, but if you are going to leave the boat in the water be sure and test out your auto bilge system by putting the plug in and adding water to be sure its working. |
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KTMrider
Newbie Joined: May-04-2017 Location: Pittsburgh Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Thanks so much for the great information! It will certainly be helpful in my new venture. Looking forward to our first trip out this Memorial Day Weekend.
@quinner - I have lots of experience with trailering but my wife not so much. I've been game-planning on how exactly to coordinate our launching & loading procedure. My eldest son is only 12 and my wife has never driven a boat or backed up a trailer so a little practice is a good idea for sure. @AAM196 - I haven't chosen a marina as of yet. I'm very close to Lock 5 in Freeport and Lock 7 in Kittanning. I plan to check out those pools and see which we like better. Here are a few pictures. |
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sport1999
Senior Member Joined: May-10-2015 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 313 |
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I've been waiting for pictures. Looks nice. Have a good Summer.
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Blamey
Gold Member Joined: August-18-2015 Location: White Plains,NY Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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Your boat is very similar to mine. Except for the black hull stripe.
Interior is the same teal on teal but I am currently replacing my interior and chose a blue as I couldn't find a good match for the original teal. |
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96 Super Sport
Previously: 95 Sport Nautique, 1980 Ski Supreme |
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fgroce
Senior Member Joined: July-05-2016 Location: Georgia Status: Offline Points: 350 |
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I am doing that it takes a while to swap out the skins. I took mine off 4 months ago and sent them to Christines for the pattern. Now I have having too look at pictures and stuff to put them back on. I is slow going. Probably 3 more days worth of work before I am done.
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FGroce
88 Ski Nautique For 28 years Now 2002 Ski Nautique |
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rolleronariver
Senior Member Joined: May-24-2016 Location: Rogers, AR Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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Great looking boat.
As far as backing in. I always back it in until right before the boat is floating so I can still get in with dry feet. I then unhook it from the trailer and my wife backs it in the other 6 or so feet for it to slide off and then she pulls the truck and trailer up and parks it. It's pretty easy that way as anyone can back a trailer up 6 feet and drive forward. Loading I back it in to where it needs to be. My wife gets in the driver seat of the truck and I jump in the boat and drive it on the trailer and then she pulls up and I take over on dry land. It works for us. I hope everything goes good this weekend! |
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92 Sport nautique
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MrMcD
Grand Poobah Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Online Points: 3592 |
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Take your wife to a big empty parking lot and let her practice with nobody around.
She needs to be comfortable turning a trailer around and backing it up. While backing it up she needs to be able to make necessary adjustments. After the big empty parking lot take her to a empty boat launch. Go at off hours. Give her a chance to get used to backing up at the boat launch with the steep grade to deal with. Years ago my wife figured out it was better to launch the boat than drive the truck and trailer. I back in till the boat is nearly floating and the engine pick up is in the water. She starts it up and then gives me the OK to launch. Use signs as it is hard to hear at a noisy boat launch. She will idle the boat around outside the launch area and then come pick me up after I hike back to the dock. Same thing putting the boat back on the trailer. She drops me off, I fetch the truck and trailer she drives up and onto the trailer, most times does this well. Try it in the wind sometime, much more of a challenge as the boat will blow with the wind messing up your aim. Have her practice this stuff at the beginning and you will never have an issue. Notice I said make sure it is running before you do the final back up and let the boat float off. Once years ago when our kids were 2 and 4 I launched my wife at a river river ramp. The boat did not start but took off in the current. I parked and swam about a 1/2 mile ( A half mile swim takes quite a while) before catching her and getting pretty much chewed out big time. Lucky I was a swimmer through college and had the ability to swim and catch her so it turned out fine other than my butt was in hot water for a while. Now my wife is very proud of the fact that she is very good at launching and returning the boat to a trailer. She laughs at the Gals that sit like onaments in the boat while the guy/boyfriend/husband drives the boat down, ties it off and parks the trailer then returns to the boat to drive it away while his "ornament" sits in the bikini and offers no help. All the while they have a boat ramp tied up long enough that 10 qualified drivers could have launched. ( if this offends anyone, work on your skills, boat launches are for launching not for parking ) Edit: one more important issue, all who drive the boat need to know that boats turn from the rear where the rudder is. As you turn the rear of the boat will swing in an arc the direction you point it. You in the drivers seat might be in 8 feet of water but the rear of the boat can swing 10 feet closer to shore as you turn around, If turning in shallow water make sure the driver knows to keep the prop in deep water. I have seen more than one person destroy a prop turning it around near a boat launch. Concrete is hard on a prop. |
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The Dude
Platinum Member Joined: October-19-2004 Location: Houston Status: Offline Points: 1334 |
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you'll love that Sport.
