Lift and 2nd Battery on 81 Nautique

Hello-

I have just purchased a 1981 Ski Nautique from the original owner. I have moved most of my water activities form Lake Michigan onto a small inland lake and the Ski Nautique fits the bill for my family much better than the EdgeWater that I am selling. I have a few questions regarding some things that I have experienced.

1. Does anyone have measurements for placing a 1981 SN on a lift? I thought I had it right until I tried again last night and did not clear the fins . This is a cantilever lift. I know that the pads need to be higher. While I am at it, I thought I might just as well make sure that they are placed on the strongest part of the hull. If anyone can help with this, I would appreciate it.

2. I would really like to install a second battery and a switch. The current battery is in a hole on the port side under the spotter seat. It is nestled very tightly inside what appears to be a stringer grid. I don't think it would be a good idea to enlarge this hole.   Has anyone undertaken this project?

3. Retreival: Until I get the left set up, I am trailering it to the launch and pulling it at night. When pulling it out, I noticed that if I attach the chain to the D ring before pulling it out, there seems to be a LOT of load on that point on the hull. After pulling it out, I am unable to release it. All the trailer has is a beater bar and a chain. The guides had rusted and I am in the process of re-welding them. Last night, we were in and out of the water three times before I was happy with the way it sat on the trailer. I used a painter to attach the bow ring (not the lifting point) to the beater bar and then pulled the trailer out of the water. I then chained the boat to the trailer and took her home.

4. Anchoring: I assume the bow ring is it as opposed to the lifting point. Right?

Thanks!

Mike

Mike,
Welcome to CCfan and congratulations on the boat.

I'd have to say most use bunks rather than the pads typically used for a I/O but both will work. You want support at the transom and then at the keel if using the pads. A 3 point support is best with the pads.

Unless you have a large audio system and use it for extended times without the engine running, a second battery isn't needed. Yes, there are several threads here on members enlarging their battery boxes or even locating a second battery elsewhere. Lots of work if it's truely not needed. On a 81, I'd be more concerned about the stringer condition at this time.

Regarding the loading of the trailer, yes it's a problem with the bow moving back away from the stop/bow eye as the boat sits down on the trailer. You may find it better not to put the trailer in so deep and do more power loading. However, some ramps are banning the practice due to the errosion it causes where the concrete ends. You may find this thread interesting. Keel roller and winch
or this thread

The search feature here on site is a great tool. Lots of great info can be found. Once you get more familier with the site you'll see just how much information there actually is. Check out the reference section too.

What lake did you move to?

Contact ShoreMaster or Floe and buy them already made covered with a no marring finish ready to install

The carpet idea has become frowned upon because when the lift is down and the boat driven off setiment and other abrasives cling to the carpet, but whatever works for you. The store bought bunks will include or at least have available all the mounting hardware as you mentioned needing to raise them off the crossbars. I am not sure what exactly is on these but it is some synthetic plastic type surface.

Pete, Your right, but, The companies (Shoremaster, Floe etc) are offering the bunks with this material rather than carpet. It may be that it wears better. As a former dealer My info comes straight out of the boatlift sellers packet which is full of why my product is superior to yours propoganda.