1963 Correct Craft American Skier
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: Common Questions
Forum Discription: Visit here first for common questions regarding your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=34852
Printed Date: April-29-2024 at 7:02am
Topic: 1963 Correct Craft American Skier
Posted By: Glassdog
Subject: 1963 Correct Craft American Skier
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 3:45pm
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Hello all! I'm new to the forum so like any forum I may be repeating questions found in other strings and for that I apologize. Way too much information here for me to digest immediately. Anyhow, I purchased a 1953 Correct Craft American skier several days ago with the intent of restoring it. Great boat I found it on Craig's list just as it was posted. it's in pretty good shape after 25 years of storage and appears to be worth the effort. I have just a few general questions at this point and no photos available to me at this time, I am going to pick it up sometime next week (hopefully)when they can move it out. Great boat, was not advertised more widely seemingly sound hull and motor stringers etc. So, here I go. It has what appears to be the original 170 cu. in. 100 HP Interceptor, reported to run at time of storage. I have several ideas for the little motor to improve performance and tips or experience would be appreciated. And in it's stock form approximately how fast would it propel the 16ft boat? I have plenty of view points on improving performance (rat rodders)and I am curious how much knowledge still exists of the mods (if any) beyond maranization did Eaton make to the base Ford Comet engine before I start spending my machine shop budget. The boat had been painted over what I am told is the original blue of the boat. The paint job appeared to be a faily good one done 25+ years ago using DuPont Imron. so I can't really see the original gel color until I strip a small area when I get it. Like all fiberglass boats it's vintage original gel coat on hull and topside are spidered and I am planning on taking the boat down and re-gel coating it. Therefore, not having run the I.D. yet, can anyone tell me what colors were offered in the 1963 model? Most likely I am going to go back to the original unless it's hideous! Thanks for now! |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:06pm
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Christopher, When you are thinking performance upgrades, keep in mind the engine is a reverse rotation. This will limit a cam selection. We do have a regular member who has a AS with the 170. I'm sure he'll be along with the speed answer. Welcome to CCfan. Get us some pictures. We love them. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:12pm
| Welcome to the site. Pete, that's a baccerds engine. We've got a Mustang with that engine. Ours is stock and runs about 32 mph and cruises nicely in the 20's. A little more speed would be nice. What are you thinking of doing? From the age of yours, it probably has a Paragon transmission? |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:14pm
 Once again I've inserted my foot without thinking. Yup, it's a flywheel forward so the rotation is standard. I too would say it's a Paragon trans. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Riley wrote:Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:28pm
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Hey thanks all for the interest. Well with winter on my doorstep my first thoughts are to work on bring the motor back to life. Tear down and inspect internals. Hopefully rebuild able with replacement of rings, bearings etc. Have the head re-done with SS valves and seats installed to cope with modern fuels more easily. Cook out block and head, mill the head and deck the block to improve compression, re-ring as necessary. Hone cylinders and probably with stay with stock pistons / diameter unless cylinder boring is necessary. Generally as modest as possible with the overhaul. I would like to stay as close to original as possible while enhancing performance. I don't expect 60 mph passes out of it. I don't want price the motor portion too high or expectations too great or I'm into re-powering becoming a consideration which I would like to avoid unless necessary. All emblems etc. remain so aesthetically I have neat little boat to restore. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:37pm
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The regular member that I know of went and did the right thing and bought a more modern faster boat. Don't get carried away trying to make it into something it's not, it won't pay off in the end IMHO --- ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:39pm
Thinking perhaps you meant 1963 on the year |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:44pm
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Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 4:46pm
Shoot for 35.  Great little engine though. I like the way it sounds and it has decent acceleration.
