Elite Craft Owners Club Forum

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Forum ID #: 362 Question about engine in Elite Craft Sportsman 8-14-09 First of all, Hello I am from Holland, I can buy an Elite Craft Sportsman (Ski Elite with two banks) which is equipped with a MerCruiser 350HP, is this original ? Built in 1989.
Also would like to know how much it is worth and the dimensions of the boat looks great, interior nice, boat top speed approx 50-55mph? Paul Gijssen Holland

Forum ID #: 363 Question about engine in Elite Craft Sportsman 8-14-09 The Elite Craft Sportsman was built in 1989 among other production years for that model. Based on past sales in the states of this model I would say it is worth from anywhere $16K to $26K+ based on hours and condition. The max speed leaving the factory was rated at 40+.I hope this helps and look forward to hearing back. Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 364 Interested in a Riviera for purchase 8-16-09 I am interested in a Riviera for purchase, could you offer any advice on where I could find any for sale thanks. Scott Kelso Annapolis, MD

Forum ID #: 365 Interested in a Riviera for purchase 8-17-09 Please check For Sale section of our website and click on Elite Craft. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 366 1986 Ski Elite 8-21-09 Seriously considering the purchase of a 1986 Ski Elite. I am going through the inspection process now and would welcome some guidance as to any issues that I should be focusing on. Also, I would like to find available information about the design, construction and technical specification of this boat. Thanks for any help offered. Peter Austen Radnor, PA

Forum ID #: 367 1986 Ski Elite 8-25-09 If you could please send me the HIN I can let you know some of the specifics on the boat when it left the factory. I can also provide technical information on your boat but I am unfortunately out of town and will not have access to it all before the beginning of next week. There is no issues with the 1986 Elite Craft Ski Elite that you should be aware of or focusing on. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 368 For Sale 9-2-09 I have a 1988 Elite Craft in Excellent condition with 117 actual hours - Would like to know how to advertise For Sale with your Club. Skip Halbakken Discovery Bay, CA

Forum ID #: 369 For Sale 9-2-09 What is the HIN (Hull Identification Number)? We have the most sold Elite Crafts of any single place! When searching for "Elite Craft" in Google, Yahoo or MSN we are at the very top. We charge a onetime fee which places your ad on the site. All potential buyers will be sent to you, the ad will stay up until the boat is sold or you decide to keep your Elite Craft and have the ad down taken down. We also have the most Elite Crafts available for sale of any one place. If you compare us to other classic boat sites we are the very best when it comes to selling your Elite Craft. Some charge 10% of the price of the boat or charge a net price difference for example if you wanted 35K for your boat and they get 40K they keep the difference of $5,000. Others operate on a 10% commission and a $1500 minimum. These are a few examples of sites that specialize in rare and classic boats. In terms of what your boat may be worth that depends on year, model, condition, maintenance, hours, trailer and so on. I will E-Mail you the breakdown of the onetime seller fees based on starting advertised selling price. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 370 RPM Reading 9-3-09 I just purchased an '88 Riviera from Larry Phillips in Lakeside, MT. Larry graciously allowed me to test out the boat for a week and being impressed and thrilled I bought her. She runs beautifully and there in lies a question. Several of the instruments are not working but have noted in the Forum the suggestion that the contacts might need cleaning which, is being done. However, I do have a question. The RPM gauge is working but seems to be reading low. I have the 305 ford engine with direct drive. The boat gets up and goes vigorously and planes nicely but at 2000 RPM. She will increase in speed but when at full throttle shows only 2600. she is flying at that setting but since my speedometer is not working I can't tell you how fast. Is this a normal RPM for the Riviera ? I would enjoy talking to you. My phone is ***-***-****. Thanks........ Michael Barry Lakeside, MT

Forum ID #: 371 RPM Reading 9-9-09 I very happy to read how much you enjoy your new 88 Riviera. I will give you call on the phone number you provided. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 376 RPM Reading 9-14-09 At top end that engine should be reading around 4,000 rpm. You could have a bad tachometer or pick up. Either way that is not a correct reading. I would address the contacts again and make sure that is not the problem. Dave

Forum ID #: 372 Steering 9-5-09 Just bought my 2nd Riviera! My first was a 1988; should never have sold it! This is a 1990 and I drove from Florida to northern CA to pick it up and tow it back! I need to get more rudder travel, only getting maybe 20 degrees each way, but not sure how to approach this. She is very hard to control at idle. Anyone else face this problem? Bill Waller Jupiter, FL

Forum ID #: 373 Steering 9-9-09 Your previous 1988 Elite Craft Riviera that is on the home page of the website on the beach looks great! I will pass your steering issue along but perhaps one of the other owners out there has experience with this problem that can leave feedback. Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 377 Steering 9-14-09 This sounds like there is restriction in the cable that controls the rudder.
Sometimes someone put restrictions on both sides to compensate for OVER rudder travel. Maybe the previous owner did this. If you have over rudder travel it can cause serious handling problems. It is like over steering in a car. Dave

