1983 Ski (not tique)
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13189
Printed Date: June-28-2024 at 6:30am
Topic: 1983 Ski (not tique)
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Subject: 1983 Ski (not tique)
Date Posted: March-31-2009 at 4:49pm
As a former Nautique owner, when I impulsively bought a Ski Supreme last week, I figured who better to ask for advice than avid CC enthusiasts... Here's a picture of it. The previous owners were obviously ignorant about installing the tower, and I'll post more specific photos... but I just wanted to make sure everyone is okay with me asking about a non-Correct Craft. 
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Replies:
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: March-31-2009 at 8:05pm
After a Correct Craft from the early eighties, I like the American Skiers, then the Ski Supremes.  ------------- |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: March-31-2009 at 10:06pm
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Good looking boat! Congrats! ------------- |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-31-2009 at 11:22pm
No problem with me, I skied behind a MC for years and here it is parked next to my buddies 81 Supreme.
One word of caution on unloading that boat. Look at how close the bow support is to the rubrail....if you put that trailer in the water too deep or if the ramp is very steep the boat will slide down violently and the rubrail crashes on the bow stop. Makes a nice bit of fiberglass damage and almost caught my buddies hand in there once. It's a major design flaw with that trailer. HW, notice the step off ski,the Penn Yann combos and our really cool foam life jacket. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-01-2009 at 8:58pm
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Thanks, you guys are awesome! I wish I had a Nautique again... Maybe someday when I'm out of school.
Your Nautiques are insanely pristine! Great boats. Alan - That jacket and those skis are classic... they remind me of learning to ski. |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-01-2009 at 9:15pm
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Also, thanks for the heads up on the trailer. I just went out and inspected the bow closely... Apparently, they had the same problem because there's some sort of filler covering where they jacked it up.
The trailer came without a jack, so when I went to look before I bought it, the bow was lower than the transom. Oh well, I got it for what I think is really cheap... but what do I know? Do you think $2800 is a steal? Besides the numerous cosmetic flaws, the motor and transmission run really smooth. I'll post some up close pics for advice on fiberglass repair in a bit. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-01-2009 at 10:00pm
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A steal will depend upon how much you have to put into it along the way. Assuming it runs well, and you don't have any major problems, how could you not get your money's worth for $2800. One summer of fun ought to cover that. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: April-01-2009 at 10:36pm
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Looks like a great buy to me! Nice to see some more young people enjoying classic boats and not just pimped out wake rides! I've always liked the old ski supremes! Lets see more pics! ------------- |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-02-2009 at 11:19pm
Would wet sanding the entire body with 2000 grit be a bad idea? Any suggestions? |
Posted By: Pauly-Banana
Date Posted: April-04-2009 at 5:57pm
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I just wanted to add that if a Correct Craft was not avliable at a tournament for trick skiing that Ski Supreme was said to have the next closest wake to the Ski Nautique during the mid to late 80's! That is what my son (skierox) used and he did well behind the supreme. Great price considering that on a new boat the trailer alone will most likely cost more than your total investment! ------------- mailto:mrfurymn.8124@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow - Pauly-Banana http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4102&yrstart=1981&yrend=1985" rel="nofollow - My 1983 Nautique <b |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-04-2009 at 6:04pm
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Wet sanding will certainly help to bring back the shine of the gel coat, and if you plan to leave the decals off, is probably the only way you will be able to hide the lettering marks. There are a lot of threads on wetsanding, if you do a search. Folks have recommended various grits. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: April-05-2009 at 2:18am
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Ryan,
As Bk suggested. . . run to the hardware store and get some wetsanding paper, read the different threads for instructions and have at it! I started on my skier last week and the results are amazing! Are you going to replace the decals of leave it "naked"? I think it would look awesome without em! ------------- |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-05-2009 at 3:37am
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Paul -
I couldn't agree with you more. This can be just as fun as a new $60k SAN, but without the worry. Today, even though there were 40+ mph gusts, I decided I couldn't wait to see what the wake looked like. I hastily got insurance, called up a couple buddies and was in the water... but not for very long. I won't say, because I feel like an idiot, but the picture pretty much gives it away... and yes, I did put the plug in. 
