Water leak, etc.

I'm a new owner of a 2000 SAN. I took the boat for a test drive when i bought it, but didn't notice a couple issues at the time. I am very happy with the boat, it is super clean. the exterior gel is immaculate. It was finally warm enough to get it out to our local lake this evening to see if there were any unexpected issues heading into the season. Looks like there might be a couple minor issues to take care of, but I need a couple opinions, as I'm somewhat a newby when it comes to repairs and such. I am mechanical, so as long as I am directed to what to do, I can usually handle the job.


1. There is a slight leak of hot water in front of the driver's seat on the floor. It is very hot water, which leads me to believe I have a broken heater core, or something related.


2. While I am idling, or putting in the wakeless zone, my engine temp climbs upwards to 220-230, but never maxed out. If I rev the engine, it cools right off. Is this a sign my impeller is going out?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

Hey Tim--welcome to CCF--see you've been around do a month or so and now you're totally "in" with a beautiful boat. I noticed you're in Salt Lake City--that heater core probably froze up from bad winterizing--but ya never know. It could just be a hose connection.

That's not too bad. The exterior looks absolutely beautiful. Congrats. What engine option does it have?

Thanks a lot guys. I've seen some people install a shut off valve. I think once I get into the heater this weekend, I'll likely do a valve as well. That would be great if one fix takes care of both issues.

Thanks for the compliments. We're excited about it. It has the GT-40. Next item of business on deck is the ballast. We love surfing, and I'm hell bent on getting a decent port side wave.

I agree on the heater core being the most likely cause. I have been through a few heater cores since my first nautique in 97. Your local radiator repair shop should be able to find you a new one for $50 or less. Easy repair.

I believe these cores are fragile as I am very careful when winterizing but they seem to rupture every 4-5 years. Nice to have a heater when the air temperature is chilly.

So, I'm about to dig into this heater core issue later today, and I have no idea what to even look for. I just figured I would look for something the heater flex vents are routed to. I have searched the web extensively, and can't seem to find pictures, video or any other clues to what the heater/heater core even look like. Any pointers?

Heatercraft.com will show you pictures of their setup. Most likely is what you have anyway I would think.

KRoundy wrote: ... Holy cow that gel is gorgeous! Congrats on a great-looking boat.

Yeah, taking the plunge to punch all the snaps in it for the travel cover was a sickening feeling. Previous owner had kept it in the garage in a warm climate its whole life, so it never had a cover. And now I did this to it.

Thanks for the comments. I wasn't sure if I would have to pull that kick panel. Looks like it.

rmaytee wrote: Yeah, taking the plunge to punch all the snaps in it for the travel cover was a sickening feeling.

YIKES, is it too late to talk you out of that if it is what it sounds like??

I know it's too late for your boat but I have always preferred the idea of putting cover snaps into the bottom of the rub rail. Keeps the snaps hidden and more of the boat covered.

And here I am trying to figure out how to remove snaps from my hull... I need a lot of gelcoat and that stuff isn't cheap (if you get the Spectrum Color OEM, that is).

I don't even know if they are countersunk. Snap covers is just the thing to do around here. I even talked to the CC dealer, and they said 9/10 boats they sell do the same thing. Maybe its a Utah thing? But, you are right. I should have asked on here. We all obviously have a different value on these old boys than the dealer does.

Why did you get the snaps, are you keeping the boat in the water? Trailer cover doesn't need snaps.

FYI, you have my dream 'next boat'. Year, Graphics, color. Its pretty much exactly what I want. I love those graphics.

I see, "2000 SAN" and I think, "That's a nice new boat." Something about the 2 in the front of the number. But that boat is well into its teens now.

Before you do anything to your boat, check here first. The opinions expressed here are correct. Ha ha ha...

Jonny Quest wrote: Tim: I'm in South Jordan. Bring her by and we can take a look if you want a second set of Nautique eyes. JQ

Thanks Rob. I'm actually going to dig in today. I didn't end up having time yesterday. I'll let you know. I may take you up on that. I'm in Herriman.