For your information..... These boats are just skibird"s not Lewis skibird"s They have no connection to lewis skiboats what so ever Albert lewis did design the hull but he designed it for skibird australia pty ltd
Thanks for the info. Was foolish of me to post under the Lewis banner because I was aware that Skibird was a separate enterprise. If you look closely at the Skibird symbol it does state "by Albert Lewis" and I have advertisements here with Albert Lewis listed as the trader... It does look like one and quack like one but agree I have been wrong assuming they are a lewis all these years. As i have stated before, I am far from an expert on all the mystery regarding Australia's ski boat history and really appreciate any information on the subject, especially any corrections that should be made to AUSSIE SKIBOATS. It's a shame that very little is known/recorded about our Aussie ski boats and their history... just as deserving of attention as any classic car, bike, etc.
While we're on the topic... Can anyone clear up the relation of Albert to Frank and Ritchie Lewis ; son , nephew , cousin ?? Have heard them all along with stories of fallout's ???
Albert Lewis Owned Skibird and actually sprayed up all the early hulls in run down shack in Morningside on the Brisbane River until the late 90's( I watched him spray several hulls myself) until he retired to a property in Wamuran near Kilcoy. All the Moulds where then moved to Sydney where the new owners continued to produce the boats.
As a matter of interest I have the promo skibird Sensation 16' 9". I'm the second owner and have had it since 1998. It is the 1992 year model. If you know the shop in Rydalmere Sydney the promo boat was on the wall the Red one in the shop. It has the sticker 'Albert Lewis Ski Bird' on the rear quarter. Having driven several boats inboard and outboard over the years I cannot fault the design and handling of this boat. It hook turns like on rails. I have a 350 with a biggish prop (loved that prop so much I kept it off my old boat). No prop spin on take off. Onto the plane like a jetski. Interior is tired and needs a redo and being red the previous owner left it outside so got a bit of Ozmosis. I've garaged it since I've owned. The other thing I love is the position of the engine centre mount not to far forward or aft means 11 to 12 lt fuel per hour towing 2 tubes skiing boarding or footing. Sounds like I like the boat doesn't it? :)
Hi guys, I have a 92 skibird I think that's the year its made I bought it in Ipswich in 96.The boat is black with silver flec with orange,red,yellow striping.Everybody comments on how stunning it looks.Strange though in our heyday of skiing I have never seen another skibird the same,Its a tunnel runner and years ago I rang Albert lewis for parts and he said what boat have you got.I explained it to him and his reply was wow I wonder where that boat ended up.I said why,he said I only ever made 6 of those boats.I said whys that are they a dud,He laughed and said they are too had too make and finish off so he made the hull a bit simpilar too make.Too me the only one of his boats that looks close too it is the new conquest but its not LH drive like mine.I would like too know if the other 5 are still out there .My boat is now going in into the shop for a full refurb .For all the years of skiing we have done this boat is absolutely fantastic I could not fault it.I guess this boats probably worth a bit but I don't think we could ever part its been a big part of my life and my kids just love it.All I can say is good on you albert lewis for making such a magnificent machine. If anyone has got one the same I would love hear from them.
Hey everyone we are the owners of Skibird Ski Boats and love the blog. Have a look at our new facebook page and the new site www.skibird.com.au Can't get much more Aussie than Skibird Ski Boats Neil and Dawnmarie Brennan
Hey Cheyenne, It's probably a long shot that you'll even reply to this as I'm a bit late. I also own a ski bird however it was made in 91. It's probably not the same as yours but it'd be awesome to see some photos of yours to compare to mine! I've only owned mine for a few months. It was made by Albert Lewis for the Sydney boat show and from what I was told it was also used as a race boat. She's now up in central Queensland as a social family ski boat and we absolutely love it. I've never seen a wake so flat!! It's actually pictured on this page (starmaker II)
G'day, I've owned one of these boats for three years now and have been trying to work out what it is as it has no markings. The hull design is unique. Mine is an outboard hull and I bought it with a Johnson 175hp on it. Glad to have worked out what it is. 1994 model I was told.
How do I add photos.. Just purchased our first boat a 92 model Albert Lewis ski bird, 350 powered blue and white from friends in cuffs harbour. . Keen to do d some history of the ski bird Cheers Luke
For your information.....
