Re: what engine/outdrive combo is this?
the engine is fine - a 3.0L GM marine engine - the most common i/o engine in the world probably
the outdrive would be a 400 series mechanical shift stringer mount OMC Sterndrive - the best version of arguably the worst outdrive ever mass marketed
they are a problematic drive. Some folks (like me), like them, and have spent countless hours tinkering on them and can make them work, but most prefer not to.
most parts are readily available, but some are very expensive, like the lower shift cable that retails for over $700, and a few parts occasionally go out of stock and no one knows if BRP (Evinrude) will order more from their suppliers or not. Eventually they will abandon these completely.
in other words... not a good choice.
Better to save up for a boat with a Mercruiser outdrive with that same 3.0L engine, or a Chevrolet V6 or V8. If you're looking at 70's/80's/90's bowriders and asking about parts availability (smart) you want the Alpha One Mercruiser drive behind a Chevy.
Tempests were "ok" boats. plywood floor with carpet glued on and transoms that could have been sealed better. If stored indoors they lasted. Check the wood side panels above the gunwales. The upholstery will be beautiful, but the wood will be dry rotted to powder underneath. not a hard fix, but something to look for.
The hull shape was good. Tempest bought molds from Formula and others, and then built lower cost knockoffs. I had that same model.
useless info:
7E = boat originally licensed in Chatham, Ont.
