Hey folks, I'm new to the site and thought I'd share my American Skier story and pictures. Back in the late '7'0's and early 80's, a family friend was in school in south Florida. And he was a skier. He and his pop bought several American Skier's and took them north. The one you see pictured here is one of those boats. They sold several of these boats to their skier friends and kept this one. A 1980 model. He used is sparingly for 10 years or so, and after that, only put the boat on the water once a season to run it, then put it away.
I actually skied behind this boat back in my HS days.
I bought the boat from my friend about 3 years ago. It had about 150 hours on it, and the boat was completely original, including the trailer. The boat looked brand new! And had every manual, invoice, build-sheet, etc.
The pictures you see here are from the day I brought it home. I immediately changed the belt, hoses, impeller, t-stat and changed points to electronic. Tightened up the packing slightly once on the water, and it ran GREAT. What a terrific boat.
This boat, I was told, was featured at the 1980 Miami boat show, and had several options that most boats did not have. But not sure which.
I used the boat for 3 seasons and it didn't skip a beat. However, in those three years, you quickly learn that is NOT a pleasure boat, but strictly purpose-built for 3 folks to go out skiing, and that's it.
With that said, I reluctantly sold the boat and replaced it with an open-bow Nautique. Everything is a balance, and while I could have kept the Skier, I just couldn't justify it.
Sellers remorse.
So, I'd likely buy it back one day, as it's still local. Or one of the same.
Thanks for reading.
Ultra