Brian and Chris- Thanks for the suggestion. I got home from the lake, and went straight to autozone, getting 1k and 2k grit. My process is using a spray bottle with warm water, I wet the surface and sand, followed by a quick spray and squeege to assess progress. There is still a ghost from the decals though. I'm thinking I need to move down to 800. Chris, what grit did you start with? 
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Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-05-2009 at 3:51am
| I'm wasn't sure about the decals... The thought of leaving it bare and clean had crossed my mind. You basically just decided for me though... It's the best choice. |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: April-05-2009 at 6:06am
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Ryan, I started with 320 grit on the parts below the waterline where it was really oxidized. Then moved to 600 then 800 and then 1200. It took quite a while but the results are worth it! I then buffed with some compound and waxed. Shines like new!!
You can see how bad the transom was in my video...the pic is after I got done with one side. Sorry for the side ways photo  ------------- |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: April-05-2009 at 11:51am
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The plug but not the block or manifold drain plugs? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: MI-nick
Date Posted: April-05-2009 at 12:40pm
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didn't seal the old swim platform mounting holes in the transom?? ------------- As far as I can tell, I'm not quite sure... |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-05-2009 at 2:16pm
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Man Chris, I don't think that could look any better. Thanks for the info.
Nick and Joe- I was sure to put the plug, and the block plug in... I'm in the middle of re-oiling the teak, and didn't take the time to consider how fast the water would come in through the swim deck holes. I'll be sure NOT to let that happen again! I know this may sound absurd, especially to you guys, but I learned by experience that motor cover =/= airtight seal; thus resulting in a little too much extra ballast. I didn't actually think that, but more like I just disregarded it. I wonder when I'll learn to apply all of the stuff from physics/chemistry... It'd probably be quite helpful. Joe- Your 2001... Damn! Every time I see one of you guys' boats, it makes me wonder what I could have made my '79 look like. I sold it before it was finished. I'll have to post some photos. |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 11:46am
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What an '82 brown 'preme looks like without the gaudy letters...
Brown-hulled boats rock, no staining but the sun beats up the sides. Mine was chalk-white when I got it.  ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 2:18pm
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Wow, that's a very good look.
On a tangent... when I took mine out the other day, I felt like a giant driving the thing. The windshield only goes up to about my chin. Maybe it's the seat I have, but do you seem to sit up pretty high in yours? |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 2:30pm
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Unlike the Nautique, the driving arangement is to look over the windshield, not through it. The later models had a lower seat pedastal.
Your arrangement provided the best field-of-view. You may need all you got with the tuna-tower. I replaced my front seat with one from Todd industries, and matched the interior to that. My seat height is now lower than yours, but not as low as the '86-up boats. ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 2:33pm
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Gotta Ski, do you still own the Supreme? BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 2:41pm
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Yup, thats still mine, don't anticipate an upgrade for quite a while. ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 2:46pm
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Looks to be in very good shape. Out here, there are still a lot of Supremes around, but most I've seen are beat to hell.
There's a guy who lives one bay over from me who owns the current Supreme company. I don't think they sell a lot of units these days. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 2:58pm
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Must be tough in that business now,
Mine was beat to hell too, almost ready for the heap. Lots of turd polish, but its my turd. ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-06-2009 at 7:56pm
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Tom, it's great to see someone with the same boat. I'm going to have to pick your brain... Was your gauge bezel extremely weathered and beat up? If so, what was your solution? Do you have an owners manual? Did you replace your rub-rail? Sorry for the barrage of questions.
Brian, would that be the owner of Kal Kustoms? I called them to find out where I could find spare parts or an owners manual, and they acted like they had no idea what I was talking about. It might be smart for them to find an aftermarket manufacturer, seeing as how the market has taken a nosedive and most people will be sticking with used boats. Not that this would ever happen, but can you imagine calling Correct Craft about that and being told they didn't know? |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-07-2009 at 1:25am
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Two more things (for now): Do you have the original trailer?
Mine is missing a prop/ rudder guard, bunks, and a winch post. If so, could you post some photos whenever you get a chance? Could you tell me what the switches on the dash are as far a bilge, blower, etc. Thanks |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: April-07-2009 at 2:15am
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No Bunks?! ------------- |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-07-2009 at 2:19am
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Ryan, the neighbor I referenced does own Kal Kustoms. However, Kal Kustoms is a much bigger enterprise than Supreme boats. Kal Kustoms is the sole distributor of Sanger, I believe the sole distributor of Centurion, and I believe the west coast distributor of Cigarette. They have some sort of ownership in Reinell, Blue Water, and others. I don't know for a fact, but the rumor around here is that Carl gave the Supreme company to his daughter.
