Forum Please click on Forum Submission to post or reply to questions, comments, stories or anything else regarding Elite Craft. 1 « 2 « 3 « 4 « 5 « 6 « 7 « Page 8 » 9 Forum ID #: 294 Elite Craft Riviera 9-21-07 While it may not be for sale, I am very interested in buying the 1990 20 ft Elite Riviera located in Ashville, N.C. I believe---it was listing # 101.Thank you for any help you can be in contacting the owner billyoblue@verizon.net 800-272-8439. Bill Butler Camden, ME Forum ID #: 295 Elite Craft Riviera 9-21-07 We have passed on your request to the current owner. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 296 1969 Elite Craft Restoration 9-23-07 I live near Ft. Lauderdale, FL and I am trying to find someone to completely restore my boat. Does anyone have any recommendations? Jonathan Moulton Ft. Lauderdale, FL Forum ID #: 297 1969 Elite Craft Restoration 9-24-07 I see that you stated that the Elite Craft that needs restoration is a "1969 Elite Craft" did mean a 1989. We have done Elite Craft Restorations but we would need to see as many pictures as possible with a full list of all items you would like addressed, replaced and or repaired. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 298 New Clear Coat 10-4-07 I am purchasing a 1991 Elite Craft and I would like to bring back the gloss and the shine to the hull and deck. What have been the best procedures and materials used to refurbish the boat. Phillip Mark Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 299 New Clear Coat 10-4-07 Congratulations on your purchase, I see you are in Orlando. I will be more than happy to go over your Elite Craft with you in person. I will then able to direct you in the best procedures and materials to use to bring your Elite Craft finish back to like new. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 300 Elite Craft Hardware 11-4-07 Hello all, I have just found a Elite craft ski model it is need of restoration, it is missing some hardware specifically the spot light and horn, also most of the stainless steal rub rail and some trim pieces need to be replaced can anyone help with locating these parts? You can email me at douglister@mac.com thanks! Doug Lister TX Forum ID #: 301 Elite Craft Hardware 11-10-07 I could give you more accurate information if I know the year of you Ski Elite. I will do my best to direct you in getting all of the parts that you need for your Elite Craft. The stainless steal rub rail are actually 2 pieces with a front and end cap, there were custom fitted and manufactured for all of the Elite Craft model boat line (1985 and up). Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 302 Elite Craft Hardware 11-15-07 I have reviewed the pictures that you sent in to the Owners Club and you actually have a 1986 Elite Craft Riviera with the "L" shape seating configuration. Many of the parts for the Elite Crafts were custom made/manufactured specifically for the Elite Craft boat line. We will be offering the rub rails and many other Elite Craft parts after the New Year, please check back with us periodically after that. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 303 New Owner 11-28-07 Hello, I just became the owner of the 1987 Elite Craft Riviera. The boat it is in great shape and beautiful. The 302 four barrel has been rebuilt, however it is not completely reassembled. I'm not much of a marine mechanic and need help getting it running. Is there a manual out there that I can purchase to help me get this boat into the water. I intend to get it running to sell right away. I will have photos taken soon and I will post them on my web page for viewing when ready. Any help from this community is greatly appreciated and I greatly look forward to hear back from the club members. Jay Montgomery Sebewaing, MI Forum ID #: 304 New Owner 12-1-07 Congratulations on you recent acquirement of a rare Elite Craft. I will send a PDF manual for your Elite Craft Riviera to your E-Mail address. We look forward to seeing pictures. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 305 New Owner 12-2-07 Thank you Eric, Photos can be seen on my web page here 1987 Elite Craft Riviera. Jay Montgomery Sebewaing, MI Forum ID #: 306 What Else but an Elite Craft 12-13-07 Carl Vancio, any time you want to unload your Elite Craft let me know. I've been looking for an 88. It would be great if you could post some pictures. please respond soonest. Thanks T.C. Port Charlotte, FL Forum ID #: 307 Ski Elite 12-18-07 I have an original brochure for the '87 Ski Elite and it says that the 302 was not even an option on that boat, yet that is what my 1987 Ski Elite has in it. Was that a special option one could get? Wayne France Pittsford, NY Forum ID #: 308 Ski Elite 12-23-07 The standard engine for the Ski Elite in 