American Skier Volante (Non CC)

First off, I'm sorry but this is not a correct craft. It seems that the american skier forum is closed for good, and i have nowhere else to go. This forum has helped me with a lot of engine problems, and i love correct crafts. My boat is a 1985 American Skier Volante that i finished restoring about half a year ago.

Here is a little background info. I am only 14 years old. Two summers ago i was on vacation and my moms friends took me wake boarding and skiing.   I instantly fell in love, and the search for a inboard started.   I was looking for a MC Stars and Stripes, a SN 2001, or an american skier advance or volante. This boat popped up on craigslist for 2 grand, good deal right? Well i got there and talked the LADY down to 500, and drove it home. Thats right, 500$ for a complete boat and trailer, with a brand new interior, like new sunbrella Bimini, a 351 commander, with gt40 heads, only 348 hours. 100$ later and i have the 351w fired up after sitting for 4 years. The boat was in total usable condition, only a small rotted area in the rear flooring. But my dad and i both agreed it was time to tackle the job and get the boat ready for another 30 years. These American skiers were built very well from the factory, and i have only seen one that needed new stringers. Mine were still super solid so i left them alone. Pulled the engine, put a new carb on, new starter, new oil pan, and new damper plate. Put new floors in with no foam, and repacked the prop shaft and rudder, new prop also installed. Put the engine back in, and put new carpet in, new gauges, and other misc things. Ended up buying a trailer for it also, previous owner used it in salt water and never rinsed it off.

I was so eager to see this thing on the water my first ride in it was in a lawn chair, with raw fiberglass and wood floors, and no engine cover. Test drive went great so i went home and buttoned it up. It was a christmas present from me to me. The real maiden voyage was on christmas day, and i was out all day. I live in florida, so no frozen water here, i think it was in the 70's that day. This boat hits 49 mph, which is about 5mph faster then the stock american skiers, so I'm happy. Unfortunately my phone broke, and the american skier forum is closed? So i don't have any before pictures at the moment. Sorry if i am intruding on this forum, i have been lurking for awhile, so i thought i would introduce myself. Thanks for reading, Max

Max,
You are not intruding. I'm glad you are here and we have been able to help. You sure got a great deal on the AM. The 351 is a great engine. Have fun on the water.

Finally someone the same age as me! That's a great looking boat, and you did a good job fixing it up.

My son has our original 82 Volante,, however this one is much modified and Correct-ta-fied!
Good job on your nice Volante