Top 5 Reasons to Restore a Ski Boat

[@ruhtra-k]

My son and I just finishing a ‘78 Stars & Stripes. But we had to replace stringers too. We kept the fiberglass for stringers in place, just cut the top off, the used seacast and poured it in. That stuff is great. Also used coosa board for decking. Should be good for more than another 45 years. We’ve owned it since the 80’s. My son wanted to keep and restore it because he has so many memories growing up being pulled by that boat. 351 is amazing.

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing that.

[@tomb306]

Loved those boats I sure do miss em ... Used to work on them and do lots of repairs and factory warranty work... And then play with them on the lake and river. Very fun boat.

[@mcraft2240]

I agree with your list 100 percent. I bought an 1989 Mastercraft Prostar several years ago, and I haven’t looked back.

[@nautiquecowboynautiquecowb5317]

I have a 1986 ski nautique every evening just before sundown I'd make my run 18 miles an hour sweet sound sweet Ride. Usually I'd be water skiing behind it but a surgeon with a Dull Knife done a number on my back .Now I just enjoy the boat. Mine's part of the family and it won't be sold.

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

The way these engines sound around 2000 RPMs is amazing. Nothing better. Keep enjoying it!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Good info. We love our 94 Sport. That 351 rumble is music.

[@user-dt9md9gt8d]

I have a 1991 Mastercraft Tri-Star which I purchased off the showroom floor in 1992. Indmar 351 engine. It's great.

[@BigEbikesports]

I have a 1990 Tristar 190, love it, such a fun boat!

[@EnfieldJoe]

I had two different Ski Nautiques. One in the 1980s and the second one in the 1990s. Had tons of fun with them on the lakes in North Central CT. Now I'm retired in Lake County, Central FL. Just might start looking for one to restore!

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Do it!!!

[@davidgill1540]

Best ski boat you can buy,I had an 1981 boat for years here in the UK out performed any other, great vids 👍👍👍

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Thank you!

[@paytongibson2619]

“if your broke and can’t afford a 150k boat”

[@precisionfilms3777]

Bro. Im in. I'm inspired. I have a 2001. I agree with you 100%. I'm subbed. Let's go! Mine needs work but now that I'm not alone I'm stoked!

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Do it man!

[@mikebryan9744]

Hey brother, I have an 86, had it for 35 years, never been left outside, still looks new! But, stringers are bad, I’m not going to replace them too much hassle, have you ever heard of a catastrophic failure associated with bad stringers? Nothing is loose engine wise. Replaced wood floor under drivers seat, but that was all that was soft. What do you think? Thanks

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

I have not. I believe the main risk is continued spiker cracking of the gelcoat. I ran this boat through the fall and did not see anything get worse. As you saw, I replaced a lot of floor that was bad, but not the stringers.

[@mikebryan9744]

Thanks, will continue to run it like I stole it!

[@lasagna3106]

I have a 1998 bumble gum brendella that I keep in great shape. Subbed for sure!

[@darrinhall4600]

I have an 86 it the best thing I’ve ever spent money on.

[@charlton5787]

If your

[@pirateatfourty]

ski nautiqe? terrible lol i have 3 malibu skiers. all have nice 2 axle trailers. new engine new stringers interior and the cost of a new ski boat is over 100 grand and they do not come closed bow. i paid from 3500 to 5500 for them. i love them a great inboard. look it is safer and more fun than a new one. i take the ski poles out. since i do not use them for skiing. new bimini tops new interiors i think maybe i had like including purchase price in one around 10 grand. i like playing with them. right now i am putting a 700 hp blown small block in one, had to cut a hole in the top of the engine cover but damn it sound good and is fun on the lakes. i just cruise around.

[@Jonathan_Camps]

Theres a 1994 sport nautique for sale in decent condition near me that i’d like to restore but i’m not sure that I can get my dad on board 😬

[@keenerfarm3097]

I'm looking at a correct craft anerican skier. Bkack paint with red yellow green stripes.!!

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Do it!

[@Art_Of_The_Gent_Official]

How is the fuel efficient for this V8 ? I’m love the classic look of it. Thanks

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

These are gas guzzlers man. No fuel efficiency at all.

[@IndianaAndy]

Great videos!! Thanks you so much

[@richardhislop-harvestthena4882]

Awesome video man! I so want one of these but I think we need to stick with bow rider to fit everyone on there. What is the best ski boat option that is a bow-rider for those of us with larger families we want to have on the boat at on time? COMMENT UPDATE: I just discovered thanks to your vids about Correct Craft that they also make a "sport nautique" which is a bow rider ski boat version!!! What do you think about those for larger families? Thanks

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

I have four kids... I feel you. I just bought a 2001 Air Nautique. It won't need nearly the work of these 30 year old boats, but I will be posting videos of upgrades I will be making. Open bow is critical if you have lots of family/friends out. These old ski boats aren't designed for that.

[@madams4284]

Love the video. We have 98 air nautique. Been trying to find parts. What was total cost to redo the vinyl on seats and engine cover?

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

I paid $3,300, but those guys were the best. There were lower quotes for simpler patterns. Not sure how much to expect if you’re throwing in open bow upholstery

[@madams4284]

@@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain thanks for the reply. I’ve been quoted for around the same amount but that was only one place near me. The others are further and no real reviews. At least I know where I should be roughly. Keep up the great vids

[@IndianaAndy]

Are you in Indiana? We are near Angola

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Yes, Noblesville

[@abelgomez2726]

I have a 454 barefoot nautique should i restore? update:now started on it tackling engine first v8 454 carburetor

[@rockylocey4984]

man ive been in a nautique with a 454 in it and that boat is an absolute screamer

[@leekirby9223]

Can handle in choppy water?

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

This kind of boat is not good for choppy water.

[@MrVincehannah]

Is the bow strong enough to sit/stand on?

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

yes it is

[@genemounce8302]

I LITERALLY have a '90 model Brendella shell being delivered tonite. $50 bucks off CL. !

[@rockylocey4984]

thanks for the videos man! im about to acquire a 96 closed bow nautique with 240 hours, im so excited. besides the impeller, is there anything else you would look for immediately?

[@thetwinz699]

Check your bellows and gimble bearing!

[@365AdventureCo.]

I just bought a 1990 ski nautique with the 351 in it . Seems to have a driveline vibration once you go wide open ? Any suggestions ?

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Sounds like a timing issue. Some possible fixes include: Replace spark plug wires. Replace distributor cap and distributor rotor. However, you may need to play with the timing of the distributor. Since these boats are made to go wide open, they to be set at a much higher degree than most 351 Windsor recommendations you'll find. Talking like 30+ degrees. (I'm really not a mechanic though)

[@lasagna3106]

Haha, your wife was born in 1981 too.

[@THEAGGIES56]

Is 1978 to old to restore? Yes I found two both 78 the guy want both gone cheap.

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

I wouldn’t think so. At that age though, you’re almost certainly going to need to pull the engine and replace stringers if they’ve never been replaced. That’s a big job.

[@theborg269x]

Why are they better then say a stars and stripes.

[@kenmammel7748]

They're all good in this style.

[@chriskirk4213]

Go green!!

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Go White!

[@joeybdf1]

go boat with manly sounds

[@jakewyler1945]

Go Green!

[@joeybdf1]

do you have something to compare to or does it go limp