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Leo Bentz, Ski Nautique and Boat #1

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NCH20SKIER Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 11:44am
Think I know someone with some skis that will fit the bill.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 81nautique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 11:59am
I'll try to address some of the questions/comments from the thread.

As to originality, the motor and trans have been replaced with PCM units. I believe the gauges were probably swapped out at that time as well.

To Pete's comment on the windshield though I'm pretty sure it is correct, I think Pete is referring to the one photo where there appears to be a vertical center divider but I think that may be a reflection. All other photos of the boat show the one piece windshield, a call to Leo will answer that one though. We are so lucky to still have him available.

The motor box was extended in height when it was repowered to allow for the Holley carb but those extensions have all broken away revealing the correct size cover.

The motor is standard rotation and turns a left hand prop, that makes sourcing a 292/312 Y block a little easier.

Bruce, The trailer has to go. It's a decent rig but I will need to find an early CC bunk trailer for it.

While on our way home we stopped by the BBC in Mooresville where we met up with Timb, Rico and Reid for a few beers and spent the night. That's always a treat but Tim I wish I had looked at the paperwork before then because we would have had a good time riffling through it all. I spent hours when I got home putting it all in order.

A quick thank you to Reid for the hospitality and the use the BBC to get the boat situated on the trailer properly. The ride from Hilton Head to Mooresville was difficult because the boat was sitting to far back and it had zero tongue weight.. Dana and I actually launched the boat at 2 different ramps in Hilton head but without a running boat or an operating winch I just could not get the boat up on the trailer far enough. The drive to Reids was nerve wracking but before we could even get back to the BBC in the morning Reids Ace Gary had it situated just right and the rest of the drive was sweet. thanks again.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 81nautique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 12:03pm
We are off today to bring the boat down to Todd W's where it will winter in his barn, it's warm enough for us to stop and get it washed on the way so we'll do that and post some fresh pictures later.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Riley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 12:32pm
Originally posted by 81nautique 81nautique wrote:

Bruce, The trailer has to go. It's a decent rig but I will need to find an early CC bunk trailer for it.


We have a very decent, restorable, early 60's #2 we'd gladly give you. Not sure whether a #2 or #3 is best for that boat.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lakeview Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 12:41pm
Always noticed the so called early Ski Nautiques resembled my grandfathers 17 ft 1952 Higgins hull -this story confirms my look alike theory.By the way the Higgins was my first inboard ride experience-but as some of you early woody boat people know they had plywood issues and the bottoms gave way on many of them.
Good luck Alan.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Fabcon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 3:22pm
Very very very cool, #1 the holy grail, it does not get any better. Alan, Dana, Art, everyone involved in this boat thanks for sharing this story and what is to come. Can't wait to see it on the water and pulling a skier.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 3:27pm
Alan,
It's the black frame on the windshield that I referred to. Maybe it was just painted?


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Keep it original, Pete
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 63 Skier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 3:56pm
This is such a cool story and project. Looking forward to following the progress!

A lot of years have gone by, I like to think and imagine the excitement of that boat 55+ years ago. I still remember how excited I would be to see loud, powerful inboards on our lake well before I was 10 years old. So much history.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JPASS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 8:10pm
What an amazing find. Congrats.

Can't wait to follow the restoration thread.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FredWSauer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 8:50pm
That is a very cool story!!! Thanks. It will be fun to watch the work. - Fred
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GlassSeeker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 9:18pm
Man I can almost smell the history in that boat
This is the life
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TRBenj Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 9:19pm
#3 for a SN for sure.

The windshield looks to be the original 1-piece plexi and is just painted black. There are a few pics on the 1st page of this thread that clearly show a 2-piece glass windshield... The shape is a little different and the unique hardware is visible in the pic. I assumed it was another early SN but perhaps not #1. Most of the pics from the reference section show the same 1-piece that's still on it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote skutsch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 10:00pm
Holy Crap Alan!!! That is so awesome. I can't wait to see it!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MechGaT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-02-2016 at 10:30pm
Awesome boat. Thanks for sharing the story. Another reason this site is so awesome.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PLBC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 11:10am
Very cool. Congratulations.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 81nautique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 12:19pm
Got the boat washed yesterday and confirmed my original intention of a full gelcoat job, just a little to far gone to preserve.

It may be a while before I really get started on this project so in the meantime I will post whatever info I find along the way.

Leo sent this to me yesterday.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Frankenotter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 1:03pm
Wow.....................absolutely amazing. So glad it ended up in your hands and not with a wake tower.