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Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 5:51pm
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Bruce let me drive the Mustang (or should I say Dave) up at Benjamins this year. I loved that little thing with the 6 cylinder and would have left it just as it was. Sounds great plenty of power for two trick skiers and smooth as a sewing machine. ------------- |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 6:22pm
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Sorry must have misstated something. Anyhow, yes it is a 1963 (typing fast) and no I'm not trying to make the boat into something it's not. As stated, I am doing a resto and prefer to keep the motor original. Having said that, like the original production motor introduced into the Ford Comet in 1963 the Interceptor had a few shortcomings that were later improved upon in the 200 cu. in. inline 6 cyls. We are planning to use the boat and I am quite fond of the sound of an inline 6 cyl. My family has several vintage woodies, one of which a (Greavette) 1947 has a Kermath Marine, flathead six (Pontiac base)which is unmistakable. My thoughts center on the fact it's a vintage motor, compression was a little light etc. So, modest compression improvement better internal fasteners etc. leading to improved reliability and compatability with modern fuels. I'm not against additives, however we boat in several different areas, some extremely remote so I don't really want to cart around much more than stabil and deal with low octane fuels. I plan to let my kids ski behind it as it's range of speed is just right for them, just want to make sure the old girl is up to being leaned on a little. Any thoughts on the range of colors that particular year? |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 6:27pm
| Guess I should clarify the color. Color names in particular shade of blue. I know it was blue and hoping it was just one offering however preliminarily investigating gel coat manufacturers / color matches available. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 6:45pm
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Let me start off by saying until you get the word from Correct Craft you really don't know what year it is. Standard color for the American Skier in 63 was white with red waterline stripe,clipper grey floor. Sales sheet says optional colors - Solid color deck in red,buckskin tan,turquoise. No mention if hull came in any color other than white.Seat backs came in turquoise,red,blue,beige. Life preserver cushions came in turquoise,red,or white. Boat with Interceptor 100hp was $2565.00 ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 6:51pm
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By 64 there was a Deluxe model available,same colors but many optional items standard. Windshield with wind wings,upholstery,running lights,step plates vinyl floor covering and interior sides covered with fabric for 1k more ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 7:09pm
Christopher, What additives are you thinking about? Hopefully it's not a "lead substitute" since there's no such thing. I stopped using it over 25 years ago. As a ACBS member I encounter plenty of classic as well as antique engines and their owners. I honestly do not know one that still uses the so called "lead substitute". Keep in mind that our old engines ran on marine white gas which is a straight run gas with NO additives (no lead ether) in it at all. Keep the money you save for the valve job when the time comes. (it may take years!) BTW, none of my engines are in need of a valve job!  ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: October-31-2014 at 8:31pm
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Do you happen to have the hull number,it will be on the port side stringer near the rear motor mount. Since its a American Skier it will be AM _ _ _ ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Smithfamily
Date Posted: November-01-2014 at 10:19am
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Welcome aboard! Yes to the pictures! ------------- Js |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: November-02-2014 at 2:00am
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Christopher, I have a 64 A.S. with the Interceptor 100. Here are a couple of pics of mine... like Gary says white with red trim...   I have done some top end work on mine a few years ago. When I bought the boat someone had put a 73 head on it. This head was cracked so I had to replace it. Here is a pic of the engine sans the head.. http://s37.photobucket.com/user/kten72/media/64%20American%20Skier/Headteardown006.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  I was taking with a few guys on a hi-po Ford six site. They use heads from a late 70's Monarch / Fairmont 200. A couple of them helped me out on getting this head on the old 170 block. This head has bigger intake runner, hardened valves, which I think were also larger then the originals. One big "problem" with the Interceptor is the carburation. The "car guys" run larger two or even 4 bbl carbs. These run a single Carter YH sidedraft and you cant get many CFM's pushed thru it. I was not willing to alter the doghouse, so had to stick with the stock setup. The other obstacle is the exhaust. Again, the manifold can only handle so much flow. Like Gary said.. dont make it something it's not. Altho a little polishing and chrome bling never hurts anything! (dont ask Pete if its ok) Here is a pic of the finished engine with the "new" 200 head... after chroming the valve cover and polishing the homemade stainless carb adapter and the exhaust manifold. ...  And, YEP, we need to see some pics!!! . ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: November-02-2014 at 11:32am
Here's a picture but you know this one   ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: cbdenco
Date Posted: November-02-2014 at 12:36pm
Cool, another '63, can't wait to see it  |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-02-2014 at 2:43pm
150 CFM is the YH rating. Steve, I'm sure happy you stayed original and didn't cut a hole in the doghouse.  I do know several who haven't especially the 312's converting the dual YH's with a downdraft. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: November-02-2014 at 6:36pm
| Thanks guys good info and beautiful "64" 62 wood. Anyhow, it will all begin for me this coming week I'll post some pics. Thanks for the contributions! |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: November-16-2014 at 6:25pm
