Boat Questions...

[Marty]

I'm looking at a...

1977 19' fiberglass Renken. Walk thru windshield, Bimini top, full canvas cover and new steering cable. Has good 4 cyl. Mercruiser I/O stern drive. Includes '98 single axil trailer, like new.

What kinda hp does this thing have, anybody have one? Likes/dislikes and how much would you pay for one?

[MrJohnWayne]

I'm guessing that thing wouldnt have more then 100 hp. If the boat is in good shape (paint, fiberglass, glass etc)and everything works with the trailer maybe 2500.

[vitalidle]

Yeah I think the 4 cylinders were about 120 hp. Look the boat over real good. One problem you will find with older boats is the transom or very back of the boat will rot out or the stringers in the floor will rot out. What happens is they get wet and then dry rot. One way to look for bad stringers is to see if the floor has any give or is spongey. If you can pull the drain plug on the rear bottom of the boat and the plug housing and see if the fiberglass is solid through the transom. You can usually put your fingers inside the hole and see if its solid or not. Just some things to look for.

[pipelayerjdh]

The 4 cyl will be btween 125 and 140 HP. Depending on size. could be either a 2.5 GM or 3.0 GM or maybe a 2.3 Ford. not sure if the Ford was available in '77. A 19' boat with a 4 cyl will be slow. Probably 25-30 mph tops depending on prop pitch, but are great on gas. Check the floors and hull very well. If everything is in good shape, seats etc. $2000 - $3000 would be a decent price. It is hard to find a runing boat for less than $2000. check the oil for water and remove the drain plugs on the manifold and block to make sure it was winterized. You don't want to buy a cracked block, trust me, I'm looking for a good 3.0.

[Brian]

id try to find a little newer one, unless its dirt cheap. it may even be hard to find parts for a 77 when you need them.

[Marty]

Thanks guys

I was told it was rated at 140hp. I'll go take a look at it... it's pretty cheap at 1000 bucks... I'm just ITCHING to get out on the water though!

[vitalidle]

Well for a thousand bucks you almost can't go wrong the trailer is worth that much. As long as its a mercruiser no probs on finding parts as there is lots of aftermarket! Good luck once a boater always a boater! lol

[Intimidator II]

Parts for the stern drive are not cheap. Make sure the drive is in reasonable shape. No strange noises or water in the drive oil. Bellows are in good shape and not torn, etc. Take someone with you that you trust, and look over the boat carefully. It could be a good deal or it might just sink the first time you drop it in the water. Good Luck.

[vitalidle]

Boats aren't cheap as they say its a hole to pee money into! They are like our psd's it all up to the pm's. If you don't maintain them no pun intended they will surely let you down in the middle of the big drink without a paddle. Great advice if you can get somebody that knows boats to go with you!

[jc305]

yes boating is a very expensive hobby, i know i build and repair boats for a living.