Forum ID #: 374 Repair hull softness around prop, its a 1987 Riviera 9-6-09 I think I need a hull repair is that possible and is it very expensive? Also this is typically done by what kind of shop? Any one looking to sell a Elite Craft please advise. Richard Bowman Westhampton Beach, NY

Forum ID #: 375 Repair hull softness around prop, its a 1987 Riviera 9-9-09 How big is the area around the prop and have you had any professional looks at this yet? Also has the bottom of the boat had any damage around this area? Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 378 Repair hull softness around prop, its a 1987 Riviera 9-14-09 This sounds like that area is all dry rot. That means the end-grain balsa somehow got water logged in that area and left untreated which allowed the core material to be exposed to water and air thus the dry rot. To fix he mush cut out the dry rot area. Cut it back to where it is not soft. Then replace the end-grain balsa and re-glass over the repair on both sides. It would be best to have a professional fiberglass person that is qualified to make this repair. Dave

Forum ID #: 379 Windshield 10-20-09 I recently bought a 1988 Riviera on which the windshield is missing. Who knows where I can find another one? Marco Tagliavini Interlaken Switzerland

Forum ID #: 380 Windshield 10-20-09 We are actually working with a few companies to recreate the tooling and look of the OEM windshield. I will let you know when we start to offer the windshield. The Elite Craft boat line was one of the first boat manufacturers to offer a full wrap around windshield. The R&D and tooling spent to develop the windshield back in 1984 by the company was over $100,000 back then. Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 381 Looking for an Elite Craft in the Midwest 11-12-09 I have been looking for an Elite Craft Riviera for sometime now. It appears that most are located on the east or west coasts. I live in the Kansas City area and would appreciate any information on Riviera's for sale within a 750 mile radius of Kansas City. Thanks for your time and help. Steve Renz Leawood, Kansas

Forum ID #: 382 Looking for an Elite Craft in the Midwest 11-12-09 We will let you know if we come across any Elite Crafts in the Midwest. Hopefully if anyone else runs across one they will post it here. Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 383 Looking for an Elite Craft in the Midwest 11-16-09 Steve, Looks like you can have a new boat made, with new power and drive line, and all the creature comforts of a new Riviera. The new, enhanced wood grain, the works.. Contact Eric Smith for details... I'm sure delivery to your door can be worked out...Dave Dorsen Chicago, IL

Forum ID #: 384 Looking for an Elite Craft in the Midwest 11-17-09 Dave, thank you for the endorsement. Anyone interested in a new Elite Craft can contact sales@classiceraboatworks.com for more information on the new Elite Craft line. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 385 Production & cost 12-6-09 When do you plan to start production of the 20' Riviera? What will the cost new. Any options to be offered. Fred Dower Cary, NC

Forum ID #: 386 Production & cost 12-7-09 Fred, a sales person from Classic Era Boat Works will be contacting you with more information on the new Riviera. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 389 1986 - 18' Ski Elite 3-14-10 I purchased a 1986 Ski Elite, CQASE (003A686) about a year ago and hoping you will be able to answer some questions for me. The boat is in really bad shape. I haven't been able to locate where the battery is supposed to be, the wiring is non existent, the motor is just a pile of junk. Can you please tell me if the exhaust manifolds have risers or are they the log type? I will greatly appreciate any suggestions. Larry Shimkus Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Forum ID #: 390 Windshield gasket 3-15-10 I am rebuilding a 1986 Riviera with the wrap around windshield. I am looking to source the rubber gasket material between the Plexi windscreen and the aluminum frame. Can anyone suggest where to source the material? Cromwell Littlejohn Plantation, FL

Forum ID #: 391 Manufacture 3-17-10 Hello everybody! I just bought a 1980 Riviera Elite Craft. The boat its in poor condition and I want to restore it to the original state. I'm looking for a manufacture or any place to buy parts . Thanks so much! Joe Russo Lindenhurst, NY

Forum ID #: 392 Looking at buying a 1981 Riviera 3-31-10 I am looking at buying a 1981 Riviera . I will be traveling a 5 hr. trip to look at it . Is there any special problems I should be concerned about. I t has a 350 ford Windsor engine. I love the looks and be able to just drop it in and go. Any help would be very much appreciated. Mike Gardner Bluffton, SC