Hello all and thanks for earlier input. Anyhow, been meaning to get back on and haven't had time. Here are a few pics of my "63" American skier just shortly after getting it to my home. Read on after the pics..    Anyhow, was supposedly garage kept and only not run for 25 years because they bought a pontoon boat and I was advised it had not been properly laid up. So as expected there are a few hiccups. Going to pull motor and tranny for the winter. Well found out they had attempted to winterize, just not thoroughly. Exhaust manifold cracked interior and exterior of water jacket, still had water in it, no glycol.  Then pulled the head and found the intake valve on #2 cylinder missing a chunk! And a corresponding pushrod that was nicely bent nearly into an "s" and a crack extending out into the head from the valve seat. Fortunately all cylinders are unmarred.So, I may be able to retain the original 100 h.p. However, I'm adding the costs at my labor rate, new / used manifold, head, alternator and starter are shot, got my winter cut out for me. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: November-16-2014 at 6:28pm
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Boat looks great! Better to have the hull in shape rather than the other way around ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: November-16-2014 at 6:52pm
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Lots of cosmetic work ahead, haven't gotten a reply from Art through correct craft, however I believe it to be the standard white under the red imron that was applied some time ago. with red water line. Was told it had blue paint on it, I think they had boat confused or did a good job of stripping and painting over, no evidence. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: November-16-2014 at 7:00pm
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Well he is retired Chris. I thought I saw a picture of him somewhere driving the electric nautique at a ski tournament so he's got his plate full but I'll bet he eventually gets it for you. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: November-16-2014 at 7:33pm
| Oh I'm sure he will, I received a very nice email from him explaining his interests and his retired status. I'm in no big hurry, just interested holidays are close so my fun money is tight! |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: November-17-2014 at 10:31am
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That boat looks to be in fantastic shape, all things considered! Good luck with the project. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: November-17-2014 at 10:53am
OH WOW! Very Nice  Welcome to Team Red!------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: November-17-2014 at 11:06am
You did Gary but it was from the 2011 Masters Tournament Opening Ceremonies.  But he is usually seen in the 61 SN with a couple other legends.  ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: November-17-2014 at 12:02pm
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That's way cool! anyhow, thanks for your comments. All in all the boat is in pretty good shape. The motor wasn't really a surprise emphasis from the seller on how they put it away 25 years ago was raising flags. None the which really concerned me. I think he overestimated the boats problems 25 years ago and basically walked away. It has a lot of gel coat crazing, like anything 52 years old. I'm 49 my gelcoat looks like ***************  Anyhow, I haven't found anything to suggest significant structural problems or delamination associated with it. However I got a lot of sanding and grinding to do. Going to concentrate on motor and drive over the winter. And hopefully that goes well as I had a gm v-6 I had converted to marine for a friend, he ran tight on money and sold the boat he had sans motor. It would have been perfect for a go to, however sold it several months ago. Which is probably good keeps me on track to keep things as original as possible. On the happy side of a fiberglass project, I can get any type of fabric I need and bulk resins as I grew up in a town with a big fiberglass plant that produces fabric of all types, know a guy who produces custom fiberglass tanks etc. So I may have some economy in the resto I can get those items pretty cheap. Just staying open to where I need to go until I dig under the layers so to speak for finishes (2 part epoxy - awl or gel coat)both directions have advantages / disadvantages. |
Posted By: Glassdog
Date Posted: April-16-2015 at 11:26am
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Hi all who may be viewing. An update on my 63' American Skier not as far along as I would have liked. Like many this year we had a horrible winter and I had hoped to at least had the motor well on the way, but the garage I was going to keep my boat in and use as a workshop burnt to the ground 2 days before moving the boat and we absolutely didn't have any mild days to get it pulled. Anyhow, over the past several days ive been able to tear into it. I was able to get the seats out decking up and really get a good eye on what needs addressed. The boat had been worked on to a great deal. they had replaced stringers. the good part of that is they did a really good job fabricating the stringers and I wasn't able to find any rot. the bad part is they did a horrible job of glassing in and wrapping the motor stringers etc. lots of glass not wetted out properly and separated from the stringers. I was able to give it a good cleaning out and didn't find anything alarming with the original glass work, no blisters or delaminanting but I have a substantial amount of grinding and re-work to do. I had reduced the engine to a short block in the boat and am planning on getting it out and tearing it down. As known before the head was cracked original exhaust manifold and riser were shot. The cylinders look clean topside and unmarred. So I am hoping when I get it broken down I can get away with honing the cylinders, re-ring, new bearing and gaskets. The distributor points plate was shot. No one at Mallory had much info regarding the model so im going to install a conversion kit to electronic pointless. Found a solution to the exhaust situation, but am holding until I get inside the motor and get a good look at the drive - it appears to be a, I guess Dearborn. The innards of all this is going to dictate how far I'm going to go to attempt to keep the original motor/drive, still teetering on a re-power. Got the majority of the trim etc. off and now have a confirmation on the original color of the boat. It was conveyed to me it was "blue" by the former owner before they had red imron sprayed on the decks. It is in fact a turquoise American Skier and I hope to return it to original color. I will post some pics later on and will probably move to another part of the forum since im not really posting questions. I am trying to get moving so I don't have to grind fiberglass in 90 degree weather under the bow since I have no ambition to part the cap off. |
Posted By: skutsch
Date Posted: April-16-2015 at 11:46am
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Those turquoise boats are awesome. Take great care with the steering wheel, it appears to be original under that leather wrap. Those things are worth about a million dollars, especially with the center cap. Good friend Marty on the site researched and the center caps are actually leftovers from the Packard Clipper... ------------- Our http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4669" rel="nofollow - 98 Sport Nautique My Dad's 63 Ski N |