I just brought home a 1987 American Skier Advance "Special Edition"

[KeyserSoze]

I just bought this boat.  I've had quite a few boats in the past but they have all been I/O or outboards.  I have always wanted an inboard ski boat since riding in a MasterCraft in the late 80's.   Saw this clean 87 Advance for sale and made the deal.  My wife was very understanding, but I now have to sell a few other toys.  I had quite a while to research the boat before purchase since the guy posted it on Craigslist, then went on vacation for a few months.  I had first dibs when he got back.  While I was researching 1987 Advances it looked to me like all the boats that said they were 87 have the older style font for the lettering on the side.  All the boats I saw also had 351 Ford motors.  This one says "Special Edition" below the Advance decal on the sides of the boat in the back.  It has a 350 Indmar Chevy motor and the new style lettering.  It is gray with a black stripe down the side.  So far, I love the boat and I haven't even had it on the water!  I'm replacing the freshwater impeller and changing the oil.  It has been well cared for and stored indoors, but he admitted that he hadn't changed the impeller in 10 years (very little use each year though).  Can anyone fill me in on what a "Special Edition" means?  I used my Google-Fu but came up with nothing.

Thanks,

Dave

[backfoot100]

Wow, nice score. Nice looking boat and I've always said that I'm very biased toward gray boats...LOL.

I'm not sure when A/S did the graphics change. I know 88 had the new style but not sure on the 87. I've also never heard of the Special Edition. Maybe a different upholstery package? I'm sure Ron and/or Dan will know and chime in soon.

As for the Chevy motor.....be happy. I prefer a bowtie myself but I'm admittedly biased toward them. They actually like to run a couple hundred RPM faster than a Ford and, all things equal, will generally have just a tad better top end. At least in my experiences. The Fords might pull a little harder out of the hole but to the average guy, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.
I know that Correct Craft offered bowtie engine options over the standard Ford at a premium price and I assume other manufacturers did the same thing. There's a reason every A/S Barefoot Skier that I've seen had a Chevy in it (not saying that there probably wasn't a Ford option, I've just never seen it) so take that for what it's worth.
The only thing wrong about that Chevy is if you're a die hard Ford guy in which case, you'll be converted in pretty short order.

[Midskier]

Nice Find!

87's are cool as they stand out in one way or another from the 86 or 88
hull and deck no change
87 model year exterior graphics - (old) bubble letters and (new) rear side swipes
Slant letters came in '88
Interior - material updated, some color added (stripes) motor box 1 piece to the floor
and updated rear seat (88 added the 2 piece clam shell motorbox)

so do you have a "special edition" maybe - none up here, could have been an end of model year update or dealer specific package

from I can see from the pics (and in no particular order):

'88 slant letters, '87 interior, optional low side pockets, pylon crossbar ears shortened, rear side swipes removed, contrast decal over gel line changed or removed, snaps..........replacement exhaust manifolds, pertronix electronic ignition, run through Ron's shaft alignment tutorial.

get acquainted with her and run it

Dan T 

[KeyserSoze]

Thanks for the replies.  Good eye on the details.  Yes, it appears a previous owner trimmed off the tabs on the ski pylon, probably to put a wakeboard extension on it.  It has snaps added to the boat.  It came with a nice black mooring cover that goes from the windows back.  I'm still really curious about the "special edition" sticker on it.  The guy I bought it from got it from the original owner who apparently worked for a dealership.  He may have updated the decals at some point, but they look original.  I also got a big banner that used to hang in the dealership.  Here are a few more pictures,  I tried to resize them this time.  Taking it out on the water tomorrow.  Hopefully all goes well...

[wetamb]

Dave,
Nice boat and welcome to the forum. if you ever decide to get rid of the banner, please let Ron T or myself know because this is part of the American Skier history that we are trying to preserve.  Also, there are plenty of very knowledable folks on here.  Ron T was the owner and with a lot of help from Dan T they grew the business and were building the best boats in the country during the Am Skier run.  If you have any questions, just ask and I am sure someone will answer.....

BJ aka wetamb

[RonT]

The Special Edition decals are not OEM Your boat has several tastefully done subtle changes, I like it. Enjoy it & let us know how many people learn to ski behind it!

[KeyserSoze]

I know when I read these forums, I'm always curious to know what people are paying for stuff.  I'm not really sure if I paid too much or not, but I love the boat and it seems like it has had some special care along the way.  So, as a point of reference for other people buying/selling.  This boat has 690 hours on it.  In good shape overall.  Interior is getting a little worn, but has no rips or tears.  Has what appears to be some welded patches on a couple small holes in the vinyl.  I paid $5500.  I've seen some cheaper online, but I guess it always comes down to the right price at the right time.

[Mike Harry]

$5500 is a rock solid price in my opinion. I got mine quite a bit cheaper but spent a whole lot more on the top end in time and money. Nice looking ride. Welcome!

Where are you located?

[KeyserSoze]

Located in Eastern Washington State (the desert side of the state)...  We are having a very hot summer and just had some major fires - 29 homes lost in Wenatchee.  Temps have been as high as 113 degrees here!  Most days the last two weeks have been over 100.  Great time to be out on the water, but have been wishing for a bimini top.  Don't like how they look though and I'm reluctant to drill holes for anything.  Thinking of rigging up a ski pylon extension with some kind of shade attachment for next year.

[wetamb]

KeyserSoze,

If you go to Rons site, Tanis R&D(links on every page) you will see in the photos a sweet hardtop that Ron created for one of his restoration boats.  I have actually seen it in person and was thinking about having him do one for my Legend.  It is a bit pricey but it would be very well worth the money!!

BJ