1963? American Skier

Hello, I recently purchased a well worn Correct Craft as a parts donor for a custom runabout (barrelback) that I am constructing. The boat is registered as a 1963 American Skier and the hull identification plate on the stringer under the engine is AM195. Would this align with a 1963?
It looks like someone did some "upgrades" in the '80's with some newer generation parts, so I'm trying to sort out what's original and what could be of value to restorers.
I purchased the boat because it had a ford 289 interceptor engine and velvet drive transmission. From the Correct Craft brochures on this site, I don't see a V8 interceptor as an option for the American Skier in 1963. However, there is mention in the 1966 brochure of an American Skier with a (190hp 289 interceptor. The casting date codes on the engine components are from late '65 to early '66, so would be consistent with a 1966 model. There are two exhaust trumpets that are original, so it came with dual exhaust. From the hull number, can you tell if this Is this really a 1966? I thought they were using paragon transmissions in the 60s', would the velvet drive be original?
The windshield is a straight 3 piece chrome frame with "Water Bonnet" side vents set in black plastic. It looks just like the '80s Ski Nautique style. It looks like there is a 2/81 date code etched on the glass. All the photos I've seen of the '60s vintage show a single piece curved windshield. I assume this is not original, but may have some value for the '80s boats.
There is even an outline leftover on the hull side from "Ski Nautique" lettering that someone added.
It was also equipped with a nice teak swim platform, which I understand was not an option until much later.
The hull side emblems are the same as these, which I understand to be from later models, is that correct?

Thanks for any information that helps me sort out what I've got.

   Todd

Todd,
The ID plate you found is before the HIN's were used in the early 70's. The "AM" stands for American Skier and the 195 is simply a sequential serial number.

Pictures would help identifying the year but there were many inconsistencies back then so what you find in the brochures isn't necessarily accurate

The Velvets were used on V8's and manual Paragons were typical on 6's.

Yes, the hull side tags you linked are from later years. Your Skier would have been cast.

Now you need to restore American Skier #195. History

thoug wrote: However, it sounds like the AM 195 hull number may be consistent with a '66 model year?

Gary S wrote: I had AM 361 which the factory said was a '64.

Todd don't see how that can be,even in the automotive world a car with an earlier serial number is not newer than the one with a later one. I suspect that it's a later engine put in an early boat. The factory records would show what it left with but I suspect getting those as time goes on will be difficult.
Hardware wise I see nothing original anyway,it's all been changed and things from newer models added.

82-83 mustang most likely.

http://correctcraftfan.com/reference/bview.asp?id=17#image4

Thanks, that would be consistent with what I believe is a February '81 date code on the glass.

Todd,
They have great tech seminars if needed.

Post some pictures of the project in the off topic section or email me some. I'd love to see it.

Don anything jump out at you about Cypress Gardens ?   

Bummer bout the rotten stringer floors, I see your thinking
Good luck with replica
Can I do a foot throttle. Cool