Tuesday 28 February 2012

FLIGHTCRAFT XL / XLT







Flightcraft was founded in 1969 by David Telling in Melbourne's east...From the humble beginnings of building timber boats for himself and close freinds,Flightcraft went on to build Australia's most successful skiboat...The 18xl and it's later variant's (18xlt & 20xlt etc.)were sold and used as tournament boat's all over the world.This achievement saw Malibu Boats US step in during 1989 where David continued as sales and marketing director until 1992.................  18XL Bowrider : 1986 ABIA boat of the year.................... YOUTUBE footage is grainy but worth watching.Show's a bit of factory production toward's the end,some viewer's may be offended by 80's fashion and hair do's!!!...oh,and I'll try to never mention them smellaboo barge's on this site ever again.

17 comments:

  1. I own a sleekcraft , never liked the xlt much. Eildon , nagambie mannum renmark. Keep an eye out for a red Flightcraft sleekcraft and say g'day

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    1. I have owned two XLT's . My XLT18 which was originally owned by Chris Angus and was sold with over 2000 hrs on the clock, it is still going strong on Burrinjuck dam. My current XLT20 from what I have been told was the VWSA club boat when Flightcraft was taken over by Malibu thus suppling their newest model boat to the club in it's place. I maybe wrong but as I have been told I'm no expert. It currently has 250 hours on it and still attract's lots of interest on and off the water. David Telling deserves a medal!

      Can't say I have ever noticed a Flightcraft/sleekcraft, but like I say I'm no expert.

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    2. Two XLT's suggest's your pretty serious about your skiing and/or footing. Not much I can say that I haven't said before about the XLT ...the most successful Australian ski boat EVER!
      Agreed ....Telling does deserve a medal ;) Send in some shots to share with us if you get the chance, would love to check out your past and present example. Cheers

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    3. Anybody know where to get an Owners Manual for an 18' 1989 Flightcraft? Thanks. Mike.

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  2. some nice locations you get too. the fc sleekcraft's are really cool.pretty sure i posted some randoms somewhere and will post a few more for ya soon. ...how about a look at your girl? cheers.

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  3. I own a 18XLT OB. Great boat for footing and skiing. Wish they started production again. Do you know who has the molds?

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  4. Cant say I've been behind one but have long been aware that barefooters consider the XLT OB as a benchmark. Definitely one of the most successful skiboats on the planet. ...Hey will definitely post another random XLT post this week, any chance of a look at yours for a feature ??? lmk. Cheers mate

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  5. does any body kwow if there still around
    i need a new windscreen

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  6. only thing I can think of to suggest is Futura Marine Mountain Hwy Boronia who specialize in boat screens and could have quite possibly supplied Flightcraft their screens bitd.

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  7. Try Plasview in Braeside VIc

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  8. If you don't have any luck closer to home, try City Plastics in Adelaide.
    I have purchased a replacement windscreen for my boat from them and it was spot-on. These guys supply Camero and most other SA ski boat manufacturers with their OEM screens, and can also do special order screens made to measure or copied from your broken sample. Who knows they may have already made the screen you are after.
    http://www.cityplastics.com.au/boat.html

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    1. great tip Rusty, cheers. Camero actually made the XLT's for Flightcraft in S.A. when export demand was at its peak. A lot of people really own Camero XLT's ;)

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  9. I made a trade on a XLT 18, inboard 5.7 with 600 original hrs. Runs and opperates GREAT. The interior is in nice shape as well. It has the tournement emblems and speed boat championship (ski masters 50th) on the sides.
    I am wondering if I allowed too much for it. I allowed 10,000. Thanks Alan

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  10. I just recently bought a 1989 open bow australian flightcraft 20xl ss inboard. Cant find much about how many did they make?

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  11. I bought 1989 australian flightcraft 20xl ss inboard last year open bow.Are they rare 5.7 bluewater edition mercruiser. Im from indiana united states.

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  12. We supply boats suitable for fishing and sailing. I would like to share more about this in my blog. Thanks for sharing the information.
    Regards,
    Kevin - Suzuki Shepparton Echuca

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