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Forum ID #: 258  Ski Elite 3-29-07  I’ve been looking for 4 years now for a ski elite.  Do you have any recommendations as to how I may better go about actively pursuing finding one or enticing someone to sell?  Thank you so much!  Jeff Chandler jeff@jcchandler.com

Forum ID #: 259  Ski Elite 3-30-07  I am very happy to hear that you are looking to acquire an Elite Craft Ski Elite, these are truly beautiful boats.  They do come on the market every now and then, we have actually had a few members take there Ski Elite off of the market because they rather not let go.  I would be more than happy to E-Mail you when we add a Ski Elite to the For Sale section of the website.  Thank you, Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 260  Riviera Splash Rails 5-11-07  As a Ski Elite owner, I am curious.......how are the splash rails on the Rivieras attached to the hull? Of what material are they constructed? Ken Miller  Chattanooga, Tennessee

Forum ID #: 261  Riviera Splash Rails 5-11-07  Depending on the year of construction the rails are made of different material. Pre 1985 they were all made of wood and fastened trough the hull from the inside out. From 1985 on they are fiberglass and made in two pieces but also attached through the hull from the inside out. Hope this helps.  Dave

Forum ID #: 262  Which year is best? 6-10-07  I am looking to buy a Riviera. Are there pro's and con's to the semi v vs. the modified v bottoms? According to the forum the mod v started in 88, yet in for sale pictures I have seen earlier boats with both a flat aft and a v aft? What were the options available? Speed with a 260 hp seems to be 40 mph-is that correct? What is the speed with the 302 ci? The front seat "walk thru" started in 86? Did it return to a solid back as I saw a picture of a 90 or 91 with a solid back or was this custom? Is there one year or years that stands out as the best combination of features? Is there anything that can be done to prevent windshield delamination? thanks gary (NJ) garygbnj@verizon.net (waiting for reply on my request to join the club)

Forum ID #: 263  Which year is best? 6-11-07  I will contact you regarding your request to join the club.  Eric  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 264  Which year is best? 6-18-07  The original semi flat aft bottom was designed  for inland lake and river water conditions, i.e., smooth water. The semi V was designed for a little softer ride in choppy water. Both hulls are designed to run at 40 plus mph with a 302 and a couple more mph with the larger engine. The larger engine gives more torque at low speeds but only, as stated, a few more mph. We brought the semi V out in late spring of 1987. Everything manufactured after Aug 1 1987 was designated a 1988 by Coast Guard regulation... The "walk thru"  was an option from 1986 on. Some or most people liked the straight bench as it allowed more people to sit up front...The delaminating of the glass is an inherent problem with all boat manufactures who use a safety glass windshield. The tremendous flexing of the boat hitting waves cause it to stress the edges and allow moisture over time to get into the area between the two sheets of glass and cause the delaminating. The only real acceptable cure is to use a "Lexan" Plexiglas replacement. It works just fine.  Dave

Forum ID #: 265  David S Smith 6-14-07  Just wanted to say hello. It's Debbie from Coloma...you were my first big "summer job" when I was a kid growing up in Michigan. You and Skip and Pam set a high bar for future jobs for this girl... Enjoy what you do and who you work with. Many fond memories. Who wouldn't like a job where she gets to talk on the phone, and take a boat ride every now and then??? Was back in Michigan a couple of summers ago, and took my kids to the lakeshore, and went by the old "Smith Place" What a surprise to find this website. We had our 25th high school reunion a couple of years ago, Mrs. Thomas has long passed away (your landlord for the plant, my high school typing teacher). Best wishes to you and your family! My family and I are boat owners, but sadly, we do not own an Elite Craft.  Debbie (Carter) Elgen  Bald Knob, Arkansas

Forum ID #: 266  David S Smith 6-18-07  I forwarded your forum submission to David Smith.  He will follow-up with you directly.  We greatly appreciate you sharing with us.  Take Care, Eric  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 267  Want someone to talk to someone about Elite Craft Riviera  6-28-07  Is there anyone that I can call about an Elite Craft Riviera. I grew up with the beautiful Chris Craft runabouts and always loved the beauty of the boat but am not handy so a fiberglass version of one of the great old wooden boats seems like the answer. My name is Peter Ventura my cell is 707 287 6422 please call and I will return the call ASAP on my dime. I have found one for sale and like what it looks like but know nothing about the boat. thank you. Peter Ventura 

Forum ID #: 268  Want someone to talk to someone about Elite Craft Riviera  6-28-07  Peter, it was great talking with you last night about Elite Craft.  If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact me.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 269  1981 Ski Elite  6-30-07  Hi, First off ...what a great site!! I'm looking at a '81 Elite Ski and I'm trying to find more info and pics. The boat has a square wind shield and the top of the boat is mostly white, with the rest of the boat having the wood grain . I've only seen a few picture of the boat. Was this the norm for that year of the Ski Elite? Any info and pictures would be great. I can be reached at rob.wong@telus.com .... thanks Rob  Calgary ,Alberta Canada

