How do I identify what my boat's specs are w/o the manual?

[gwizzar]

I just recently purchased my neighbor's 1982 Renken Bow-rider model 950. I have the hull# ID. The fuel gauge does not work and the lights on the temp gauge flickers. The boat was given to my neighbor by his father-in-law. A boat manual does not exist. My neighbor said the engine was "rebuilt," but I am thinking it is not the original motor because the wiring running from the engine to the instrument panel is a cluster-*uck. Wires were simply twisted together w/o tape, connector, nuts, etc. I want to re-run these wires properly but I need a wiring diagram. I used a couple of websites to try to determine the id using casting numbers off the engine block, cylinders, ... I found "390010GM" which I have discovered to be a 350 small block but that is about as far as that goes. I also found these numbers... 1103004737A9C29, but have no clue what they are after "googling" for hours.I looked over the upper&lower units of the stern-drive (which was painted black) and did not see any manufacturers name or numbers. Where would I locate id such as Mercruiser or whatever manufacturer that made the stern-drive? I am going nuts since marine shops and websites want to know the engine type, horsepower, outdrive manufacturer, etc., and I have nothing to give...I'm getting very frustrated and feel like I'm just spinning my wheels getting no where when I have some vacation time to actually pick away at this mess and get things fixed properly/safely before taking the family out. Little help here please in regards to identification and where should I be looking for a serial number of tag. Thanks!!!

 

[gwizzar]

Re: How do I identify what my boat's specs are w/o the manual?

I did find 87173 Mercury on the hydraulic though. Not sure if that helps. Thanks!

 

[series60]

Re: How do I identify what my boat's specs are w/o the manual?

You can find a manual for the engine and outdrive in the Adult section at the top of this forum after you id what you have. As mentioned we need some good pictures. If the outdrive is a Mercruiser you can probably find an id number under the decal (if it's still there) on the port side of the upper part of the outdrive. It will be stamped into the housing but many times it is covered with a decal or has been filled in with paint.

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You will have two different sets of wiring harnesses for the boat. One for the engine with some kind of connecter that connects to the boat wiring. You will need a wiring diagram for the engine which can be found but probably won't find one for the boat wiring.

Keep us posted and someone here will have most of the answers. We just need to know what you have first. Keep the faith and you will find the answers.

EDIT: I see you added some pictures as I was responding. The drive is a MC-1 or sometimes called a pre-alpha. You can find a manual in the adult section at the top of this forum. I see it has thru-transom exhaust. May be a blessing but will be noisy underway. The number you found is probably the trim-tilt ram model number not the outdrive model number. Be sure you don't launch with the drain plug handle in the down position or water pressure may very well pull the plug while you are underway!

Give us a picture of the engine and someone will id it for you.

 

[gwizzar]

Re: How do I identify what my boat's specs are w/o the manual?



Here are some pics of the engine and solenoid/starter. Thanks!

 

[gwizzar]

Re: How do I identify what my boat's specs are w/o the manual?

"May be a blessing but will be noisy underway." yeah, she is a noisy beast. Lol. Is there an advantage of thru-transom exhaust? I turned the drain plug around...good eye and thanks for that tip. Never would have considered the water pressure! You've done this before, I presume? Lol.

Just read up on a board regarding thru-transom exhaust and saw many posters not liking the noise. I'll have to keep that in mind because I won't be out to "show-boat." Just some fishing, tubing, water-skiing, and cruising.

 

[achris]

Re: How do I identify what my boat's specs are w/o the manual?

Just read up on a board regarding thru-transom exhaust and saw many posters not liking the noise. I'll have to keep that in mind because I won't be out to "show-boat." Just some fishing, tubing, water-skiing, and cruising.

Then you'll definitely want to get rid of the noise makers (through hull exhaust)... It's fun for about 5 minutes, after that, it just plain annoying..

Chris..........