Train your wife like mrmcD says. it will be worth it. |
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Mullet Free since 93
95 Sport |
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63 Skier
Grand Poobah Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4232 |
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I got a good laugh thinking about Mark swimming after the boat while it drifted away. That's definitely something I would do!
I do a lot of one man launching of my boats (result of not having any friends ). After a while you figure out the sequence and methods that work best, how to get the boat secure if no dock, how to prepare ahead of time so you don't hold up others that are waiting. It definitely can be stressful at times. And, interesting observation ..... when I launch on weekdays with no crowd waiting to launch, people are polite and offer to help and I always offer to help others. On the weekend, with a wait for the launch, totally different story. Just the difference of locals vs. visitors, for whatever reason. |
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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gun-driver
Grand Poobah Joined: July-18-2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4112 |
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Yep wife forgot about the turning thing after she missed getting lined up with the trailer. After this she decided she wanted to do the backing in part.
I also launched one out into the river first launch of my new to me '95. With my '85 I always was able to unhook everything back down the ramp get in start it up and my wife would park truck & trailer. Went to launch the '95 for the first time did everything the same but did not know/realize the PO waxed the bottom along with using that slippery bunk stuff on the trailer. Well half way down the ramp I see the boat departing the trailer so I had to floor the truck to get it in the water far enough before it came off the trailer. Boat self launched into the river heading to the point in downtown Pittsburgh with no occupants, luckily a guy in his fishing boat came to the rescue (after he stopped LHAO) now the bow line never gets detached until it's in and running. |
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63 Skier
Grand Poobah Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4232 |
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For single hand launching I use a bow line with around 3 ft. of slack and looped around the crash pad post or on my other boat the winch post. Once the boat starts to float off the trailer it's gently caught by the bow line.
I do unhook the turnbuckle on the Nautique before backing down, only exception is if the bunks are wet from a same day launch. I've never had it move on me. No idea why someone would want to use something to make the bunks slick. |
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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Chevy350
Gold Member Joined: June-24-2013 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 721 |
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I started driving the boat alone around 12. 4 years later, I'm finally able to legally drive it this weekend and not worry about DNR getting me. Hope your weekend goes well and make sure you enjoy it! |
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1972 Mustang
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The Dude
Platinum Member Joined: October-19-2004 Location: Houston Status: Offline Points: 1334 |
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Mullet Free since 93
95 Sport |
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MrMcD
Grand Poobah Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Online Points: 3592 |
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My wife can be a sweetheart till you piss her off then Katie bar the doors she knows how to be angry. Sending her down river with a boat that did not start with two young kids to protect fell into that pissed her off category. I think it was because she was afraid. We had launched in a river she did not know at a launch she did not know in a fast current and then she had no engine. I will say I was young and as most young people do I assumed too much and paid the price. Glad you got a laugh out of it.
By the time I got there after swimming I had two problems, A choke issue that kept it from starting and the battery was now dead from all the attempts to start it. But it worked out, got it going and still got to ski that day. |
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SNobsessed
Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102 |
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Lucky she didn't whip you into the bridge abutment!
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
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AAM196
Gold Member Joined: October-23-2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 846 |
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Dare we ask how this went?
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KTMrider
Newbie Joined: May-04-2017 Location: Pittsburgh Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Thanks so much for the great advice and stories.
We had a lot of rain last weekend (Memorial Day) so we were unable to get out due to poor river conditions. However, we did get out yesterday and had loads of fun and no issues. My boys braved the cold water and did get on the tube and I just enjoyed playing with my new toy! I don't have much to compare to but it seemed very stable in the water with lots of power. I basically used the single hand launching procedure with wife holding bow line. Definitely room for improvement but iactually went fairly smooth for first time. Preparation is definitely the key, as well as keeping a cool head. We ended up renting dock space for the season at a local marina. It's seems to be a low key atmosphere with nice people willing to welcome a newbie. Looking forward to new adventures and meeting new friends. |
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