Prospective boat purchase...

[freak007]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Probably shooting myself in the foot here... but this is the ad for the Renkin:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/boa/2330669793.html

Just got off the phone with the owner... they are an older couple (70s), bought the boat brand new (first boat), used it a lot when it (they?) were younger, selling now because kids have grown and moved away, so they no longer use it... Hours unknown as it has no hour meter, self maintained (no records), never any repairs outside of maintnance...

Thoughts?

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

used it a lot when it (they?) were younger, selling now because kids have grown and moved away, so they no longer use it...

here would be some of my questions (not that it matters)

~ how long has it sat?
~ last time bellows replaced and outdrive serviced (impeller, oil)?

being stored inside is good as it is one more step on an older boat to prevent moisture issues (allows it to dry out) and keeping the gelcoat from oxidizing...this is good!

for its age, looks good. go take a look at her!

 

[produceguy]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

That's a nice one too.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Looks like a diamond there. Even if you had to catch up on all the I/O periodic maintenance, that could be a good buy.

 

[freak007]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

here would be some of my questions (not that it matters)

~ how long has it sat?
~ last time bellows replaced and outdrive serviced (impeller, oil)?

being stored inside is good as it is one more step on an older boat to prevent moisture issues (allows it to dry out) and keeping the gelcoat from oxidizing...this is good!

for its age, looks good. go take a look at her!

I intend to check her out... The current owner is on vacation until May 7th... hopefully I can check her out then. She has been "lightly" used for the last 3-4 years, only used once last year and 3-4 times a year for several years before that. I am unsure when the bellows/impeller were replaced, as I did not think to ask... But I would imagine it has been several years.

My biggest concern about this boat is it's overall size... The 16.5 foot bowrider I had before was really too small for me, and I am not sure if a 18 foot is going to be big enough for up to 5 adults and 2 (small) children... If it is big enough now, I KNOW we will outgrow it as the kids get bigger. Then there is the question of the ability of the 140hp to pull a skier around with 1000+ pounds of people on board...

Other boats I am waiting to hear back on:

98 SeaSprite Supersport 21 foot with 250hp 5.7
87 Rinker 20 foot with 6 cylinder (4.3?)
84 Celebrity 19 foot with 260hp 5.7
83 Celebrity 20 foot with 200hp 5.0L
85 Rinker 19 foot with 170Hp (4.3L?)
88 Rinker 18 foot with 175hp 4.3L
1999 Bayliner 20 foot with 220hp 5.0
1989 Renken 18 foot with 225hp 4.3L
1979 Sea Ray 20 foot 260hp 5.7L (CLICK FOR PICS)

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

I would look for the most real estate you can pull and store(20ft or greater)...
Someone said outboard... I have to say I love my current boat, but I miss the ease of maintenance on a outboard.. Yeah they suck gas, stink when you start em up(well 2 stroke, who can afford a 4 stroke?) and no swim platform, but sure are easy to take care of... Plus you gotta remember you get that extra real estate from the engine hanging off the back..(I miss my Yamaha)
Since it looks you are hunting a I/O.. Try and find ya something with maybe a V8.. That way you won't be so disappointed with power. Since you are hauling the extra weight( BTW kids get bigger.. I seen em do it FAST)
When I bought my current boat.. I was looking at little four cylinder I/O.. So glad I went with the V6 instead..
I was also shopping on a budget too.. Found my little jewel for a $1000.. I installed a trim motor and off to the lake for fun.. Needless to say it has a I/O and I have done plenty to it since then.. Including exhaust manifolds(don't forget those things rust out in the older stuff:facepalm bellows, gimble bearing, and some carb work.. Thank God it has good structure.. It helps if the previous owner kept it in the garage or covered storage..

Anyhow I hope you find ya a winner and will post your findings.. The love of boat bashing and the slobbering over the new purchase.. Good luck buddy and happy hunting...

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

If that Renkin is as tight as it appears to be, I'd say go for it.

Ya know, I put a lot of thought into this thread and was thinking about it this weekend when I was at Bass Pro shop. I was sitting in an 18" bow rider and I'm hear to tell ya, there's PLENTY of room in an 18" bow rider for 6 full sized adults and two kids. The capacity plate read 8 persons max. Sitting in the 18' put it all into perspective for me........

I think a 18' will be fine for ya......especially since you're not going to have all the people you mentioned in her at the same time. The 4.3L is more than enough to push an 18' along at about 32-35 mph.

Renkins aren't my favorite but if this has been owned by the original owner since new....and it's been garage kept, I say go for it.

I did a survey of a 1976 23' Glastron Jet boat two months ago. This was the original owner and the boat sat under the same carport since he bought the boat and I'm here to tell you that it was one clean boat......a time capsule so to speak. The boat fired right up, the wood was in perfect condition. The new owner LOVES the boat and has used it quite often since he bought it.

 

[steveclv]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

While the boat can carry 8 you really will find it cramped for space.