ReplyDeleteThese boats are just skibird"s not Lewis skibird"s
They have no connection to lewis skiboats what so ever
Albert lewis did design the hull but he designed it for skibird australia pty ltd
Thanks for the info. Was foolish of me to post under the Lewis banner because I was aware that Skibird was a separate enterprise. If you look closely at the Skibird symbol it does state "by Albert Lewis" and I have advertisements here with Albert Lewis listed as the trader... It does look like one and quack like one but agree I have been wrong assuming they are a lewis all these years.
DeleteAs i have stated before, I am far from an expert on all the mystery regarding Australia's ski boat history and really appreciate any information on the subject, especially any corrections that should be made to AUSSIE SKIBOATS.
It's a shame that very little is known/recorded about our Aussie ski boats and their history... just as deserving of attention as any classic car, bike, etc.
While we're on the topic... Can anyone clear up the relation of Albert to Frank and Ritchie Lewis ; son , nephew , cousin ?? Have heard them all along with stories of fallout's ???
this site address will give you little more insight in skibird ski boat.
Deletehttp://www.redbook.com.au/boat-reviews/1999/skibird/skibird-conquest-18-8982
it is not completly up to date as there are now new owners
regards.......
cheers for the link. They're a beautiful looking craft.
DeleteAlbert Lewis Owned Skibird and actually sprayed up all the early hulls in run down shack in Morningside on the Brisbane River until the late 90's( I watched him spray several hulls myself) until he retired to a property in Wamuran near Kilcoy. All the Moulds where then moved to Sydney where the new owners continued to produce the boats.
DeleteAs a matter of interest I have the promo skibird Sensation 16' 9". I'm the second owner and have had it since 1998. It is the 1992 year model. If you know the shop in Rydalmere Sydney the promo boat was on the wall the Red one in the shop. It has the sticker 'Albert Lewis Ski Bird' on the rear quarter. Having driven several boats inboard and outboard over the years I cannot fault the design and handling of this boat. It hook turns like on rails. I have a 350 with a biggish prop (loved that prop so much I kept it off my old boat). No prop spin on take off. Onto the plane like a jetski. Interior is tired and needs a redo and being red the previous owner left it outside so got a bit of Ozmosis. I've garaged it since I've owned. The other thing I love is the position of the engine centre mount not to far forward or aft means 11 to 12 lt fuel per hour towing 2 tubes skiing boarding or footing. Sounds like I like the boat doesn't it? :)
ReplyDeleteHi guys, I have a 92 skibird I think that's the year its made I bought it in Ipswich in 96.The boat is black with silver flec with orange,red,yellow striping.Everybody comments on how stunning it looks.Strange though in our heyday of skiing I have never seen another skibird the same,Its a tunnel runner and years ago I rang Albert lewis for parts and he said what boat have you got.I explained it to him and his reply was wow I wonder where that boat ended up.I said why,he said I only ever made 6 of those boats.I said whys that are they a dud,He laughed and said they are too had too make and finish off so he made the hull a bit simpilar too make.Too me the only one of his boats that looks close too it is the new conquest but its not LH drive like mine.I would like too know if the other 5 are still out there .My boat is now going in into the shop for a full refurb .For all the years of skiing we have done this boat is absolutely fantastic I could not fault it.I guess this boats probably worth a bit but I don't think we could ever part its been a big part of my life and my kids just love it.All I can say is good on you albert lewis for making such a magnificent machine. If anyone has got one the same I would love hear from them.
Deletesounds cool Cheyenne, send us some shots when you get the chance :)
DeleteHey everyone we are the owners of Skibird Ski Boats and love the blog. Have a look at our new facebook page and the new site
ReplyDeletewww.skibird.com.au
Can't get much more Aussie than Skibird Ski Boats
Neil and Dawnmarie Brennan
Hey Cheyenne,
ReplyDeleteIt's probably a long shot that you'll even reply to this as I'm a bit late. I also own a ski bird however it was made in 91. It's probably not the same as yours but it'd be awesome to see some photos of yours to compare to mine! I've only owned mine for a few months. It was made by Albert Lewis for the Sydney boat show and from what I was told it was also used as a race boat. She's now up in central Queensland as a social family ski boat and we absolutely love it. I've never seen a wake so flat!! It's actually pictured on this page (starmaker II)
G'day, I've owned one of these boats for three years now and have been trying to work out what it is as it has no markings. The hull design is unique. Mine is an outboard hull and I bought it with a Johnson 175hp on it. Glad to have worked out what it is. 1994 model I was told.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you ever want to sell
DeleteHow do I add photos.. Just purchased our first boat a 92 model Albert Lewis ski bird, 350 powered blue and white from friends in cuffs harbour. . Keen to do d some history of the ski bird
ReplyDeleteCheers Luke