I thought that they could be more helpful, but, unless you find an old timer, it does not surprise me. If I recall, back when your boat was made, the Supreme company was in Tennessee. There have been several changes of hands and the boats are now made out here in CA. I'm not sure if they're made by Fineline in Merced, or one of the others. I doubt there are many, if any, around the company that have any knowledge of the old boats. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-07-2009 at 3:26am
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Chris, I kinda had a brain-fart there. Not sure why I called them bunks, but I meant the carpeted boards that prevent the wheel wells from coming in contact with the sides of the boat.
Brian, thanks for the info. Come to think of it, I peeled off the Tennessee registration last week. This community is probably way more helpful than the manual would have been anyway. |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: April-07-2009 at 11:35am
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Benzel - no, mine was fine. If you can just paint it flat black, there is way too much chrome on the dash, in the sun its awful.
Manual - non of these boats have manuals, just engine manuals. You can download a PCM manual from the reference section of this website; its all the same. Trailer - the prop/rudder guard was only added in '86. Yes, I've replaced the plywood /carpet on mine also. There is no winch nor post that is missing, its a drive-on trailer. rub-rail; yes a direct match should still be available from a marine supply house. My neighbor crashed into my boat a few years ago and needed glasswork and a section right about where yours is missing, match is very good. Looks like your black rubber was cut also, so you need about 47' to replace that. Also, some black electrical tape along the top of the windshield frame keeps its glare & reflections out of your eyes. ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-08-2009 at 11:07pm
What do I do about the deeper scars the glass has? Do they need a special filler?
Okay, here are some sample shots of the progress on the transom. 400 grit: 
800 grit: 
1000 grit: 
2000 grit: 
partially polished: 
Here's a shot of the rear portside just for reference of how bad it was before: 
I'm not totally satisfied with the polish, so I went and bought a 6" orbital, and some rubbing compound. Let me know of any suggestions you guys have for taking out the deeper scuffs and scratches. Thanks Ryan |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: April-09-2009 at 12:18pm
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Ryan,
Looking good!!!! It takes some time and effort, but it looks 100% better already. I bought a nice buffer from NAPA which was expensive but works great. I did all my sanding by hand, just make sure to keep the gel wet! A coat of wax will be the final touch and provide you with some shine! Keep up the good work!! ------------- |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: April-09-2009 at 12:24pm
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I used 3M super duty compound and finesse-it2 after my wetsanding and before wax. A good rotary buffer is worth its weight in gold as is a good wool pad. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: April-09-2009 at 12:48pm
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Yes, wool pad. I concur; 3M super duty. I use a Milwaukee var speed sander/grinder.
You can mix some gelcote to fill in the scars; Fill, cover with tape, remove tape before it fully cures about 10 min depending upon temp, wet sand the heavy, let fully cure, wet sand, blend & buff. ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-10-2009 at 8:01pm
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Greg and Tom,
Good idea with the wool; I picked some up. Greg- I just noticed that you have a '79 ski. That's the first boat I owned (co-owned)... I sure miss that thing. I'll have to post some photos, if I can find em. Chris, I'll ask you since you are currently sanding yours... About how often do you find yourself changing out the 320 pieces on your block? I'm using a sprayer, and I constantly keep it dripping wet, but it seems like with the 400 grit, every 2'x2' I need to change paper. Is that about par? |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-10-2009 at 9:44pm
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Some say adding a little soap to you sprayer helps out. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-10-2009 at 10:20pm
| Thanks Brian, I'm going to go try that. |
Posted By: bb12
Date Posted: April-12-2009 at 2:39pm
| Hey Ryan, I'm from Wichita as well! I saw that boat on craigslist and thought it was a good deal...Good luck with the restoration, looks like your well on your way! |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-12-2009 at 9:24pm
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What's up Braden? Yeah, the restoration is going, but I'm going to have to slow down because I've kind of been neglecting my studies...
