Ski Boat Forum

General Category => General American Skier Discussions => Topic started by: amdg3 on July 22, 2011, 04:00:04 PM

Title: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: amdg3 on July 22, 2011, 04:00:04 PM: Just want to shout out on this forum about the boat I just bought, and the help Ron Tanis gave me with inspecting it and putting it in shape. I live in Florida and wanted to buy that Eagle up in Wisconsin with the cracked block. My background is autos so I could not have done it without all the help Ron gave me with tips on inspection, what to look for, technical info and looking at detailed pictures.
After I got up to Wisconsin and put the trailer in shape (with the knowledge he gave me on the hydraulic brake actuator system for the trailer), I towed the boat back down I55 to avoid Appalachia (towing through the mountains.) When I got to Louisiana I stopped at Ron's shop right off I55 and I12. Not really out of the way because I was headed back to Lake City in North Florida and he is only a mile off the interstate exit.
I left the boat over there and Ron made a report and an estimate of the work needed. It was all standard maintenance and things I preferred to have an expert do so I could concentrate on the engine work. He replaced my steering cable, corrected a problem with the rudder system, made a repair to the gelcoat where the previous owner had scraped the trailer (looks perfect with perfect color match) and he aligned my prop / prop shaft!!!
There is no way you are going to find someone who spends so much attention to detail these days like Ron did on my boat. And it was real fair the labor and parts not like the prohibitive charges for work on new boats and cars at a dealer. Without really any background technical knowledge about boats I could not have got this boat without talking to someone who was an expert - because I think I got a good deal on the price of the boat but it was still a major purchase.
Now the Eagle is headed down to live in the endless summer of West Palm Beach so I have an excuse to go down there on the weekends. And I have my brother in law as a half partner to cover half the monthly in and out marina storage - short money with a partner. If I can help anyone out who is also looking to pick one of these up based on my experience just let me know . And many thanks to Ron. Mike Kane, Lake City,FL
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: Mike Harry on July 22, 2011, 05:02:28 PM: Welcome to the club! Ron has helped us all! It amazes me that he gives the info he does for free.

He truly has a passion for these boats and its always better than a pleasure dealing with him.

Props to Dan Tanis as well..... the same above goes toward him as well.
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: Smitty on July 22, 2011, 05:31:53 PM: Great to hear that story. I can't tell you how many hours were spent giving "free" advice on our '84 Skier. Dan and Ron are family to me, but I think that it goes without saying that they treat everyone in the American Skier world like family. Now post some pics of the Eagle!
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: Roger on July 23, 2011, 04:41:00 PM: Everything you said about Ron is true! I have taken my boat to him twice over the last twenty years Its always a pleasure working with Ron!
PS I thought I would never get to Tickfaw!
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: amdg3 on July 23, 2011, 06:11:43 PM: link for pictures of the 1990 24' Eagle on photobucket.
yes it has a rat (as in big block chevy 454).
http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02714.jpg (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02714.jpg)
http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02703.jpg (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02703.jpg)
http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02702.jpg (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02702.jpg)
http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02700.jpg (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02700.jpg)
http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02699.jpg (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02699.jpg)
http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02695.jpg (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m576/amdg3/AMERICAN%20SKIER%201990%20EAGLE/DSC02695.jpg)

regards, mike kane
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: amdg3 on July 23, 2011, 06:33:01 PM: yeah it has the optional lights built in the hull like mini aircraft landing lights, and it has the big sun deck in back you push the button - it has hydraulic lifts, its got a huge swim platform incorporated into the hull with teak strips, its got a monster aluminum fuel tank, yeah the trailer has four wheel braking and chrome mod wheels from the factory !
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: Roger on July 23, 2011, 07:39:46 PM: There was a red Eagle around back 10 years ago. I sure would love to find it now.I am on the look out for it now!
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: Joel on July 23, 2011, 07:48:27 PM: Nice boat!!! Renee loves the bowrider - more room, etc... Love to see that boat at the next reunion :)
Title: Re: Ron Tanis really helped me out
Post by: Joel on July 23, 2011, 07:50:07 PM: If there is ANYONE on this forum that Ron or Dan havent helped... well... they must not have needed any help :)