Welcome aboard. I own a 86 with an Indmar 350........ love the boat, its more than Ill ever need. Sounds like you are already leaning, but if you want my opinion here it is.......
If you want a ski boat in your life you wont get any better than the one you have. Compare the cost of a new one to an overhaul of what you have and Im sure you can make and easy choice. Personally I wouldnt trade my 86 Advance for a 96 or even a 06, but thats me. I like the looks and the feel of the classic Advance. It is bare bones which I think is cool. None of these fancy frills and lace B.S. you just have to have on these new giant ski boats out there.
Ive ran circles around several newer boats with my Advance and I always get complements on its styling and raw power (plus the sounds of dual strait pipes). I do get alot of questions like "what year tique is that" but you cant blame the uneducated I guess. To most people a ski boat only consists of 1 or 2 companies. Thats just another thing I love about my American Skier.
Again, welcome aboard. I hope you decide to keep the ole girl. I hope you would think about coming to our second annual reunion down in Tennessee!
Mike