Forum ID #: 270  1981 Ski Elite  7-2-07  Thank you very much for the compliment on the website, we greatly appreciate it!  We will send you some pictures of the 1981 Elite Craft Ski Elite to your E-Mail address.  Your description of the boat sounds correct, if you would like I would be more than happy to look at any pictures of the 1981 Ski Elite you may have and could send.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 271  Buffing deck issue  6-30-07  Question. Have a 1994 Elite and slight oxidation exists on the deck. I want to have it buffed out. Any thing that you can tell me to make sure that I don't damage the surface would be appreciated. Evan E. Inslee, Lake Tapps, WA

Forum ID #: 272  Buffing deck issue  7-2-07  I would recommend having a qualified boat detailer buff compound (fiberglass compound), then buff polish (fiberglass polish), and then a hand wax (fiberglass wax) in a specific area and then check the results.  Please let me know how that works out we have other options after that.  If you send me close ups of the before and after area I would will post them here.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 273  Morning Star  7-3-07  I bought my Riviera from Ron Epps at Lake Chelan, Washington state about four years ago (before hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina among the worse) and am glad to say your website gave me encouragement to buy and satisfaction knowing I am not alone as an owner. She has been a joy to own and use. Have 389hrs on her and haven't seen another in this neck of the woods. I live in Fairhope, Alabama on Mobile bay and near he gulf of Mexico and keep the boat in Gulf Breeze Florida near my place at Pensacola beach Florida. Have a friend with one in Cooperstown, New York and both our families had wooden Chris Crafts when we were growing up in the 50's and 60's and we do not miss the wood down south with the humidity, hurricanes and salt water. Keep the faith. Ken Niemeyer  Fairhope, AL

Forum ID #: 274  Morning Star  7-3-07  That is a great post and we appreciate you sharing.  Thank you, Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 278  Morning Star  7-19-07  Such a small world. I just purchased several days ago the 18' Riviera Style Elite Craft Tender that was on EBay from a gentleman in Seattle, WA and this very boat also shows on this website under "sold" (the boat has been completely refurbished from the pictures on this website from that owner). Can't wait to start using her! In trying to learn more about these wonderful boats I was reading the Forum and had to reply to this particular one. My wife and I lived in Fairhope, AL for 3 years then we moved all along the Gulf Coast of Alabama to Florida for 6 more years. We absolutely loved living in Fairhope, as we lived aboard our 58' Monarch Trawler at Fly Creek Marina and then the Grand Hotel. We now live in Sandpoint, ID on Lake Pend O'reille (which is the most amazing jaw dropping scenic lake). Can't say I miss the humidity, hurricanes, snakes and alligators. Now I am not to far from where you purchased your boat in WA. As you can see... it is a small world.  Steve Henson  Sandpoint, ID

Forum ID #: 275  Remove rudder  7-14-07  Our mechanic is trying to fix the rudder indicator which is stuck in the extreme starboard position. The rudder indicator cable has broken. How does he remove the rudder so he can repair the rudder indicator? The pivot point that the cable screws into at the quadrant is so rusted that he can't get it off the ball/nipple.  Jim Shaffer  Annapolis, MD

Forum ID #: 276  Remove rudder  7-14-07  I need to know what year the boat is as to what tank was used. Some had enough room to take the gas tank out and then you can work on it from above. If not the Engine might have to come out first and then the gas tank. However, the first thing I would do is check for continuity from the back of the rudder angle indicator on the dash to the end of the cable to make sure there is no other break in the circuit. Then I would approach as stated above. Not being able to see it I can only guess as to the condition, however if the tank can come out then you might have to drill and retap on top of the rudder shaft for a ground connection for the rudder angle indicator. Hope this helps. There are other ways to try to repair the problem but they are kind of make shift. The only way to do it "factory condition", is as stated above. Hope this helps. Dave

Forum ID #: 277  Remove rudder  7-16-07  Thank you, Dave. I have passed the information on to our mechanic. It's a 1989 Elite Craft. Jim Shaffer  Annapolis, MD

Forum ID #: 279  Trim Tabs as an addition?  7-29-07  Have a 1994 Elite Riviera. The bow is too high until get into speeds like over 15 knots. Has anyone ever installed a couple of trim tabs to lower the bow and if so what dimensions and description. Thanks. Evan Inslee 253 677 9989; EvanEInslee@yahoo.com  Lake Tapps, WASH

