Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

[justadivr]

I am lookig at a 5.0 Volvo Penta with a Penta drive. I priced the hull out with a 120hp four cylinder, which the boat had originaly, for around $3900. The owner has settled at $4500 firm. Is the added horse power worth the extra $600? I have read that parts are more scarce for Penta than US manu. is this true? Are Penta any more difficult in the maintenance dept.?

 

[kev_79]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Is the 5.0 already in the boat, or are you buying them seperately and putting together?

 

[justadivr]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Yes the motor is installed. I believe this hull came with an inline four, so I am assuming that this is a replacement motor but I am not sure. I don't want to make a major mistake first time out. Do you have any tips, what to look for when buying a boat. Any info appreciated. justadivr

 

[fone_man]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

I would assume that he has used on-line boat price estimator or some other guide & spec'd it out with 4 cyl & came up $3900.00... & wants to know if $600.00 more is worth it...<br /><br />With 5.0 Litre/305 GM... worth it but depends on what you are using boat for & amount of weight/passengers you intend to haul around, sking, etc.<br /><br />

 

[kev_79]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Since it is already in, it is, in my opinion, definately worth the extra, assuming it is put in well. What model is this boat? Just wondering, if they repowered because the other messed up, or are like the rest of us "just power hungry".

 

[justadivr]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Yes, I used an online price guide. I am wanting to do some skiing and keep the passengers to a min. Is this motor under powered?

 

[justadivr]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

This is a 88 imperial 184 open walk through bow. Hull in great shape. Appolstery will need help in a few years. Thanks for the input. This site is great!

 

[justadivr]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

The hull was used as a ranger boat in Kansas so the owner says. He claims he replaced because it was under powered. Is appolstery exp.

 

[Beernutz]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

There's a lot to condider in the purchase of a used outdrive boat. I left them years ago, because I'm an offshore angler. I've lost a lot of sleep worrying about ginbal bearings, universal joint, and the rubber boot that surrounds them and keeps the ocean out of the boat. regular preventive maintenance on these parts is a necessity. A mechanical failure in this area can result in a ripped boot, which may send you to the bottom. <br /><br />If you're unfamiliar with all of this, I'd suggest a detailed inspection by a good marine mechanic.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[kev_79]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

120 4 cylinder is "OK" for an 18 footer, it will pull up a skier and cruise around at about 35 to 40. Now a 5 liter is very good. With a 4bbl carb, and everything tuned right, you can pull the gloves off a skier!! <br /><br />I was wondering what a "ranger" boat was referring to.

 

[justadivr]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

I have to go for now but keep the input coming. I am a newbie to the extreme, having not even bought my frst boat. I am not married to this rig yet. Any suggestions for a first time buy would be GREAT. I thank all again for the help. I think I will have it checked by a pro. nothing like flushing money down the drain on a rash purchase. Justadivr

 

[justadivr]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Lake Patrol Ranger

 

[TONY H]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Although I'm big on modifications. I have a Jeep and I had a Vega that I put Strong V8's into. That being said, I'd be VERY nervous about buying someone elses handy work. If that Model boat was never offered with a V8 motor I'd be nervous about the stringer strength in holding those extra pounds and ponies. The extra weight (almost double) will cause the boat to ride a bit bow high all the time. Lastly, I too am not a fan of the I/O's. Inboards are great, outboards are great but for some reason, Inboard/Outboards are a never ending fiasco. The mating of the outdrive to the transom to the engine never seems to be happy. Seals, 'O'rings, Gimbal bearings, shift cables, OYE!<br />As a first time boater who hasn't 'played' with this stuff I would recommend you lean away from this one.<br /><br />Just my thoughts

 

[justadivr]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Tony H, I noticed that the bow was exceptionaly high upon applying power. This one stands so high I litteraly had to stand up to see over the bow while climbing out of the hole. I didn't even stop to think that hulls were that sensitive to weight distribution front to back. I will try to find info about hulls compatability with a V-8. Not quite the same situation as with a auto, if it fit run with it. Will the added power tear up the drive if it is not rated for that amount of ponies? I must dig a little deeper. Thanks for the heads up,TonyH I appreciate it.

 

[Beernutz]

Re: Five liter Penta for a first time purchase.

Good advice, Tony! I put a Corvette V8 in a '52 MG when I was a kid. Every time I'd bang a shift, the frame would flex, and the front-opening doors would fly open. That kinda flex in a boat could be dangerous.