Diaries | Details
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Updated:
8/3/2017 (7 years ago)
Originally Posted: 1/11/2016
Total Views: 2,953
Owner: Tim Benjamin
Forum Nickname: TRBenj
Location: Goshen, CT
Model: 1971 Skier
Length: 16.5
Engine: Chrysler 273
HP: 200
Hours: 0
Modify this Diaries Listing
Forum Nickname: TRBenj
Location: Goshen, CT
Model: 1971 Skier
Length: 16.5
Engine: Chrysler 273
HP: 200
Hours: 0
Modify this Diaries Listing
This boat may be recognizable to anyone who happened to pass through Greenville, SC on I-85 over the last 15+ years. It had been sitting out in a boat graveyard for at least that long, according to a few folks I have spoken to. It came to my attention a few years ago through this website, and with the help of Ethan (Eether), we were finally able to come to terms with the boneyard's caretaker. It made the trek back to CT in late Dec, 2015.
The gel is well worn from the SC sun and elements, but despite the cracking, it appears the dark olive color (Autumn?) will come right back. I expect it will be a 20/50 boat, in that it will look pretty good from 20' away or when flying by at 50mph. Most of the original parts are accounted for, save for one bucket seat - so I will build another to match. Structure is TBD until I dig a little further - initial inspection was surprisingly positive; I had expected a stringer job to be a foregone conclusion. The original 200hp 273 Chrysler is accounted for and may not even be stuck.
With all the other projects on my plate currently, it is unlikely this boat will see the water in the short term. Still, I have a soft spot for the early 70's Skiers and just love the dark green gel - so plans are starting to take shape to return this boat to its former glory.
The gel is well worn from the SC sun and elements, but despite the cracking, it appears the dark olive color (Autumn?) will come right back. I expect it will be a 20/50 boat, in that it will look pretty good from 20' away or when flying by at 50mph. Most of the original parts are accounted for, save for one bucket seat - so I will build another to match. Structure is TBD until I dig a little further - initial inspection was surprisingly positive; I had expected a stringer job to be a foregone conclusion. The original 200hp 273 Chrysler is accounted for and may not even be stuck.
With all the other projects on my plate currently, it is unlikely this boat will see the water in the short term. Still, I have a soft spot for the early 70's Skiers and just love the dark green gel - so plans are starting to take shape to return this boat to its former glory.
