1983 Renken 900

[reelfishin]

I became the owner of an '83 Renken 900 a few weeks ago, I originally went to look at another boat but found this there for cheap and in decent shape. I was looking for a good hull to build into a back bay fishing boat.
The hull measures 19' 2" long measuring from the transom to the tip of the bow. Its an open boat with only a short covered area ahead of the windshield. It also feels fairly light. It's on a heavy single axle trailer that towed well on the rid home.
The price was so right i couln't refuse it and the hull is in super condition with only a few minor rub marks. The floor and transom look solid and its rated at 150 HP.
Does anyone else have the same model here? What would be a good engine for this? It had a V4 OMC, I think either a 90 or 115 HP. The controls are here, just no motor. All electronics are present, including a GPS plotter, VHF, and fish finder.

What was the intended purpose of the floor hatch? it measures about 30" by 60" and is made of resin coated 3/4" marine plywood. Its large enough to either hold a fuel tank or a livewell. Someone added a forward tank which sits all the way forward, the fill is dead center. I say it's been added since the fill is not a proper fuel fill cap, but one for a sewer pump out. I was thinking of moving the fill off to one side, it's a bit tough to reach where it's at now and it would eliminate a few sharp bends in the fill tube.

 

[kycat]

Re: 1983 Renken 900

I recently purchased a 1997 Renken Protege with the 4.3 Mercruiser. Does anyone know if there are any places to buy replacement parts? Specifically looking for the engine lid.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: 1983 Renken 900

Renken is out of business, and the Renken boat you bought is even a different company from the one I have. They went through a few changes over the years, and finally somehow became Seafox I think. Yours is most likely the later of the Renken companies. Other than finding a use part on eBay or at an old dealer, you will most likely have to make one yourself. Boats are not like car, parts aren't stocked for years and years and since they have no scrap value, they don't sit in junk yards for years being parted out. Most junk boats either get rebuilt, customized or cut up for the landfill.

 

[dsblizzard]

Re: 1983 Renken 900

Reelin,
I just purchased a 1981 Renken Model 900 for a big $180.00. The motor appeared in good shape considering the age. I had to replace the floor due to a old tear in the fiberglass. The motor on the boat appears to be the original motor. It is a GM 2.5 liter 120hp inline 4. As of this time, I have had to only replace the water pump and starter. All in all she seems to be a reliable boat.