1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

[chadc880]

I posted this on another general forum but this is the only Forum I have seen tailored to Renken.


I am 35 years old and still consider myself young. Or somewhat. But a good friend of mine who I've known for years came to me yesterday and asked if I would be interested in a boat. I am currently looking for either another Stingray 185LX or Yamaha FX Cruiser Waverunner.

He took me to his ex wife's garage. Her house is being foreclosed on and way in the back is a true original 1968 Renken 16ft boat. Her dad bought it in 1968 and passed it down to her in the early 70's and they used it nearly every weekend and back in the late 80's she parked it in the garage and it hasn't moved since.

Folks I have never seen a gloss still left on gelcoat from any boat older than 1990, Heck let alone a 1968 boat, let alone I've never seen a true original 1968 trailer with the tilt system and the old style hitch assembly. As basic as this boat is it sure has a ton of history behind it. Its like back to the future when they find the delorean preserved in the side of the mountain from BTTF 2.

So now I am torn on what to do. I bought it as a gamble at first in the moment but after getting it back to my warehouse and looking over the entire boat its like seeing an unrestored muscle car. The engine turns freely. Heck somehow or another the fuel in the original fuel tanks doesn't even have the varnish smell to it. Original seats, steering wheel you name it. Its crazy.

So what do I do ? Where do I take it ?

Should I try and find someone who would appreciate her and restore her to her once beautiful glory or should I do it myself.

I showed my wife the pictures of it and it was like showing her the picture of an old green refrigerator. She just doesn't' get it.

These are the pictures of when I picked it up a few days ago.

 

[chadc880]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

Here is where I got yesterday after cleaning out the squirrel poop, mouse homes and mouse droppings and the old seats. I managed to get the 1970 60073B 60HP Evinrude to crank and run. I need to overhaul the carbs, put in a new impeller kit and a few other odds and ends.

Here is a YouTube video of my progress.

And if there is a diehard Renken fan or collector I am not opposed to selling her to someone how can really go all out and restore her. I am going to attempt to do this hopefully.

Here is a short YouTube video of my progress so far.


1968 Renken 16 Boat Restoration - YouTube

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

That is a neat boat and in remarkable condition. There really isn't any collector value though. Closed bow runabouts are a dime a dozen and that one isn't an unusual style or anything like that. Old Johnson/Evinrudes are great motors and enjoy good parts support however pre-'73 larger motors like yours have an electric shift gearcase that there are some crucial NLA parts so some people do avoid them. There's nothing inherently wrong with the system and when it works, it works. It's just if one of the solenoids in the lower unit go, you're beholden to ebay for used parts. I you want, run it around and enjoy it! If you don't, you could probably sell it for $750-$1250 in running condition. I'll happily move this thread to the resto section for you. Not too many people will see it down here.

 

[chadc880]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

That is a neat boat and in remarkable condition. There really isn't any collector value though. Closed bow runabouts are a dime a dozen and that one isn't an unusual style or anything like that. Old Johnson/Evinrudes are great motors and enjoy good parts support however pre-'73 larger motors like yours have an electric shift gearcase that there are some crucial NLA parts so some people do avoid them. There's nothing inherently wrong with the system and when it works, it works. It's just if one of the solenoids in the lower unit go, you're beholden to ebay for used parts. I you want, run it around and enjoy it! If you don't, you could probably sell it for $750-$1250 in running condition. I'll happily move this thread to the resto section for you. Not too many people will see it down here.

Sure that would be awesome.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

Very similar to my old boat. Is your motor electric shift or manual? If you really don't want her, then CL it and Price it for $1,500 (If you do the work on the motor and make her a strong runner) If Not $1,000 (it'll cost $300 to do the motor work IF they do it themselves, if Not $500+) I love those old runabouts. Where are you located?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

Is your motor electric shift or manual?

It's electric.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

Yep I see the Throttle and the buttons now in the pics.

 

[chadc880]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

All the parts needed for the OB have been ordered and should be here next week. So hopefully by next Friday I should have the OB running nice and smooth. Trying to find some in expensive lounge seats now. I've got a fiberglass guy looking at repairing the two inside storage rails that have some rot near the rear. Thats really the only structure issue on the boat. It is cosmetic.

I want to sell her and I somewhat don't. I get satisfaction when bringing a boat or motorcycle back to life. There is not a whole lot that needs to be done to this boat. Just some sincere TLC.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

I put these same seats in my last boat. For the price they are really not bad at all Wise Deluxe Lounge Seat - Walmart.com The ones I got were from BassPro and BassPro branded but they were these same Wise seats.

 

[chadc880]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

Still trying to get the outboard fully 100%

Just rebuilt the carbs, new starter solenoid and water pump kit.

Any electric shift techs in here. I cannot get it to shift to neutral or reverse. However I hear a small "click" with the engine off with shifting.

Maybe I didn't but the solenoids back in correctly when I installed the water pump ???

Also what is the correct setting for the idle mixture screw on the 1970 60HP 60073b ?

Here is the updated video of the motor progress.


1968 Renken 16 Boat Restoration Part 2 - YouTube

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: 1968 Renken 16' Runabout Restoration Project ???

Actually Chad there is a system for Diagnosis on it the first thing to do is to change the gear oil, when you do make sure you ONLY use type C or premium blend gear oil specifically formulated just for electric shift no other gear oil will let the lower shift.

Coming up the port side of the cowl there are two wires in the engine a blue and a green one in reverse both should have voltage showing (use an electrical tester). In neutral only one of the two will show voltage though I can't remember which one.

Electric shift units fail safe to forward gear so you could get home in an emergency.

Probably the best place to get the gear oil is through a Marina, you CAN NOT get it at wal mart or any of the auto stores.