1965 Nautique Update

Hi All,

Thought I'd post an update on my '65 First Gen Nautique project.

First bit of news is that I found out my boat was built in 1965, not 1963 as the PO had told me. Art did a search and sent me a copy of the original build sheet.

Also, last year when I was down in Arizona, I met Bill Moore (1966 Ski Nautique in Diaries)and got to see his amazing original one owner boat. Turns out, our serial numbers are within 2 digits. Every piece of plywood in his boat is original and in exceptional condition, so I was able to take photos and measurements to create the same pieces for my boat. I should mention that Steve Kutsch has also been a big help sending me pic's of his Dad's 64 SN.

Progress continues to be very slow but I'm still hoping to have it ready to take to GL this summer. I've been following Craig's 67 SN Resto/Mod thread with great interest. for my boat, the floor strapping is as original, floating at the ends but resting on a wood strip that might have been added (or possibly just replaced?) by the PO. The 1/2" plywood floor sections will be painted white and wrapped in textured vinyl (white with black specs) and screwed in place.

I also used the floor vinyl to cover the inside of the hull since the condition of this surface was very poor due to sloppy repairs by the PO. It's not exactly original, but I think it has a nice period correct look to it.

Gauges are all original SW except the tach. Unfortunately, an original Ongaro tach purchased from Zach was lost by FedEx. I was able to find a vintage Sun unit on ebay that closely matches the style of the other gauges.

The 390 FE is still at the machine shop.

-Phil

Ditto Phil! That thing is stellar. Especially like the red.

Indeed it's looking phenomenal Phil. We need to catch up again. I really hope to see her at GL.

Hey Phil,
Whats the scoop?? 2 months later, is she all complete??

Moj'

She's a beaut!

Finally got the motor installed!

I'll second that!

Looking great!. Nice color on the engine. How did you match and what kind of paint did you use?

An iconic boat for sure!

I'd notch that bulkhead for WP service clearance & make a doubler plate to reinforce it. Resin coat all the screw holes & it won't be a problem in your lifetime.

70CC wrote: Duplicolor Engine Enamel Detroit Diesel Alpine Green, It's a perfect match to the original Interceptor color.

Phil,
I don't mean to pick on your choice of color but the Alpine Green is close but not the same. I used it on my Universal Flexifour and comparing it to my Y block, it's a touch too green. Reid got it dead on but if I remember correctly he had the color matched. Internet color rendering can be off but here's a picture.

.

Also, remember engine/shaft/strut alignment starts at the strut. Get the strut mounted so the shaft is close to center in the log and then move forward. Nice idea on the aluminum wedges. Lots of the older engines used cast iron wedges but they are becoming very difficult to find.

Gary S wrote: It only really matters if your a trophy chaser anyway......

Phil's boat IS VERY worthy of a trophy. I would take it to any judged ACBS show and that includes the northeast shows where some feel all ACBS members are snobs!

You've spent plenty of time documenting the correct Ford blues so what's the problem with getting the old Interceptor color correct. Reid did and maybe he still has the half quart left over for someone who is looking for the proper color. Now the real problem is let's say someone is looking for the color and stumbles across someone saying Alpine Green is it, uses the color and then finds out it isn't the proper color.

Phil, again, the project is look'n great and certainly worthy of showing.

Gary S wrote: Pete Pete Pete.instead of being a wet blanket what should he have done ? .

Gary I feel he should get the color absolutely perfect for the judges and then spend about $200 more to have some cast iron shims made up. Gosh I hope they have the correct molecular structure for the shims. Aluminum shims would mean the difference between first place and not even on the podium..

Really it looks fantastic. Keep up the great work that you are doing. Nothing to not be proud of .   Please keep the pics coming. It sure is fun to see someone else's project coming along. Most here have spent the blood, sweat, tears and $$ to get our projects done. We appreciate the work you are doing. Remember that you are the only one that you need to satisfy. Job well done. Duane

70CC wrote: Any thoughts on adding a shut-off valve between the gas tank and fuel filter? All of that was missing on my boat, plus I want to improve the safety wherever possible.

I installed an electric solenoid operated valve just after my anti-siphon valve that is key operated. Kills all fuel flow with key off.   Felt it was a safety feature that I wanted.

70CC wrote: Any thoughts on adding a shut-off valve between the gas tank and fuel filter? All of that was missing on my boat, plus I want to improve the safety wherever possible.

In 65, I wonder if CC was still using copper line from the tank to the engine? If so, they would have used a valve with one end for a flare . Then from the valve to the pump would have been a flex hose assembly.