1987 was a 351 so I can only assume that one of the previous owners had to replace the engine and got a good deal on a 302. None were built from the factory with a 302 unless it was a different model. Hope this helps. Dave Forum ID #: 309 Bow thruster 12-25-07 We plan to install retroactively a bow thruster into our elite craft. Does anybody have experience with such a device on elite craft boats? Dirk Springe Bern, Switzerland Forum ID #: 310 Bow thruster 1-3-08 One process I worked on for the Riviera was by using a “Japsco” high pressure water transfer pump with two outlets at the bow under the water line on either side of the bow. The intake is from one side of the bow and discharged at high pressure on the other side, thus allowing the bow to be pushed left or right. Hope this helps. Dave Forum ID #: 311 Instrument 1-18-08 Hello does anybody know where to buy classic white instruments speed, fuel, amp etc. for my Elite Craft (Links). Thanks Lennart Sukapää Finland (Europe) Forum ID #: 312 Instrument 1-26-08 While the Elite Craft boat line did not offer any white instrumentation from the factory here is a link to a company in Europe that offers classic white marine gauges http://www.woodenclassics.com/webshop.php. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 313 Instrument 1-31-08 What about in states the instruments ( Links) Thanks Lennart Sukapää Finland (Europe) Forum ID #: 314 Instrument 2-29-08 One option would be to find a dealer through USA VDO and look at there Ocean Line Marine Instruments with the white faces. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 315 Restoration 2-8-08 I just purchased a Elite Craft Riviera 1988 in Cancun, Mexico. It needs a complete restoration. I would need complete information on procedures and materials needed to get the gloss and shine out of the hull and deck. Any source on where to obtain manuals on electrical system and pleasure craft 350 engine would be really helpful. I have a lot of work ahead to get this boat running. Any help on getting parts or sources for them would be appreciated. Thanks for your help. Dino Primatesta Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico Forum ID #: 316 Restoration 2-29-08 Congratulations on your purchase of a 1988 Elite Craft Riviera. If you could please send as many pictures as possible of the hull and deck to info@elitecraftowners.com we can let you know the proper steps to take and where to start to get you finish back looking great. We will be sending you a PDF manual for your 1988 Elite Craft Riviera and for the Pleasure Craft marine engine. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 317 Flaking Clear Coat topside 2-27-08 We are looking for information on the repair of flaking clear coat on a 1990 Elite Craft circa 1990. The fiberglass is in good shape only the clear coat has considerable flaking. Specifically how much sanding can be done with out removing the wood effect on the fiberglass? It this a clear gel coat finish? (After reading the forum, I believe it is) Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Alex Jordan Alameda CA Forum ID #: 318 Flaking Clear Coat topside 3-2-08 The flaking clear coat on the 1990 Elite Craft sounds like a secondary bond of some type of clear coat. The only times I have seen or heard of this is when an Elite Craft has been re-cleared with some type of marine application. This will usually last for a short time. This was probable done due to some fading or at times for an extra measure of protection on the finish. In both cases it is unnecessary and for protection on the finish you just polish and wax as you would any other fiberglass boat or more depending the frequency of the boat in the sun and weather. As for the fading that can usually be brought back by buff compounding and then buff polishing. Wet sanding is necessary in more extreme situations but the grade and starting point depends on the current finish you have a fair amount of gelcoat before you start reaching the wood look. Your first step should be to remove all of the secondary bond and if you need tips on removal please let me know. If you could please send as many pictures as possible of the hull and deck to info@elitecraftowners.com we can let you know the proper steps to take and where to start to get you finish back looking great. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 319 Elite Boats 3-30-08 Hi, My Name is Reb Floyd, I've been boating for 30 years now. All Hi Performance boats. Hydrostreams, then moved on to the Baker Tunnels, STV's, Mirage, Douglas Skater, I have a 21' Talon with a 2.5 Merc Outboard. I always raced outboards. Running over 100MPH for at least 25 years and Racing with 2 Sanctioned clubs. I don't race anymore. I stopped in 1996. I still own my 21' Talon. I saw and had a chance to buy an Elite Craft, actually there were 2, both used, both beautiful. I only had Mercury Outboards and never considered anything but especially running high RPM's. Be a knowledgeable Racer, Boater and Mechanic The Elite Craft with the inboard doesn't deter me from buying because that syle of boat looks great with that setup. I'm looking for a used boat and would like you to call me if something comes around. I guess around 1986 was about the time I saw the 2 boats I mentioned. Thank you and here is my information. Reb Floyd Lancaster, PA Forum ID #: 320 Elite Boats 3-30-08 Reb Floyd here again. I also ran a Douglas Skater. I really love your boats and there is a Website Scream and Fly that has For Sale and Owners etc. My 21 Talon would sell fast just like my Skater because they are sought after boats. After running 18 to 19 footers people (race) usually like to move up to a great riding hull but still run triple digits. Like I said I'm very interested in buying a Elite Craft, used but well cared for like I cared for mine. Thanks once again, Reb Floyd Lancaster, PA Forum ID #: 323 Elite Boats 4-10-08 Hello Reb, My name is Jay Montgomery and my 1987 Elite Craft Riviera will be up for sale in about 1 month. 302 4 Barrel Carb. Contact me at betterbee@airadvantage.net for more info. Sincerely, Jay Montgomery Sebewaing, MI Forum ID #: 321 Looking for a Ski Elite 4-2-08 I will be looking for a Elite Craft Ski Boat in the next few months, can you suggest any sites where these boats maybe listed. Thank you for your help and enjoy your website. Chub Down hdown@airspeedwireless.ca Vernon, B.C. Canada Forum ID #: 322 Looking for a Ski Elite 4-5-08 We actually have a member that may soon be placing his 1987 Elite Craft Ski Elite on the market. I will send you his name and E-Mail address. Please send him a message to find out if he is still looking to place his Elite Craft Ski Elite on the market, and please let him know we sent you. I am very pleased that you enjoy the website. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 324 Engines 4-12-08 Hello, I have a Elite Craft from 1988 and I need a new engine for it, the one i have is completely un-useful cause it had been under the water during years. I am interested in buying a used one, cause a new engine from 2007 is 14.000 Euros. if some one can help me please contact me. I'm from Spain. Alejandro Illan Madrid Spain Forum ID #: 325 Engines 4-23-08 We will be selling engines and many other items soon through the Elite Craft Owners Club website. Please check back often to see when items become available. By the way we will be far less expensive then 14,000 Euros ($21,814.80). Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 326 Evaluating a used Elite Craft 4-23-08 I am considering purchasing an Elite Craft and wonder if there are any specific areas and/or conditions of the hull that should evaluated or mechanical functions that are known to have a higher rate of failure. I am pretty familiar with wood boat construction and issues but not so much with fiberglass and I think the Elite Craft construction may be a little different and a cut above some of the other fiberglass boats. Thanks, Russ Forum ID #: 327 Evaluating a used Elite Craft 4-25-08 To begin with the Elite Craft boat line always used the best materials available when manufacturing boats and had many custom parts specifically manufactured for Elite Craft. I will explain some of the differences in models over the years. From 1979 to 1987 the bottoms of the 20' Riviera (from the waterline down) was the semi-V with the flat aft. In 1985 they went from the two piece windshield to a wrap around windshield. In 1986 the deck and boot stripe (waterline stripe) of all models went from marine tape to gelcoat. In 1986 they offered to different seating configurations for the Riviera which was the 2 full seats and an "L" shape seating with a separate drivers seat. In 1987 they added to the Riviera optional seating configuration the split front seat. In 1988 the 20' Riviera went to a modified V (traditional V bottom) and offered 2 wood grain finishes which was the Pecan (Rich Brown) and Mahogany (Rich Red). The interior options of the Elite Craft's changed over the years but again always utilizing the best materials available. All Elite Craft's were limited production but some years were more limited than others. The years of production Elite Craft went from 1979 to 1994. Please let me know if you have any other questions regarding Elite Craft. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 328 Ski Elite, Looking to Buy 6-5-08 Looking for a Ski Elite in good condition to buy. Please respond to email swsand1130@aol.com. Thanks. Stu Sanderson Long Island, New York Forum ID #: 329 Ski Elite, Looking to Buy 6-6-08 Stu, we will notify you if any Ski Elites become available through the website. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 330 Elite Craft Literature 6-5-08 Looking for Elite Craft Sales and Promotional Literature. Stu Sanderson Long Island, New York Forum ID #: 331 Elite Craft Literature 6-6-08 We will be placing sales, promotional literature and other Elite Craft information on the website later this year. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 332 Elite Craft Literature 6-30-08 Hello all, my name is Alec Castellano. I am new to the forum and have just recently acquired an Elite Craft Ski Elite. I am new to boating and am very eager to learn all I can. I am unfamiliar with the specifics of the boat but I am hoping you all can help me. The boat is not in terrible condition but it does require restoration. I will upload pictures soon but for now I will describe all that I can. The Fiberglass Gel Coat is excellent just needs buffing in a few spots. The fabric (vinyl?) is faded and molding needs reupholstery. The carpet is consistent with frequent use. The engine has been sitting up for over eight years (Frequent impeller problem). With a lot of cleaning and scrubbing I've got the boat looking a lot better. I am a bit of a perfectionist so I know it needs more work. It's all in the details. I am hoping to get it out on the water by next summer. So any help, suggestions, tips, replacement part information, or just general information about what I am getting myself into is greatly appreciated. I got every weekend free and I want to spend it bringing this beauty back to life. Alec Castellano San Antonio, Texas Forum ID #: 333 Elite Craft Literature 7-4-08 First off congratulations on your acquisition. The interior was made with the finest marine grade vinyl's that were available at the time. With your project it would be helpful to have the year of your boat, pictures and specific questions as they come up. We look forward to helping and look forward to the pictures. Thank you, Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 334 Elite Craft Literature 7-7-08 From the records that I have the Elite Craft is a 1986 Ski Elite. I am unsure where to find the HIN number. As for the history; my father ordered it brand new from the factory back in 1986. It has 154 hours on it and up until 8 years ago we enjoyed it pretty regularly. Basically, my father found a new hobby with having an RV and so now the boat has been neglected. Now that I have grown up and moved out of the house I have taken a sincere interest in the boat and want to get back to enjoying it ASAP. Unfortunately, many of the records have been lost over the years so anything you all can give me is greatly appreciated. I noticed that one of your members is from Austin, Texas. Right now I am in the process of finding a mechanic to have the boat worked on. I live in Austin and would greatly appreciate what ever advice that member could give me on whom to use. My father keeps mentioning a impeller issue with the boat. He says that many times he'd have the impeller fixed and then when out on the water the rubber seal would come lose and the motor would over heat. Granted I am sure that this problem may have been the result of an inexperienced mechanic or I am sure this problem can be easily addressed today. I would like to know if this is a common occurrence. Alec Castellano San Antonio, Texas Forum ID #: 335 Elite Craft Literature 7-11-08 I am happy to hear that the boat is staying within the family. If you check your registration or title for the boat the HIN (Hull Identification Number) should be on either one of those documents. With that we can let you know when it was originally shipped from the factory and some other details. I have not heard of any owners having problems with the impeller outside of the normal replacing which should be annually. Perhaps other Ski Elite owners out there may be able to share more. On a side note in there was a 1987 Ski Elite that was shipped out from the factory and put on the Wheel of Fortune show as the grand prize. Eric Smith Orlando, FL Forum ID #: 336 Elite Craft Literature 7-15-08 From what I can find the Hull Identification Number is CQASE*****86. I was wondering if I can get any information on who might the club member be who lives in Austin, Texas? I am eager to see if they might give me some advice on who to have my repairs done by. Alec Castellano San Antonio, Texas Forum ID #: 337 Elite Craft Literature 7-17-08 I will send you information on your Ski Elite from when it left the factory. I will also E-Mail you in regards to the member in Texas you are looking to contact. 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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