Forum ID #: 280  Trim Tabs as an addition?  7-30-07  This an inherent problem in the older inboard bottom designs as in the old "Woodies." The Elite Craft modeled their bottom after this same design in order to give the same ride characterizes. In both, the average shaft angle is about 15 to 17 degrees which causes the stern to push down, at first, and the bow to push up. Some people like this as it copies how the older wooden runabouts ran. However some do not. For those who do not like this there is the option as pointed out in using trim tabs or a shim. The trim tabs have worked the best as they are adjustable. Most any Marina can install trim tabs on the stern under the splash rail. Remember the whole hull is reinforced with end-grain balsa so any hole you put in the hull needs to be sealed with resin so no water can get into the core material.  Hope this helps.  Dave

Forum ID #: 281  Ladder  8-4-07  Do you recommend any specific brand of ladder to get into the boat after a "brisk" lake swim? I have a 1980 Elite Craft Riviera that has been in storage for about 15 years. She looks new, the engine (original) only has 115 hours and runs great.  Ken  Hiawassee, Georgia

Forum ID #: 282  faded hull  8-6-07  Hello I am a restorer and a customer has brought a 1991 Rivera to me for work. there a few dings in the gel coat that need attention and cracks in the clear gel coat on top.. also I have notice that the boat seems quite faded where I have removed some hardware and where the tonneau had covered the hull... is the fading on the surface or is the the wood film applied to the hull under the outer gel coat? will I be able to bring back the original color by polishing? I work on many boats Old and New and am very impressed with the quality of this boat!!! It is rock solid there is no flex anywhere a true sign of quality construction. Thank you Robert Wilson  Upstate, SC

Forum ID #: 283  Looking for an Elite Craft Riviera to purchase  8-6-07  Could anyone guide me in the right direction?? Which year is the best and who might be selling one. Thanks Mike Zappa 412-292-5506 or zappa@bakeryoung.com  Pittsburgh, PA

Forum ID #: 285  Looking for an Elite Craft Riviera to purchase  8-6-07  I will contact you directly and help you find your Elite Craft.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 286  Riviera Rub Rails and Bow Pole  8-14-07  I have a 1987 Riviera that has some dents in the rub rail. Is there a company that still makes the rub rail or how does one fix the dents. I also would like to know where I could locate a bow pole. I am missing mine and have been trying to locate one that fits into the bow light assembly. Thanks  Todd Theilmann  Wayzata, MN

Forum ID #: 287  Riviera Rub Rails and Bow Pole  8-27-07  You should be able to have your rub rails repaired depending on the size of the dents.  The rub rails (1985 and up) are actually just two pieces with a bow and stern cap that were manufactured specifically for the Elite Craft boat line.  They are manufactured of high grade stainless steel, you should be able to take it to a local shop that works with stainless steel to repair the dents.  As for the bow flag pole replacement I would recommend trying http://www.classicboating.com/flag_poles02.html and would also recommend Bow Pole C.  I do not believe the 1987 had  a piece that screwed into the bow light flag pole slot so this one should work without additional pieces.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 288  Draft  8-26-07  Hi All, A friend of mine is selling there 1989 20' Elite Craft and I'm interested in it but, the water is sometimes less that 24" deep at my dock at times. How deep is the boat from the water line down? Thank You. Todd Hill  Buffalo, NY  

Forum ID #: 289  Draft  8-28-07  The draft of a 1989 20' Elite Craft Riviera should be 26" in fresh water.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 290  Elite Craft Ski Elite  9-5-07  I have just discovered your web site & your Boats. I have owned Boats for over 40 years & I am very impressed with your Boats. I am very interested in the SKI ELITE Model. I would like to find a nice used one 18 feet long. Can you guide me in the right direction, and direct me where I can find a SKI ELITE 18ft used Boat. Perhaps you can inform me where there is a dealer close to the New England area. Please Advise Thanks,  Joseph Polisena  Johnston, RI

Forum ID #: 291  Elite Craft Ski Elite  9-7-07  We should have a Ski Elite become available within the next month or so.  I will send you pictures of the boat as soon as it becomes available.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Forum ID #: 292  Elite Craft Ski Elite  9-21-07  I would be very interested in finding a 19' Ski Elite when one comes available. I have a 1959 Century 16 foot Resorter which will be for sale as soon as i get it varnished. I have owned it since new and been looking to replace it with the Ski Elite for the last few years. They are very hard to find. E-mail wellsreal@yahoo.com or phone 843-422-2777  Jerry Amann  Bluffton, SC

Forum ID #: 293  Elite Craft Ski Elite  9-21-07  We should have a Ski Elite become available within a month or so.  I will let you know as soon as it becomes available.  Eric Smith  Orlando, FL

Please click on Forum Submission to post or reply to questions, comments, stories or anything else regarding Elite Craft.

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