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Hello all, new guy with some questions 1979 400

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seventy-one

New member
Hi guys, I'm looking at buying a 20' 1979 Reinell cuddy, but can't find much info on the boat, the guy said it has an OMC 400 drive with a 4cyl. mercuiser engine. He said his registration says it's a 130hp engine and that it runs, but won't top out. The engine is not ticking or knocking, there's just no top end, he said 6-10 mph max. Do any of you know if that is the correct engine and hp specs? What liter engine is it? Is the OMC stern drive durable or will I encounter problems? Any ideas on why it won't top out? I'm really new to boating, so any help you gents could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Re: Hello all, new guy with some questions

If I were you I would quickly run the other way, I wouldn't even recommend that deal if it was working OK. It just has pain and disappointment written all over it. OMC is out of business and parts and service for those drives is becoming scarce and expensive! Find something with a Merc or Volvo drive. (just my 2 cents )
 
Re: Hello all, new guy with some questions

A (Cheap or free) boat costs money to own. It's never (Cheap or free) once you take it home. When a seller tells you he's selling because "I just don't use it anymore" That's code for "something major is wrong and it will cost me more than I care to spend to fix it". As recommended above, run.
 
Re: Hello all, new guy with some questions

Thanks for the advice guys, I also found a 1977 Apollo with a merc 140 inboard for $1700, the owner said it runs great and I can test drive it before I buy, does that sound like an alright deal? This boat doesn't have a cabin, though, which I really wanted. Thanks again for your help guys.
 
Re: Hello all, new guy with some questions

While I can't imagine that 1700 will buy much of a boat, it's probably OK as long as it runs. If you are unsure, have it gone over by a marine mechanic. It may cost a hundred bucks or so, but it might uncover serious problems that would be safety issues if left undone. If you think it is a sound buy, go ahead but do so with the thought that it might have a problem that will cost a lot to fix.
My usual thing with a new-to-me boat is to replace all the consumables. Hoses, belts, fluids, filters, tune up parts (cap rotor wires plugs points condensor) batteries, lamp bulbs and fuel. This will often cost several hundred clams. This will give you a base line of maintenance. That is, for better or worse, the price of boating.
 
Re: Hello all, new guy with some questions

seventy-one said:
Thanks for the advice guys, I also found a 1977 Apollo with a merc 140 inboard for $1700, the owner said it runs great and I can test drive it before I buy, does that sound like an alright deal? This boat doesn't have a cabin, though, which I really wanted. Thanks again for your help guys.
Click to expand...

sounds better...
still going to be a money pit as all boats are
ask about gimbal bearing, bellows, lower shift cable - all that needs to be done on Mercs every 5 years or so
you don't want a cuddy with a 4 cylinder...
the 140 is really only enough power for a 17 or 18 footer. maybe a lighter 19 if you are in no hurry
 
Re: Hello all, new guy with some questions

I am also a new guy with questions. I have a 1998 Reinell. Volvo outdrive 454 motor. I am having issues with power. I am losing power and cannot figure out what is going wrong. I can not get the boat to go to full throttle. wondering if it maybe the carb.
 
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