My 19' Bayliner with outboard (no engine hump) is really only 'comfortable' for 4 people for a day on the lake.

In your shoes I'd be looking at that 21' in your list.

 

[freak007]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Okay, spent alot of time on the phone today...

I think I am going to pass on the Sea Sprite... Owner bought new in 2000, selling due to breakup with fiance... She does not seem too knowledgeable about it... But it "has never been to the dealer for anything". Also, It has Captain's seats with a bench in the back, I am not a huge fan of that seating configuration (I actually prefer back to back), and really don't like what happens to available seating when a ski pylon is added... Asking price is 7K, which is at the top end of my budget, being at the top end of the budget allows for no compromises.

Also heard back on the '84 Celebrity, it also has 2 captains seats with the full bench in the rear, and the interior looks pretty ratty in the (not current) pictures... Going to pass...

Likely going to look at the 20' Rinker (1987) on Saturday, but it does not sound too promising... Current owner purchased in '97, it sounds like it has been neglected... He mentioned having to rebuild the engine cover and several seats due to "dry rot". Has a 4.3L/Alpha with unknown hours, comes with a bunch of "accessories" (skis, tubes, ropes, vests, bumpers, VHF, bimini top, cover, GPS, CD player, etc...) Asking price is 5K, tried to sell last year and failed...


I also heard back on the '83 Celebrity... hoping to check it out on Saturday:
19.5' with 200hp 5.0L and Mercruiser "R" drive (?). Current owners first boat, purchased last spring... Then "upgraded" last fall when his buddy bought a new boat (and he bought the buddy's old one). New shift cables and bellows and gimbal bearing done by a dealer last spring. Drive oil changed in May, and again in August. Once again the master cylinder has been removed from the trailer (WTF is up with people?). Comes with no accessories... Asking price is $3300 I think this one seems promising.

'83 Celebrity Pics



And I keep coming back to the '79 Sea Ray... For some reason I am just drawn too it, but the PICTURES look too good to be true, and it is over 2 hours away... Fresh 260HP 5.7, newer prop, nice swim platform, 6 speaker CD player, Dual Batteries, Depth Finder, EZ-Loader trailer with electric winch, always stored in heated storage, 375 hours... Asking $5200

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

The '83 Celebrity and the Kid Rock Sea Ray all look very nice to me. The Renkin is also in great condition but is not in the same class as those other two. Look how deep and substantial those hulls are. Probably ride like Caddies.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Swim platforms are nice .. That teak is super nice... I like both boats.. Guess I am into the older stuff.. I can't stand the 90s era of pink, purple and teal trim...

5k is alot of money for a boat that old... I guess you will have to go on how well it was cared for..

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Wow, the Celebrity looks real nice!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[freak007]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Wow, the Celebrity looks real nice!!!!!!!!!!!

You think it looks as nice (or nicer) than the Sea Ray? I thought the Celebrity looked decent, but the Sea Ray looked really good... but the Sea Ray also looks like it has been restored, where the Celebrity just looks well cared for...

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

I like that plush looking Captains chair and the little door to shut off the bow on the celebrity.. That nice to keep cool air off in the early mornings and late and early season..

The Sea Ray.. Teak swim platform is nice( if ya do much swimming or tubing skiing and such they are a must).. Teak trim is nice.. Has the 5.7..

Both have a big V and bet will both have a nice ride...

Take em both out and tell us how it goes

 

[86 century]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Would haft to go with ez on the aluminum.
I have two searays late '70's and mid '80's both are still solid. Don't know if this speaks for the brand or owner.


I have cut up several boats from the '70's & '80's by far the cheapest built are mark twain and bay-liner. Imperial and rinker are probably the strongest built baste on hull thickness and stringer design.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

The Celebrity is in great condition with its interior. If the mechanicals and floor are in just as good of shape, this would be my choice for your starting boat. The platform in the back is enough to start with, and later you can always add a full platform, if you decide to keep her. Priced right, if the trailer is decent and the powerplant was maintained. Plus, with the size of your group needs, the deep vee style and open layout should be just right for you.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

If i am not seeing things, it looks as if some of the skeg is missing.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

You think it looks as nice (or nicer) than the Sea Ray? I thought the Celebrity looked decent, but the Sea Ray looked really good... but the Sea Ray also looks like it has been restored, where the Celebrity just looks well cared for...

I responded to the Celebrity because I was able to access the link. My work computer firewall wouldn't allow me to see the Sea Ray. Now that I'm home, I was able to look at the Sea Ray and all I cam say is WOW!! Nice boat and for it's age, it appears to be very well taken care of.

My choice is the Sea Ray. Snap it up now or else someone else will.

 

[BAREFOOT1955]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

24ft Limestone I am about to purchase a 24ft Limestone Mederios, 1987 . It seem like a really nice boat. A little pricey....but it is in good shape. I hear these are very good quality boats..with very strong hulls..Anyone care to comment?

 

[BAREFOOT1955]

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

By the way...what is a Jack Shaft? This Limestone apparantly has one.