Parting out older poor condition A.S. boats

[wetamb]

So I have been thinking about buying some of these very poor condition A.S. boats and parting them out.  I am not sure that if would be possible to make the money back that is invested to purchase some of these boats and I hate to make the A.S. brand even smaller but it might help the greater good.  I was just wondering what some of the members think about this idea?  I would start with just one boat that might suit most people first to see how it goes and then if I get the inital investment money back, I will buy another.  Would also maybe need some help looking at any other these boats if they are in your area before I purchase it to make sure we are getting the most good parts for the group.

Are people looking for entire motors?  Trailers?  Windshields?  Gauges?  Dash panels?  Seat bases?  Exhaust pipes?  Etc?

And how much are you will to pay for these items, within reason of coarse.  I am not looking to make a lot of extra money off this idea, just a way to preserve many of the boats that people are redoing and having trouble finding parts.

Just a thought, let me know what you think.

Thanks

Wetamb (BJ)

[wetamb]

Heck, just thinking about this idea some more. Once my initial investment is covered plus whatever it cost me in fuel to go get the purchased boat, I could put the extra money towards creating website t-shirts(free to members and if ok with website owner) or party gifts for the A.S. get together or just for paying for Ron and Dans arrival to the A.S. get together.  Not sure if there are enough unique parts specific to A.S. to cover costs.   Just some thoughts as Im up late working...

Wetamb

[John Doerfler]

Sounds cool.  I would love to have an extra set of exhaust manifolds for my 83AS and a new seat base.  But with todays technology lots of these things can be recrafted by expert craftsmen.  Sometimes the old is more sought after especially in good shape but, the recrafted new parts are much better working and fresher looking.  I restore lots of antique Harley Davidsons and you wouldnt believe the men and women out there working on amazing recrafted parts to keep those old girls running.  BUT when you open a box with a part in it 75 years old in great condition its truely an amazing experience and people will pay ridiculous money for it.
John Doerfler

[RonT]

If there was any $$$ to be made doing this  my brother and I would have done it years ago. Windshields are the exception. Other than that everything else can still be obtained or re-created. There isn't an American Skier out there we can't keep running and providing wholesome fun for the family. Most all of the original die-cut graphics are gone but owners have learned to be creative with computer generated graphics. I can offer the following:
Misc. parts listed in my breif parts list, if not on the list CALL or email
Drivers Seat bases, molded off the original mold
Drivers seat slide tracks, now in stainless
OEM shift knobs w/emblem are being re-made from the original vendor
OEM hull side "Shield" logo will be next to be re-made in an original die-cut format (much longer lasting)
I offer basic repair service through complete boat restoration services
All of the equipment used to build trailers with is still here & have been considering building more if needed   

[wetamb]

Ron,

Thats what I figured which is why I hadnt done anything yet.  Thanks for the input.  But for the money on some of these boats, its hard not to just buy them up and let them sit just to keep them alive and kicking and not end up in the scrap yard for parts

[amskierLDFWI]

Ron,
I am going to tackle my trailer this fall on the 83. The bunks seem too low for the boat. There is not much room for error. Can you recommend any changes when I begin the repairs. I'm planning on new wires, bunks, winch, jack, lights and rust removal and paint. I want to use the original trailer but am wondering if the work needed is worth it. I've already spent more on the boat than  a sane person would have. I probably could have bought one  and a spare in this economy. But if we did this on logic no one would ever resurrect these or any boat from the dead!!! I think my trailer is heavier than the boat too!

[chrisheile]

One thing I noticed with my friends new Malibu is that the bunks seem to slant from back to front when sitting level.  It seems to make it nicer for loading.

[RonT]

When you get a chance with the boat off the ttrailer take some pics & send them to me, most of the older channel chassis's are rebuildable, strip, sandblast, repaint etc... the bunks should  be cut lengthwise so the inside edge is about 1" thick, the outside 1 1/2" thick. I also stock the black marine grade trailer bunk carpet pre-slit. I would modify any trailer to include side guides.

[amskierLDFWI]

Thanks! I will definitely post the photos of the old trailer. It needs new fenders also. In fact it needs just about everything done like the boat did. Looking forward to getting it on the water.