new member

[dwelter]

What an exciting site! Hello to all fellow Skier owners. Here's my story: purchased my 84 American skier April of 1985 when the boat was 6months old. The original owner from St Francisville LA bought the boat in Texas prior to getting transfered off shore. I was in St Francisville to look at other boats and picked up a local paper where the boat was listed just that morning. So I called the number and went to take a look. The Skier was beautiful! Interesting side note: I asked if the boat could turn sharply being most of my skiing would be up river. The owner chuckled then commented, "You've never been in one of these boats, have you". We went for a ride and that was all I needed, called my wife back home in Florida and said I have some good and bad news. I found the perfect boat for us but i'm gonna need some more money. At that time I was a two event skier, slalom and trick. The Skier served the family wonderfully for many years. Raised two sons behind the boat having them both knee boarding by the time they were two and skiing by 3. All went well through the years with the usual maintenance and upkeep requried. Anyone who ever saw or rode in the Skier would always comment how remarkably it looked and performed. Then came 2004 and hurricane Ivan. We took 6 feet of water at the house and the skier was submerged. It would take a couple of weeks before I could address the damage. We had a family discussion of either replacing the Skier or replacing the engine and electronics. Unanimously we decided to keep the Skier and repower it. So now we have 1984 American Skier with a 2004 PCM fuel injected Ford 351. We were able to reuse the original Commander stainless exhaust manifolds. The Skier continues to serve us well.

[Mike Harry]

That sir is truly a great story and what a work of art you have! Great to see you on board!!!!

It is a bit of short notice, but check out our annual reunion thread.... its coming soon. Would love to have a chance to get a look at the old girl and meet yet another American Skier family! If not this year hopefully its something you could consider in the future as we plan on keeping this tradition going!

[phil]

Great looking boat! Thanks for joining in on the conversation and sharing your story.

[RonT]

Awesome example, looks great, original glove box and walnut shift knob too! I have the OEM "Skier-Girl" graphics that go on the rear hull sides if you want to complete her.

[Pelvic Woo]

Wow!  That's a pretty boat!!

[backfoot100]

Friggin' awesome boat!!!

First off, a proper name to call you instead of dwelter would be nice. Secondly, where about in FL do you reside? I'm in Winter Haven and Mike Harry is in St. Cloud. Welcome.

How many hours are on it? The white dash looks so cool.

[dwelter]

My name is Dennis and I live in the Northwest panhandle of Florida, Milton. I would love to attend the reunion, but my son is getting married the prior weekend over on the East coast and we are having a celebration for him at home that weekend for his local friends. Ron, your attention to detail continues to be sharp. I have, actually. spoken to you on the phone and you have helped me in the past to keep the skier up and running. For example a new rudder when my son hit a submerged log and windshield trim when I wanted to powdercoat the frame. Thank you. The original Ford 351 had almost 900 hrs it and ran flawlessly. I did rebuild the carboretor twice and upgraded to electronic ignition. To change out the engine was a tough decision, but it sure is a kick in the pants to drive. I look forward to keeping up with the website and possibly catching up with all at the next reunion. Ya'll have a good time!

[Joel]

GORGEOUS!!!   The interior is the best I've seen - love the color combo & upholstery   

Welcome aboard!!!

Joel

[Messer]

I have boat envy... is that wrong?

Hey brother, where did you get the windshield trim, it looks great, mine is ready to retire.

[backfoot100]

Thanks for the info Dennis.
I have to say that is one extremely clean A/S. I love it. Awesome story too.

I'm very interested in knowing what kind of work was involved to rewire everything for the fuely. The ECM and the high and/or low pressure fuel pumps on those motors can be finicky. I have to believe that there was a new wiring harness involved or a significant amount of rewiring. What about the plumbing for the fuel tank? There had to be some work done there also. Awesome touch by the way putting the commander manifolds on the new motor. A kind of new age, old school interaction. Cool stuff!!!

[dwelter]

re the windshield trim: approx 10 to 12 years ago i dismantled the windshield sanded the aluminum channels, filled in the pits and had it powder coated mineral black. The window adhesive came from a glass shop and exterior rubber facing bought from a shop in Miami on Ron's recommendation.
re the EFI engine: the wire harness was part of the engine purchase and the high flow pump required a return line back to the tank. After some trial and error over a year, the pick up was moved to the center of the tank, more baffles were added, and a dedicated nipple was added for the return line. Prior to making the tank changes, I could not run below a quarter fuel or we would get an air lock in the HP pump.

[backfoot100]

Great info on the tank mods. Thanks.

[Midskier]

SWEET!