Used '79 Rienell ??????

[wheatie]

Since I probably can't swing Tanners 21' jet, And old neighbor friend just called tonight and said I could have 1st dibbs on his old Reinell. It is a 19' closed bow inline 6 I/O. It has not been on the water for probably 8 or more years and stored in the pole barn. I recall it looking quite nice except for the dust and straw. I suppose I know most of the normal things to look for and check out and I know an outdrive rebuild can get over 2K but at $2,500 I think I will really try and get it (which means running by my wife) :smirk:
Is there anything you think I should focus on or really check out?????

Thanks!

[Nail Knot]

Are you saying that the motor hasn't been running for over 8 years? If so, find out what provisions were made for storing it. All gasoline drained, oil mist in cylinders, etc.. Has it been in freezing temperatures? Sounds like it has. I would take it to a good boat mechanic if it were me. All fluids should be drained, flushed where possible, and replaced with new. Good luck. :smile:

[SlipKnot]

In addition to what NailKnot said, you should check out the linkage controls very closely to see what kind of condition they are in.

I bought a used 78 Reinell a few years ago. Not a bad boat but the linkage controls were bad and I couldn't get any replacement parts or a new identical unit. I was looking at a few hundred dollars to switch it all out.

[STGRule]

And pull up a floorboard and check the stringers. We are in the middle of digging out the rotten ones so we can replace them. :depressed: Not unexpected, but a bother all the same.

[Boat Doc']

Check the block and manifold for external cracks, look on right side up high between manifold and block. Also check the lower unit for water. Start it up and listen for any odd noises. Be careful you may open up a money pit. It might be worthwhile to have somebody with some experience look at it.

[wheatie]

Well, I just got back from looking at it. It is a pretty big boat, lots of bow on it. The last tags were 1994! Lots of dust, funky engine cover that does not put the seats all the way back, only 1/2 way along the compartment thinking of landing fish etc. Red upholstry. Engine and outdrive seemed to be all intack, hydraulic tilt. Running it befoe buying may be a problem. I told him I didn't mind tinkering with it before a sale. Has one more guys coming to look, got the impression he was from a dealer. I told him I'd wait to see what happends after that visit and I was thinking more like 2K considering the cleanup and changing all fluids and tune up stuff.
It seems very solid and the adventurer/restorer in me would like to take it on, but to be fair to my wife and my wallet I should here it run 1st!! Thanks for the replies. :smile:
P.S. Calkins roller trailer with surge, same era.

[BM-FISHER]

for 2k you can have my 73 rienell cabin cruiser turn key fresh out drive 165 hp mercruiser and 1990 dubole axle trailer nice boat.

[wheatie]

BM-Fisher, thanks for the offer, but not in the market for a cuddy.

[Grain of Salt]

Everyone has done well to point out the pitfalls, my dad has one of these hulls and all the problems can and do happen...however! If this is the same hull, and I think it is, it is an awesome fishing machine. Heavy deep V, wide flare bow, lapstrake hull to deflect spray, easy to tow and store.
We have fished ours since 79 out of the Columbia. It is an excellent rough water boat.
Replaced the stringers and engine mounts (replaced with mahogany and pressure treated) rebuilt the head 3 or 4 times and replaced the fuel tank (originals are steel up under the bow.) If and when you replace the stringers,(it really isnt that bad) put a fish box in the floor between the seats. Take the back seats and throw them in the dump and replace with boards to protect the back wall from spray.
This really opens up the boat. The back seats are a wet ride anyway if there is any wind.
The 165 motor is a real workhorse, know others who had the 4 cylinder and it was too whimpy for the hull weight.
If its the straight six they do have a tendendacy to warp heads if they get too hot, ours didnt have fresh water cooling but just replaced the engine this year...always flushed it after every trip and it was from 1972. We guess it had between 25,000 and 30,000 hours on it....hour meter broke at around 10,000.....most people dont believe those hours but we never shut the engine off out in the ocean so 8-10 hours per day is typical. Ran the Columbia to Astoria 8 or 10 times and fished spring fish out of it too.
The outdrives are tough but do eat up waterpumps and hubs every few years.
Like any boat they are lots of work, but at least it will be worth owning when you are done. Good luck

[wheatie]

Would the stringers be wrapped in glass? Should I expect them to be bad? The boat has been in dry storage for many years. 195 hours on the hour gauge. Thanks.