1968 Ski Nautique - Project thoughts

immikerowley

Hi guys.

Want to get opinions from the Ballers.

I can pick up a 68 Ski Nautique for around $500.

It isn't in great condition and not completely original, but I still think could be a great and nostalgic project boat.

I would strip the tower, make a teak platform and then try get the rest of it as close to original as possible.

Question is... what do u guys think am I wasting my time or worth a shot?

Wish

My dad restored his 1964 Glastron after getting it back from a man that bought it, passed away years later and left it to rot in the FL sun. At 78yrs of age he committed himself to restore it. A 2 yr project. He entered it in an antique boat show and got so much out of that experience. He’s 87 now and we still take it up the river and along a chain of lakes. I watch him well up with pride as onlookers at the ramps become questioners wanting to hear all about it. He was told by a fellow boat restorer that he will never recoup the time, effort or money he sunk into it. Totally worth all of that. Go for it.

Horton

@immikerowley if you've got the budget I say hell yeah

MDB1056

Seriously- if you’re planning on taking this on yourself , do a reality check on what this will likely require. If you’ve never done things like flooring, fabricating stringers, and fiberglass work, - doesn’t mean you can’t do it, but be prepared for a long process. And that doesn’t even consider any of the mechanicals yet. Like any restoration, it’s easy to get excited and consider the possibilities, but a large percentage of good intentions end up incomplete. Costs will also likely be 2-3x your best estimate by the time actually finished. Another pretty consistent fact. If you’ve got the facility to leave this in place for a year or two while doing it and have all the tools and aptitude and the funds are expendable - by all means go for it. If you love that older vintage - all the better. You’ll have a great time. Will it ski great? No. But that’s not why you’re doing it. It’s a way cool old piece. If you do take it on start a thread and keep us posted on the restoration.

BraceMaker

First launch it and drive it and ski it!

I wouldn't try to restore just use it for 500 bucks if you hate it sell it. Keep the tower!

RAWSki

Looks awesome. Sell the tower and use the money toward a proper restro. Good luck

Drago

Heck yeah, you're halfway there just ditching the tower

slow

If you really enjoy restoration do it. From a financial perspective with your labor factored in, it’s a waste of time.

KRoundy

Awesome! Go for it. If you have questions, go to CorrectCraftFan.com. That site has everything you need to know to take this on and do it yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you for removing that tower.

LOTW

Use it as is, after obviously ditching the tower, so that you can get a good idea of everything it's going to need. Then you can decide and you'd only be into it for the 5 bones. It would be a cool boat restored or not but a resto could quickly get out of control.
BOAT - a hole in the water into which we throw money!

Jody_Seal

Would make a great hot tub!

ReallyGottaSki

With youtube and research, one can tackle almost anything these days if one has the hutzpah.

I personally recall one can really sky on trick skis behind a '68. Slalom ski too, land past the whitewater. learns stack fast that way.

If the hull truly suits your taste, i say go for it. If its a just a distraction from the one you really want, consider passing so you're ready to move fast on it when it shows up, as you have boats.

storm34

Worth it in parts alone for $500. If it's not completely rotten with soaked foam you may be able to enjoy it for a few years.

I'm working on a 69 SN this winter as well. Stringers, floor & interior were done by a PO a few years back. She's going to be a family boat so were working to make her appear more original with some functional upgrades.

75Tique

Want to echo what Kevin said. Absolutely get over to CorrectCraftFan. There is a tremendous knowledge base over there and a ton of people with experience on such things. Avoid the facebook sites. Although those guys know an awful lot, pretty much all of it is wrong.

storm34

I'd love to know how that boat ended up in South Africa? Any chance you know more about it's story?

MDB1056

+1 for CorrectCraftFan.com for good info. Also https://www.community.boatbuildercentral.com/forum/ucp.php?mode=login&redirect=http://gallery.bateau2.com/ is a great resource for crafting stringers and flooring projects and expert info on glass work and fabrication. Was a huge help to me on my first endeavor. Learned a lot. Keep us posted.

Jody_Seal

@storm34
I bet Mr Ralph himself delivered that boat to that part of the world.. probably some sort ministry's program..

cruznski

It looks like it is mostly there, I'd say go for it and indeed if you do let us know the progress.