Forum ID #: 393 Looking at buying a 1981 Riviera 4-1-10 The Elite Craft boat line always strived to create the finest boats possible in terms materials, processes and production. The Riviera you are going to be looking at is of the first generation of Riviera's. The 1981 model year was a very good production year and would recommend looking into the normal areas of any boat of this era but primarily the engine, electrical connections and stringer system. Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 394 Replacing the Impeller in a 1988 Riviera 4-12-10 I took my 1988 Riviera in for a spring service and the dealer told me he was going to have to pull the engine in order to get at the impeller.. Anyone have any insight on how to change one with our major surgery? Paul Burke Laconia, NH

Forum ID #: 395 Replacing the Impeller in a 1988 Riviera 4-13-10 I am sorry to hear of the problem you are having. One of my Elite Craft's had an Indmar 350 engine in it. The location of this particular engine next to the bulkhead required an access hatch to be put in to service/replace the impeller. This location would be located behind your back seat at the approximate height of the impeller. This has only been the case on one of me Elite Craft's again with this particular engine. Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 396 Riviera Seats 5-18-10 Looking for help. I recently purchased a 1980 Elite Craft 20 foot Riviera. I have to make frames for the seats , does anyone have pictures of the frames and how they are mounted to the floor? Please call Joe at 631 225-2834 or E-Mail virginiatambussi@hotmail.com. Joe Russo Lindenhurst NY

Forum ID #: 397 New Purchase 1990 Riviera 5-25-10 Hey everyone, I just purchased a 1990 elite craft Riviera, the boat is pristine condition, I am about to take delivery, is there is anything special I should know? it has the blue water MerCruiser engine (350). one thing I was wondering in particular, I have seen shaved emblems on a few boats, are there screws holding the nameplate to the skin? if so I guess these people did some gelcoat work to repair the mount points? I just like the clean look...anyway, learned a lot here so far, thanks in advance. Sandy Squitieri Sarasota FL

Forum ID #: 398 New Purchase 1990 Riviera 5-25-10 Congratulations on your 1990 Elite Craft Riviera! The Elite Craft name script is screwed into the rear quarter of the boat with stainless steel screws. We look forward to seeing pictures of your Elite Craft after you take delivery. Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 399 1981 Elite Riviera 6-4-10 Hi, I am the new owner of a 1981 Riviera. I am really thrilled to find your site. I bought boat, and have only seen pictures of the boat, but can already see lots of work to bring it back to good condition. I have several wood boats, but this my first Elite. I have always admired Rivieras from afar, and now I have one. Love the Forum, and already gotten lots of good info. Thanks, Lucky Miner Seguin, TX

Forum ID #: 400 1981 Elite Riviera 6-4-10 Congratulations on your new acquisition! We would love to see pictures after you take delivery. I am very happy to read that you have always admired Riviera's and that your are enjoying the forum as well! Great to have you on board. Thank you, Eric smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 401 Driveshaft 6-14-10 I will be replacing the driveshaft packing due to age (1980 Riviera, ELUIAACCM80IC). Is there anything special I need to know? Ken Boca Raton, FL

Forum ID #: 407 Driveshaft 6-26-10 You can go to any Marine store and get stuffing compound in a can. It looks like 1/8 inch twine saturated with grease or a petroleum base product. He must unscrew the nut on the shaft that is holding the stuffing on the shaft to the shaft log, take the old dried out material out and replace it with the new. He must wrap it according to directions and then re-screw the nut back on the shaft log. Tighten it down and check for leaks. Hope this helps, Dave

Forum ID #: 402 Planning on buying Ski Elite that is in poor shape 6-15-10 Hello, I hope to become an active member of this forum. I am planning on buying a ski elite that is in rough shape. It has been neglected for years and will require a lot of work. (Left uncovered for 6+ years) Most of the restoration will be typical 'boat' stuff. My question concerns the topsides as I have never worked with restoring a finish like this. Can badly exposed Elite Craft topsides be brought back - either thru wet sanding or covering with a clear epoxy? Peter Mrozinski Lincoln University, PA

Forum ID #: 408 Planning on buying Ski Elite that is in poor shape 6-26-10 Can you send pictures into info@elitecraftowners.com with Forum ID#: 402 in the subject line. Please send as many pictures as possible but please send close ups of the areas of most concern. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 403 Replacement Windshield 6-25-10 I need to find a replacement windshield for my Elite Craft. Does anyone know where I could find one? Drew Lichtenheldt Ontario Canada

Forum ID #: 404 Replacement Windshield 6-26-10 What year and model Elite Craft do you own? Eric Smith Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 405 Took delivery of my 1990 Riviera 6-26-10 Well, I took delivery of my 1990 Riviera and it is beyond amazing! I am not sure how to post pics here so I cant share right at the moment.. the sound is incredible, smooth and mellow and just the feel of the boat is comfortable yet exciting. Like a wrap around rocket! I have had much larger and more powerful boats, but this one has soul that i just can't describe. Sandy Squitieri Sarasota, FL