1994 Renken Bow rider. Anyone have any experiences with this?Im thinking of buying it
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1994 Renken Bow rider. Anyone have any experiences with this?Im thinking of buying it
Im thinking about buying this boat. Does it seem like a good deal? Does anyone know if this manufacture is good? I got him down to $3200. Here is the link. Thanks!
http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/boa/3090389128.html
http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/boa/3090389128.html
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Have had minimal experience...
...with Renken boats.
They had a very decent reputation. Maybe a little on the heavy side, but well built and stable. Closed in 1995? and later became Sea Fox Boats.
Have had more experience with the 4.3. The 4.3 has been discussed on this site and the general conversations have usually not been very complimentary. I disagreed then and still. The 4.3 in a marine application is fairly stable platform. Not a ton of aftermarket performance part availability (in comparison to a 5.7), but there are options.
To me the price seems a little elevated, but I am not looking for this type of boat. I suggest a survey (likely cost about $200-$250). The survey will have the transom, stringers and deck included in it. If you are not mechanical, have someone look closely at the manifolds and risers.
Hope this has helped...
They had a very decent reputation. Maybe a little on the heavy side, but well built and stable. Closed in 1995? and later became Sea Fox Boats.
Have had more experience with the 4.3. The 4.3 has been discussed on this site and the general conversations have usually not been very complimentary. I disagreed then and still. The 4.3 in a marine application is fairly stable platform. Not a ton of aftermarket performance part availability (in comparison to a 5.7), but there are options.
To me the price seems a little elevated, but I am not looking for this type of boat. I suggest a survey (likely cost about $200-$250). The survey will have the transom, stringers and deck included in it. If you are not mechanical, have someone look closely at the manifolds and risers.
Hope this has helped...
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Thanks for all the info! Are there any other weaknesses in the 4.6? Do they loose compression easy? I am mechanical inclined so I will look everything over. I really wanted a v8 but I haven't really came across any for around 3k that is in fairly decent condition. Oh also he claimed it could go 50-55mph does that seem right? Thanks
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The problem with the manifolds/risers...
...is not an engine issue. It is a marine issue.
There is water coursing throughout them which sits there and rusts. They fail allowing water into the exhaust valve and if open into the cylinder. I would also suggest a compression test.
I don't think they have any drops in compression any more than any other GM based engines.
Some of the older GM V6 engines tended to be drippers, but I have never noticed leaking problems with the 4.3 which were not man made.
Had one with constant distributor problems. Fairly sure it was because during a previous service cycle it was damaged. Since changed, no issues.
Is the speed claim from a pitot or a GPS? If a pitot, they are notoriously inaccurate. I really don't know, 50-55 might be possible, but it seems a little fast to me.
"Needs new upholstery for rear seating areas." This can be pricey depending on what needs to be replaced, but also gives to the chance to alter it to your needs.
There is water coursing throughout them which sits there and rusts. They fail allowing water into the exhaust valve and if open into the cylinder. I would also suggest a compression test.
I don't think they have any drops in compression any more than any other GM based engines.
Some of the older GM V6 engines tended to be drippers, but I have never noticed leaking problems with the 4.3 which were not man made.
Had one with constant distributor problems. Fairly sure it was because during a previous service cycle it was damaged. Since changed, no issues.
Is the speed claim from a pitot or a GPS? If a pitot, they are notoriously inaccurate. I really don't know, 50-55 might be possible, but it seems a little fast to me.
"Needs new upholstery for rear seating areas." This can be pricey depending on what needs to be replaced, but also gives to the chance to alter it to your needs.
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Thanks for the info. I am going to see the boat tomorrow. Hopefully it turns out to be good. As far as the water going into the cylinder could you viable see anything from the outside if its bad or just internal? Also if it was bad would you notice it with it just hooked up to the muffs with the water or only when it is completely in the water could you tell if its allowing water into the cylinder?
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I have a friend with a 20 foot bowrider and a 4.3 and its roughly a 48mph boat. They have had great luck with their 4.3, although the boat does not get used very often and its a 1997.
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Usually can't really tell too much from the outside...
...but if they look heavily rusted, especially at the flanges, then be concerned!
If there is one that has leaked into the cylinder chances are fairly good there would be water in the oil.
One thing you might do, with out water attached is pull the coil and turn the engine over a few times. Then pull the plugs and see if any are wet. Then with the plugs out, turn the engine over and see if you get any misting.
Naturally, asking the current owner if he has ever changed them might be a good place to start!
I am not sure of the price of manifolds and risers for the 4.3. I think a somewhat educated guess would be in the $650.00 range.
What little bit I can see in the picture, they look fairly decent.
If it allows too much water into the cylinder, it could hydro a rod! Since it is the exhaust side generally it blows it out and only lets it in if the valve is in the open position while the engine is not running. Your concern is siezing the engine from rust. I think there is an audible symptom, but fo the life of me I can remember what it is. Maybe someone younger and without a touch of dementia can remember!!!
Ask him about the gimbal and when it was last changed and when was the last time the outdrive was serviced. Has he ever replaced the shift cable or bellows?
Before you buy, be sure to read the thread "Learn from My Mistakes"
If there is one that has leaked into the cylinder chances are fairly good there would be water in the oil.
One thing you might do, with out water attached is pull the coil and turn the engine over a few times. Then pull the plugs and see if any are wet. Then with the plugs out, turn the engine over and see if you get any misting.
Naturally, asking the current owner if he has ever changed them might be a good place to start!
I am not sure of the price of manifolds and risers for the 4.3. I think a somewhat educated guess would be in the $650.00 range.
What little bit I can see in the picture, they look fairly decent.
If it allows too much water into the cylinder, it could hydro a rod! Since it is the exhaust side generally it blows it out and only lets it in if the valve is in the open position while the engine is not running. Your concern is siezing the engine from rust. I think there is an audible symptom, but fo the life of me I can remember what it is. Maybe someone younger and without a touch of dementia can remember!!!
Ask him about the gimbal and when it was last changed and when was the last time the outdrive was serviced. Has he ever replaced the shift cable or bellows?
Before you buy, be sure to read the thread "Learn from My Mistakes"
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Thanks for all the tips! So basically just really double check where the manifold attaches to the engine for heavy rust? I defiantly was going to check the bellows and gimbal bearing along with the ring because on my previous boat they were bad and needed to be replaced. Anything else about this engine I should know? Thanks again for all you help!
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