Ski Boat Forum

General Category => General American Skier Discussions => Topic started by: RamRod on September 12, 2018, 12:49:45 PM

Title: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 12, 2018, 12:49:45 PM
Hey everyone my name is Shaun, I live in Southern California. Just bought my first boat although I’m not new to boating. 88 Advance. 351w velvet drive. Engine runs. Leaks fuel from carb. Oil looks good. Haven’t check out the velvet yet. Previous owner made a new rear bench seat. New clamshell upholstery and front seats upholstery. Has new carpet. Couple questions....

Where exactly can I hook up water to run in my driveway?
There are threads under the boat by the tracking fins that look like they are for a drain plug. Normally aren’t those on the transom? This plug i assume gives access directly into the bilge area?
Are there any places to find parts like dash guage panels, trim pieces, swim platform brackets, etc???

What should I look out for and do exactly before I put this boat in the water?

Thanks everyone let me know what you think and give me your suggestions too. Awesome forum by the way.

Tried to upload a few pictures but it wouldn’t let me. Not sure how to downsie them
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 12, 2018, 03:59:01 PM
Welcome new American skier owner.
Not many replies on this site that I have encountered.
My 1991 Advance also had the carb dribble fuel. the Floats were adjusted to high.
The Holley on my 4160 did not have the easy way to adjust the floats, from the outside mine had to be adjusted on the inside.
Had to pull the bowl off, and just had to buy bowl gaskets.
Your bilge drain is under the engine not at the stern. your
Enjoy your boat,
American skiers are very similar to all the rest of the Competition Ski boats, (Mastercraft,  nautique,malibu,
correct craft,ski centurion, mb).
But you can buy the American Skier Much Cheaper.
   
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 12, 2018, 04:19:23 PM
I forgot to tell you where to hook up H2O to run your engine.
Go to the hardware store  and pick up 3ft of 1" PVC pipe, two 90's, and a 5gal Bucket.( the Cheap way)
now cut the PVC in three pieces 8", " and 16", glue a 90 to the 8" and 12"then glue a 90 to the 12" and 16" to
Make a horseshoe shape, cut a 45 at the end of the long end
Then disconnect the 1" hose from your Raw water strainer(engine side) connect the short end (8" )
and place the bucket under the long end (16") place your water hose in the bucket, (tie it to the PVC),
Fill the bucket with water.
When the bucket is full, turn off the water. run engine to test water draw from engine pump. this will show you if your pump is good.
turn your water back on before the bucket is empty.
Your engine should use the same amount of water as your water faucet can put out at Idle.
hope this helps, I know it sounds like a lot to  do just to run your engine , but his way will not burn up your engine, like a fake a lake.
If you do not want to go with the PVC you can buy the rubber hoes set up threw this site.
Good luck Paul
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 13, 2018, 01:16:31 PM
Thank you so much for the info. Just trying to sort thru what I have right now. Ron told me my swim step brackets are incorrect. I need to stop the fuel leak from the carb and also order the water hose and fittings from the store here. Looks like the boat was on the lake a few months ago according to some of the papers I found inside the boat. Anything to look at with the velvet drive beside checking and changing the oil?
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 13, 2018, 02:01:34 PM
When you check  the velvet drive oil, Warm up it up, then turn off engine,  then check the Fluid right a way.
This is done better on the water.
After you have checked the velvet drive Fluid level, and you know where it is on the dip stick.
Remove the fluid and measure it. Then you will know how much to refill to the that mark.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 13, 2018, 02:14:23 PM
When you check  the velvet drive oil, Warm up it up, then turn off engine,  then check the Fluid right a way.
This is done better on the water.
After you have checked the velvet drive Fluid level, and you know where it is on the dip stick.
Remove the fluid and measure it. Then you will know how much to refill to the that mark.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 13, 2018, 02:45:03 PM
Ok will do that on the drive. Looks like I need to replace the fuel line from the engine or the tank because it’s cracked. It looks like between the rear seat and the engine cover, there are panels in the floor that look removable, is this the case? What needs to be done to replace this fuel line? Also how do I drain the tank of old gas?
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 14, 2018, 02:04:50 PM
Well how ya doing?
I just use Hand Siphon Pump Hose Gas Oil Liquid Syphon Pump, cost 4 bucks at Amazon.
What to do with your old gas.
Well you can do one of three things.
Take it to your recycle center
 if the gas is not that bad,Use it for your lawn mower, weed eater, Blower, or anything else around the house.
let it Evaporate, I didn't say that, Did I ?
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 14, 2018, 02:57:21 PM
Yesterday I removed the rear seat and floor access panels. Found out the fiberglass blower tube that is glassed to the floor is cracked. Also the rear exhaust hoses that exit the transom are flaming away and need replaced. Going to pull the tank to gain easier access to everything. Should I cut out the blower motor glassed ducting since it’s cracked and run flexible tubing all the way back to the vent opening? Anything else to look for down here like maybe the steering or the shaft long and parts around it?
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: shyskier on September 14, 2018, 04:47:51 PM
Ron has been mounting blower under the rear center floor panel in front of steering cable mount. If you search the forum you should find a picture. ( was 1 recent from Ron or Eddie ) While you are there ck. steering cable mount pivot for wear & grease the ball stud, grease fitting for rudder. Check engine alignment ( search site for procedure ) Ck. fuel check valve at fuel tank outlet & make sure screen is clean.
Used to be alot more people on the site but it was down for awhile & has not be as busy since. Eddie has been on often & he knows a lot. I try to check in every week or 2 in season.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 14, 2018, 06:26:21 PM
thanks shyskier, Im glad someone shined in to help.
I know a lot but not as much as you long time American Skiers.
I had a aqua craft drag boat V-drive before  i bought my 91 AS three months ago.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 14, 2018, 08:46:23 PM
RamRod Here is how my 1991 advance is set up. Fuel line is on  the Port side long the muffler.

Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 15, 2018, 11:44:35 PM
Awesome thank you for the picture. I cannot figure out how to upload pictures from my iPhone

Today I removed the Holley carb which needs a full rebuild. Can I run an edelbrock 600cfm automotive carb? I do have one on the shelf that is ready to go

I  removed the water strainer, and the 1 1/4” diameter inlet hoses since they need replacing

Removed the blower motor tube since it was cracked. I just ripped it off, need to smooth out the rough edges

I removed the rear exhaust hoses that connect to the transom as they are very brittle.

Removed the oil/water separator since I’m going to replace the filter and lines.

Basically I’m taking everything off that I can clearly see needs to be replaced

Next up I’m going to get the fuel tank out. This way I can clean up the area around it and get the new exhaust hoses on. Also going to relocate the blower motor to under the floor.

Got the stereo working today. Blower fan turns on thru the dash. Bilge does not turn on even though the light on the dash does. All gauges are also working. Engine was showing 50 pounds oil pressure on cold start idle

So far I love the boat. Easy to work on. My kids like it a lot and we can’t wait to try it out. Anyone has an idea on the iPhone pictures let me know I would love to show you guys my boat
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: wettrthebetter on September 16, 2018, 12:28:39 AM
Yep, they are simple to work on, Thats why i have owned 1971,1980,1984, 1986, and now 1991.
I would Never own a Computer boat, I would never be able to work on it.
Old school is the best for me.
Enjoy your project.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: shyskier on September 19, 2018, 10:51:41 AM
RamRod, it is not recommended to use auto carb. the marine carbs are made to reduce the amount of gas fumes in engine compartment to reduce the chance of explosion.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 19, 2018, 08:03:09 PM
Shyskier thanks! In fact I just rebuilt the carb today. Need to get the fuel tank, fuel lines. Water hoses and exhaust hoses replaced then I can start it up
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: backfoot100 on September 20, 2018, 06:39:53 AM
Welcome. Sorry for delayed response. Been very busy.

You should take some time with one of your favorite beverages and start reading posts here. You'll be amazed how much you find out and you'll soon become pretty much an expert.
Agree that there is a reason that marine specific parts are made other than just to charge you considerably more than an equivalent automotive part. They're designed to prevent your boat from going boom in case you get an engine compartment full of gas fumes. Ive heard the argument that you just run the blower longer before you start it. You can run the blower for an hour before you start it and it won't do you a bit of good if you spring a leak and start pouring gas into the bilge after its running. That's just an explosion waiting to happen.
Carbs, distributors, alternators, fuel pumps and starters are designed specifically for marine environments. Don't cheap out and use automotive parts in their place.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 20, 2018, 10:01:31 AM
Thank you for the advice backfoot100. I do plan on using all marine grade equipment. I’m really dying to get this thing running on the hose and then eventually I’m the water.

What are your guys thoughts on testing the boat in salt water? I live right next to a marina with a nice and calm harbor. Same old story just flush the engine after wards and give the whole boat a good wash or with these type of boats is in not recommended?
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: backfoot100 on September 20, 2018, 01:38:20 PM
Run it in salt as long as you don't have aluminum exhaust manifolds or risers. Salt water and aluminum don't play nice together. Normally a salt engine has a closed cooling system to keep the engine salt free but I know a lot who do it. The biggest problem is that the exhaust manifolds and risers only last about 3-5 years in a salt environment. If you don't keep an eye on that, the manifolds/risers will start to leak into the head and then you have real issues.

Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 21, 2018, 10:18:19 AM
I plan on running the gps speedometer from the store here. Going to remove the air guides off the transom which are broken anyway. Going to seal the holes up where the air guides went. What do you guys recommend I put into those holes to seal it up? Boatlife, 5200, Marine Tex?
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: backfoot100 on September 21, 2018, 11:10:46 AM
Either 5200 or 4200. 5200 is more permanent. Normally I would recommend 4200 for anything that may possibly need to be removed at a later date. In this case 5200 makes more sense.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 21, 2018, 01:19:02 PM
Awesome thank you.

I’ve been meaning to ask, how does my 88 Advance ride in the water? Say just cruising around with the family. I have two kids ages 9 and 3 and my wife. The boat will be on lake havasu Arizona mostly. How smooth is the ride and how does it handle? The two previous boats I’ve been on were a 2007 4 cylinder bayliner 17 foot bow rider and the other is a brand new 22 foot pontoon boat with 90 horse mercury 4 stroke outboard. I’m hoping the boat feels nice and stable, is fairly fast, and handles well. How does it do in the chop? I don’t see a lot of reviews for boats like mine as far as general driving experience. I know for it’s time it was a very expensive boat so I assume it blows the bayliner away in all categories besides gas mileage...thoughts?
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: backfoot100 on September 22, 2018, 04:28:18 AM
This boat was designed for a specific purpose...to give the best possible ski experience to the guy hanging on behind you. That also means that the driver has to be constantly aware of his surroundiings so the skier can just concentrate on the job at hand.
What that means from a driver perspective is that the bow doesn't raise to obstruct view when you hit it. In fact nothing gets obstructed from a drivers perspective to keep every thing around you in check from a safety standpoint. The seat is the most comfortable you'll ever sit in. The gauges are always easily readable. The throttle/shift position and operation is smooth as silk which is why the tranny is named Velvetdrive.
From a performance perspective this thing is a Ferrari on water. Holeshot is like nothing else youve experienced and it turns like its on rails. Top speed should be someplace around 45 MPH.

The down side is riding in chop sux. Period. The flat bottom hull gives an amazing ski wake but in anything above 6" chop its a ball beater. I ain't gonna sugar coat it.
Because the rudder is seperate from the prop it also isn't very responsive in low speed manuevering.....aka docking. The physics of the prop going in reverse makes it back up in one direction only. In your case it'll back up to the right. While it can be daunting at first, it really is very easy to adjust to it with a little experience. As such, I now find these boats much easier to maneuver around a dock than a outboard or I/O. Mostly because of the shifting. Bumping a little bit back and forth from neutral to forward or reverse makes the docking experience much easier to appreciate.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: RamRod on September 25, 2018, 08:37:42 AM
Wow really 6” of chop and it’s unbearable? I’ve been in semi bee boats, even owned a 69 avenger and it wasnt bad in 6”. Oh well I will make it work! I got it started up a few days ago on the bucket. Rebuilt the carb before the start. It fired right up. As it was sucking more water and the longer it stayed running, it was having a harder time staying running and would die. Adjusted the idle speed screw on the carb which helped it but also made the rpm on startup a little high. Need to tinker with it some more. I’ve started at the transom and am kinda working my way to the front of the boat. Sealing the air guide holes on the transom as of right now. Then I will move to the fuel tank. Do the sending units usually go bad in the original tanks? I have the tank out of the boat. It does have some old gas in it and I would like to drain. Next after that is new exhaust hoses from the pipes to transom, new blower and ducting and fuel line. Reinstall tank then take it to the ocean for a water and leak down test
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: shyskier on October 05, 2018, 07:29:47 AM
I would not call 6" unbearable but it is rough, you will not run at speed with much more than that. Beware of the wake barges, they will put a wave over windshield.
Have not had a problem with fuel sender, tank replaced a few years ago & still have old sender.
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: PaulM on December 06, 2018, 11:32:24 PM
If you still have the Holley electric choke, the engine requires at least 10 minutes warmup, before you can set your idle and mixture screws with any accuracy.  My 88 Advance has the original fuel level sender unit and it works fine, as do all of the original gauges.  The boat does not handle chop well as verified by other responders.  The ski wakes are very good for a boat of this vintage.  One has to spend a whole lot more money to get a slightly better wake. 
Title: Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance
Post by: our88advance on February 29, 2020, 08:29:07 PM
the marine carbs have spring compensated floats to deal with life on the wavement not the pavement