Leo Bentz, Ski Nautique and Boat #1

75 T, I couldn't agree more. Back when a stereo was the only option we offered, I would tell people, "If you want tunes, take your boombox with you." I beat the "ski tractor" drum for many, many years to no avail. The first attempt was the Skier and then the Ski Tique, which wasn't the answer. Trouble was that the manufactured cost wasn't all that much below a Ski Nautique. All I want is a hull, engine, and controls. Hopefully someday I'll get my '63 SN put together and I'll have just that.

Art, I could not agree more. I am an owner of a '64 Ski Nautique. Basic boat, good low wake for skiing, (yes I am still skiing behind it), nothing extra. 3/8" plywood floor that flexes in some parts of the boat. No foam, which probably saved the stringers. Everything was designed to reduce weight. Mine has a fiberglass motor box, which I think came from a Mustang, and they cut the front off to fit. (don't sit on the motor box, it will not hold your weight well). I have done a few things to the '64 to make it more practical, but you will not notice that from just looking at it. (that is unless you know what to look for) Just a good basic boat for skiing. Regarding the seats, you get what you get; a front and rear bench seat with throw cushions and a back pad. Just an honest boat, built for skiing.

ArtCozier wrote: I have often thought about creating a thread on CCF to keep a roster of owners of First-Generation Ski Nautiques, as I call them, which covers from the Leo Bentz days through 1969. I probably have been aware of at least a couple of dozen that are still in service, but haven't kept a list. I had a '65 which I bought from Leo. That was what started me on this whole path that eventually led to working for CC.

Done! Thread started in "General Discussion"

Old skier wrote: My '64 has the Teleflex cable steering. Still the original cable. Could have pictures this weekend if you need them.

William - always shocked to see another 64 Ski Nautique like my Dad's especially when it is in Iowa! Same color, same "vent" configuration, even looks like you had to replace the steering wheel about the same time Dad's broke (I found pictures of yours on FB). Very Cool!

Interesting! Hope to see a photo when you get them.

Another source for pulling information on the first generation ski nautiques is from the diaries section of this web site. I have all the info. and some pictures of my father's 1964 listed there.

No new information to the first Ski Nautique? Have you done anything to it? It will get restored right or is it in too bad a shape.

fgroce wrote: No new information to the first Ski Nautique? Have you done anything to it? It will get restored right or is it in too bad a shape.

No actual work progress yet but I've been sourcing parts. Unfortunately when The Hurricane lost it's motor this spring that took precedence over #1 plus I need to get Todd W's boat finished up over the winter then #1 will be next in line. Too many projects and not enough garage space!

Alan.... if and when the #1 should ever make a trip to the BBC in the future, you can count me in for some fun for a couple days. Would be a great guys/motor head weekend and a lot could be accomplished to help you work on this project. Just an idea, but a welcomed one by many I'm sure.

81nautique wrote: I was thinking of just dropping it off and picking it up when you guys are finished!

I pretty much did that with one last weekend... they did a pretty good job but they didn't finish the wiring before the sun came out and everyone went skiing. If that hurricane just stuck around one more day .... I could have driven the boat home (through the floodwaters).

alan,hello ,saw mention of mechanical steering box.do you need one for project.i have one from a 1963 classic.(steering box steering wheel shaft, arm,shaft that goes from front to back. .dan monahan in ohio

ArtCozier wrote: Is the pipe that goes from front to rear in the bilge galvanized 1/2" pipe, or is it brass? The one in my '63 is galvanized, and I'd like to have a brass one. That was more often found on the earlier models. Art

Art,
The brass on earlier models must have been on the higher end boats. My 54 Atom is galvanized. Is yours failing/rusting?

hello art ,rod i think is galvanized .if no responce from alan will let you know.you are in fla ?

93/70 ccpb wrote: alan,hello ,saw mention of mechanical steering box.do you need one for project.i have one from a 1963 classic.(steering box steering wheel shaft, arm,shaft that goes from front to back. .dan monahan in ohio

Dan Thanks for thinking about me but I'm all set.

8122pbrainard wrote: It's interesting that the prototype was patterned off a Higgins even having the port side helm. I wonder if the Y block was a lefty? ATTN: Keith, You must put a sticky on this one!!!

Pete, I was looking in this post for something in particular and happened to read your post. Leo was seeking high efficiency in his ski school operation, and had two docks that he used, each of which lent itself better to docking with each "hand" rotation and helm, so he built boats both ways to make it easier/faster for his drivers to dock, change riders if applicable, and get another skier on the water asap.

Art