HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

[ncamoirano]

Ok, ok... if I sound scared and desperate it's because I am!!! Buying my first boat has been very anxiety provoking. I've looked at several boats and the dissapointments keep coming. I'm looking for a cuddy cabin or small cruiser. This would be a starter - learning boat. My budget is small, so older boats seem to be the only option. I just looked at a 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy Cabin and after much search it seems to be a wise choice. The mechanics of it seem to be in order and the cosmetic in really good shape given its age, but craaaaap... the interior color suuuucks!!! Someone please tell me this is a solid starter boat that will fair well mechanically. This would help in making my decision.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Well, looks of the interior are one thing... are you sure the floor is solid? How about the transom? What about the seats and their bases? Basically anywhere there is wood.
We bought a Renken 19' bowrider brand new in 1983 and it was a quality nightmare. Easily the cheapest, worst built boat I have ever seen. However, we had the top deck installed on a brand new hull in 1988, and the hull was MUCH better.
But we are still talking anout a 20+ year old boat here. How about getting a survey done on it, that way they'll be no surprises?

 

[ncamoirano]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Well, we would take our mechanic out to look at it. It's a single owner boat and everything is very solid, but I have been reading and there are comments about it being a flimsy-made brand. I'm also worried about it being a discontinued model. I don't know if that matters much, but if it was mechanically sound... is it worth it as a starter boat? The guy wants $5,500.

 

[Bondo]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

that will fair well mechanically. This would help in making my decision.

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,...
If ya don't tell Us what the power package is, it's pretty tough to answer...

If it's an OMC, I/O,... Walk away Now....
If it's a Mercruiser 470,.. Walk away Now....

 

[sea wolf]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Well, we would take our mechanic out to look at it. It's a single owner boat and everything is very solid, but I have been reading and there are comments about it being a flimsy-made brand. I'm also worried about it being a discontinued model. I don't know if that matters much, but if it was mechanically sound... is it worth it as a starter boat? The guy wants $5,500.

$5500 for a 20 ft. '90 Renken? Unles it's in pristine condition, has all the service records & has a Merc or Volvo package, I think it's overpriced. Like Bond-O said, if it has a Cobra drive, or a Yamaha for that matter, forget it. And Renken is out of business, which doesn't really matter. Unless it's an OMC or Yamaha u can still get parts.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Renken of that era loved using OMC....

I had an 83 Renken open bow and agree they are not the best made boats.
The price sounds way too high on that rig...

For 5500 you should be able to find a good solid mid to late 90's boat with Merc power...

 

[ncamoirano]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Thanks for all your replies. I'm glad I've joined this forum...

The Renken has OMC Cobra outdrive I/O 3.0 motor. I gather this means walk away...

I'll keep looking... can't wait to join the boating community as soon as the right boat comes along

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Good Idea...keep looking!

The Cobra was not a bad drive if you plan on doing all the work and upkeep on it yourself, but the Merc or Volvo is a much better option.
Not many shops will touch a OMC.
The 3.0 in a boat that size would be a dog too..

Boy! 5500 is REALLY high for that setup!

A friend of mine just bought a Chapparel 20 footer with the 5.7 Merc.
Spotless boat inside and out.It was garage kept and has all the snap on covers.Nice dual axle trailer. He got it for 5800 bucks.It was a 1996 model but looks new.

More boats will come along and you will find a good deal..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Wow a 20' with an OMC 3.0? That's like a $1500 underpowered dog. Good thing you came here first. Look for a 4.3V6 or a V8 Merc or Volvo for that size boat.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: HELP! 1990 Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy

Run away! Run away!!!!