One thing that sucks about having the boat here in town is I have no idea where I'm going to take it. After taking it to Santa Fe last weekend to see how it ran, I decided I wasn't going there again. I used to have a connection to a sandpit on the west side... I'm gonna have to check on that. Where do you board? |
Posted By: bb12
Date Posted: April-12-2009 at 11:44pm
| I've got a couple of hookups on sandpits. I try to get down to Table Rock a few times a summer as well. I never go to Cheney or El Dorado, those lakes are boat killers! |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-12-2009 at 11:50pm
| I grew up on Table Rock! It's hard to find any water that measures up to the clear, glassy coves of the southwestern end (Shell Knob/ Kings River area), although my extended family have cabins on the Indian Point side, near Sleepy Hollow. |
Posted By: bb12
Date Posted: April-13-2009 at 11:24pm
| Yeah, tough to beat Table Rock. We usually go to Shell Knob but sometimes hit the Baxter area. I love that lake! |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 4:41pm
Here's one side, mostly finished... minus the wax.
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Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 6:25pm
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Coming along. Looks much better. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-26-2009 at 11:50pm
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Update on what my girlfriend is now calling my "girlfriend on the side".
I still need to wax her, but all the teak has been re-oiled and is ready to be put back on. I'm debating whether or not the tower color will work. The 3rd and final extra layer of glass under the front tower mounting points will go on tomorrow. 
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Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: April-27-2009 at 1:13am
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Looks good Ryan! What are you thinking your gonna do with the tower color if you change? ------------- |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-27-2009 at 2:45am
| I wanna say orange, but the bone probably wouldn't work so well with that. Not really classic, I know. Honestly, the more I look at this picture, the more I like it. |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: April-27-2009 at 11:41am
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Personally I'd put the tower in the backyard and let the kids use it as a jungle gym. But whatever you do don't paint it orange, get to blend in a little better with the boat so it disappears. Black???
Nice work on your gelcoat. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: April-27-2009 at 5:16pm
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Haha... my nephew has been climbing on it in the back yard for the past three weeks. I would leave the tower off, but I really don't want to have to mess with patching holes.
As for the color, wouldn't it disappear more if it were body color? What about more of a navy? |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: April-27-2009 at 5:32pm
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black ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: WakeSlayer
Date Posted: April-27-2009 at 8:50pm
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+1 on the black
------------- Mike N 1968 Mustang |
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: April-27-2009 at 9:19pm
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Either the deck color with a navy bimini or closer to the hull color ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4487" rel="nofollow - 1998 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: April-28-2009 at 11:43am
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the navy is so dark that it's going to look almost black at a distance but a nice dark navy wouldn't be bad as well then use a baige/tan bimi and your good. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: June-22-2009 at 3:47am
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Hey Ryan, Hows the progress on the boat coming? Got any shots on the water yet? ------------- |
Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: June-26-2009 at 2:23pm
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I know it may seem pretty weak, but no, I haven't even taken it out since summer started. I've been out wakeboarding... but not in my boat. My uncle has a Fox Racing edition Tige, and it's slightly more appealing to ride behind.
Murphy's law has gotten a hold of my Exploder. The transfer case isn't functioning correctly, so my tow vehicle is currently out of commission. Anyhow, one of my buddies volunteered to tow her, so tomorrow I'll try and get some shots. |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: June-27-2009 at 6:28pm
I know exactly what your talking about! I've skied 2 sets behind a 90 mastercrap and rode once behind a buddies wakesetter! Normally we ski at least 4 nights during the week and mess around on the wakeboards during the weekends! ------------- |
316-Ryan wrote:Posted By: 316-Ryan
Date Posted: June-28-2009 at 9:51pm
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Holy crap! I have to cut off the bowstop on my trailer... it is quite possibly the most retarded thing ever in the history of boat trailers. I've read the warnings in this very post about the old Supreme trailers, and I've been ridiculously careful the two times I've had to load it, but the lake closest to my house I've been tuning the boat on has an incredibly ***************ty ramp. To further illustrate, imagine a rectangular dining room table. You take a sledgehammer, smash off one of the legs... that's the ramp I was working with.
I have scoured the forums looking for the part Nautique trailers have. Crash pad and bow stop are the only things I can think of to call it... can somebody help me out? Where could I get one? |