I had no idea the history of the Ski Nautique. I heard what people knew it meant but I guess I always assumed that correct craft had designed the hull.

Any idea if the other "Glass Crafts" survived, or is this the only one?

It goes without saying, but I would love to throw my hat in the ring if you need any help.

Cheers!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hollywood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 5:38pm
So did Leo start that ski school? Where'd the name Lee come from?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quinner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 6:00pm
Letter from Leo to Bob


How he signed his name here, must be a nickname like Kevin is for you
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Riley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 6:26pm
I've never called my brother Leo anything, but Lee.

That boat appears to have the deluxe windshield in the first 2 photos with the family riding in it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 81nautique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 7:19pm
Originally posted by Riley Riley wrote:



That boat appears to have the deluxe windshield in the first 2 photos with the family riding in it.


yes I agree with that now that I look at those 2 photos. The windshield that came with the boat is broken in several places anyway so here is the sites first project, to come up with a windshield.





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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 7:20pm
Originally posted by Riley Riley wrote:

That boat appears to have the deluxe windshield in the first 2 photos with the family riding in it.

Bruce,
I think you are correct. It does look like the deluxe in the first pictures.

Also as mentioned, the later pictures maybe when the PCM was dropped in show the black frame.

Originally posted by 81nautique 81nautique wrote:

To Pete's comment on the windshield though I'm pretty sure it is correct, I think Pete is referring to the one photo where there appears to be a vertical center divider but I think that may be a reflection. .

Originally posted by 8122pbrainard 8122pbrainard wrote:

Alan,
It's the black frame on the windshield that I referred to. Maybe it was just painted?


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 62 wood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 7:51pm
Originally posted by 81nautique 81nautique wrote:

Originally posted by Riley Riley wrote:



That boat appears to have the deluxe windshield in the first 2 photos with the family riding in it.


yes I agree with that now that I look at those 2 photos. The windshield that came with the boat is broken in several places anyway so here is the sites first project, to come up with a windshield.


Would a two pc glass from a late 60's Mustang be the same?

.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hollywood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 7:54pm
Maybe Lee is his middle name. This signature is a little sloppy and looks more like Leo this time. Maybe it's interchangeable!
Originally posted by 81nautique 81nautique wrote:

Letter from leo Verifying Bob;s boat is the prototype

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Riley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 8:24pm
Originally posted by 62 wood 62 wood wrote:

Originally posted by 81nautique 81nautique wrote:

Originally posted by Riley Riley wrote:



That boat appears to have the deluxe windshield in the first 2 photos with the family riding in it.


yes I agree with that now that I look at those 2 photos. The windshield that came with the boat is broken in several places anyway so here is the sites first project, to come up with a windshield.


Would a two pc glass from a late 60's Mustang be the same?

.


I'm guessing it would take the larger one like the Cudas, but I believe TimB could verify that.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote skutsch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 8:38pm
If I am reading the history right this boat was NOT made by Correct Craft, so you have to remember that the components like windshields, steering wheels, instruments, etc may or may not have any commonality with Correct Crafts of the same year. Any common components are coincidence or more likely because the specific component was readily available to any manufacturer. In fact the components on Ski Nautique #1 are more likely to have more in common with the Higgins, the boat the mold was thrown from. Hopefully Art can recall what manufacturers were producing windshields back then & start the search from there
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 8:53pm
Steve,
With the exception of the hull, ALL components were purchased. Taylor Made goes way back into the early 50's.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lewy2001 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 8:53pm
Originally posted by 81nautique 81nautique wrote:

Got the boat washed yesterday and confirmed my original intention of a full gelcoat job, just a little to far gone to preserve.


I liked the idea of preserving the originality with some patina. Somewhat like what the "Rat Rodder's" are doing but without the mods

But we know your judgement call will be the correct one.

Looking forward to my next GL reunion already
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote skutsch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 10:23pm
Originally posted by 8122pbrainard 8122pbrainard wrote:

Steve,
With the exception of the hull, ALL components were purchased. Taylor Made goes way back into the early 50's.


Exactly! I knew Taylor made went back a ways, but wasn't sure how far. That's what Dad put on his when a replacement was not available from CC.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TRBenj Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-03-2016 at 10:24pm
Mustang windshield will be way too narrow.

I wouldn't be so quick to assume the boat had a 2-piece just yet. The 1-piece on the boat is period correct and looks to show up in a bunch of old pics too. The 2-piece had different mounting points so I would expect to uncover a bunch more holes if the boat ever had one.
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