1973 Skier Project

New to forum so please let me know if I make mistakes, etc.

Just purchased a 1973 Skier in pretty decent shape. It seems to have the 273 Chrysler engine with a Eddlebrock 4 barrel carb. It had been sitting for 2 years but we got it to start right up using a remote fuel tank. Looks like I need to do the following:

- Rebuild alternator.
- Full detail, wet sand, etc.
- Change all fluids.
- Adjust speedo, fuel gauge.

I guess I have a couple of questions. Boat came with a teak platform that seems added. I have thought about removing and putting in a ladder to be more "classic". The platform seems to slow the boat down? I plan to use the boat for low speed "scurfing" 12-15 mph on a small lake and the platform may be nice.

Also, I would really like to "dress up" the engine. Is it possible to paint without removing from boat? Maybe new valve covers, etc.? Any good sources for parts? I am converting the points to elec. ignition.

The boat seems slow, I am used to a 94. Thinking about buying a new Acme prop but don't know which one is ideal for this boat? The previous owner gave me 4 props but I don;t think any of them are "ideal". Would like to sell those 4 props and buy the right prop?

Just looking for any help, thanks.

KC

Welcome to the site and congrats on the Skier purchase!

Platform was added for sure as it wasn't offered as an option from the factory until 78. Removing it will require you to fill the holes and the patch the gel. If you have a use for it and it was done in good taste id say leave it. Not sure what you mean by slowing the boat down tho? Can you elaborate?

Let's see some pictures of your new purchase. I'm surprised your not saying it faster as those hulls should have a higher top end than a NWZ hull. Have you done a compression test?

It could be the Parasail you have mounted on top that is slowing you down?

Louder than a '94? Yup!

More lethargic? It wont be quite as quick out of the hole, but should run with it up top (45+ mph). It sounds like youre underperforming by a good margin at 36mph @ 4200 RPM. I have no experience with the Chryslers, but the 273 is a good little motor. The compression numbers are consistent, so thats a good start... though they are a little lower than I would have hoped (this could be dependant on your particular gauge though). Did you perform it hot or cold?

Id check to see what prop is on there now, and then start investigating the ignition and fuel.

The platform isnt original to the boat and I really dislike how they look on the older boats... but they do offer a good bit of functionality. Luckily you have what I would call an "original style" platform, meaning it looks to be exactly like the one they installed on that hull (Ski Tique) when it became available years later.

Thanks for all the help. The compression test was done at the shop so I imagine it was done cold. How do I check for wet foam? Weigh the boat? Any idea what the boat vs. trailer should weigh?

I also noticed that I do not see the typical speedo pickup anywhere on the back of the boat. Is there supposed to be a pickup or do these boats measure mph a different way?

kaizenkid wrote: Also, I would really like to "dress up" the engine. Is it possible to paint without removing from boat? Maybe new valve covers, etc.? Any good sources for parts?

I'll admit, this was definitely a budget job, entirely cosmetic with no functional improvements, and definitely not original, but to answer your question, this was a still-in-the-boat engine dress-up. So yes it can be done. Not the quality of some of the out-of-the-boat dress-ups I've seen, but it met my goals.

Before



After

Regarding speed then it sounds like it either needs a carb job or new prop? I will try next time without the bimini and see if it makes a difference.

I bought 7 quarts of the Valvoline R1 20W-50 racing oil after reading for about an hour on these posts. I returned the Fram oil filter and bought a Wix Racing filter instead.

Does it make sense to replace the spark plugs with platinum plugs?

Yes,

I used a GPS to track speed and top speed was 35-36 mph. I have a 3 blade prop, it is marked Federal 1072, 147B, F2RH9. The previous owner gave me 4 other props as well, all are 3 blade. I am thinking about selling all 5 props and just buying a new Acme? Any help with the right Acme model # would be appreciated.

I figured out the pitot. It looks like a tracking fin!! We were looking at the pitot and saying, damn that is the smallest tracking fin I have ever seen.

Another question, I filled the tank up with good gas (ethanol free). I noticed I had quite a bit dripping out of the vent on the stern. I topped of the tank when I was filling it up and hoping it won't leak next time if I make sure not to top it off?

What I plan to do to the engine is clean up as best I can and install some braided hoses and try to repaint as much of the engine as possible. Are there any better valve covers available?

Boat detail and most work should be done in another 7-10 days and I will post follow up photos.

Thanks for all the help!

Here is a photo of the prop. that is on the boat and the other 4 props.

Maybe the installed prop is really marked 12RH9 which would be a 12x9?

The other 4 are marked (from left to right in photo)

13 x13
12 x 15
12 x 14
11 x 12

Thank you for the advice. I'm not certain of the exact RPM, it may have reached 4400-4500RPM. I didn't leave it there for long as it was just an inital water test and I hadn't yet changed the oil or tanny fluid, etc.

I will swap out the prop to the 12 x 14 and keep the 12x15 as a backup. I will post the others on here for sale.

I also plan to buy a new bimini. The one that came with the boat is about 60" tall, I would like to get that down to 42" or less and get a better quality.

Thanks again for the help!

If and when you do get a new prop, an Acme 1210 (12.5x12) or 3-blade OJ 12x13 would be the way to go, I think. Both perform really nicely.[/QUOTE]

I'll vote +1 on this recommendation I have a 75 Mustang and this prop is phenomenal.

OK, I have a dumb question....

I would like to change out the points with elec. ignition. This will be a family boat on a small lake (dont' worry we don't tube) and I just want less hassle and don't want to deal with the points.

A friend pointed me to Overtons and said they had a kit for under $100 that would work but everywhere I look I see kits by Sierra and Mallory for $450 -$650. Thats a big difference. What's the deal with the different options?

Regarding a better prop, would the Acme 540 work on my boat? I also noticed TRBenj has a nice 1606 for sale.

540: 13x12
1606: 12.5 x 11.5

I think the boat probably came with a 12 x 14?

Are you guys gonna give me $#@! if I put braided hoses and new eddlebrock valve covers on my engine?

Thanks

Start with a new carb!

I just replied to your email about the 1606. I think the 1210 would be ideal since it appears the 273's came with 12x14's originally... but I dont think the 1606 would be far off. It would come out of the hole a little better, you just want to make sure your revs arent totally out of this world. My guess is that you'd end up in the 4600-4800 range with it, once you get the rest of the powertrain dialed in.

As far as the 540 goes, it will physically bolt on, but will leave you with insufficient prop to hull clearance. The 12.5" diameter Acme props like the 1210 and 1606 are "cut down" versions of the popular 13" diameter props commonly used on the larger (17-18', 351w powered) boats like the 540 and 542. They were cut down specifically for boats like ours that originally came with 12" diameter props.

Skip the braided hoses and the electronic ignition... at least until you get the boat running properly. (Personally, Id skip them both altogether). The closer to original the boat looks, the better, in my opinion! I love the early 70's Skiers... I own a few.