1969 Mercruiser Reinell Help

K

kokanemc

Recruit
Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
1
OK Ladies and Gents, I have a doozy for you. My girlfriend decided to buy me a boat for my birthday and the term "fixer-upper" doesn't give it justice. I have never owned a boat before so I am willing to hear any and all of your advice. I am trying to get myself smart any way possible and have learned more about boats in the 2 days that I've had her than my entire life. The boat is a 1969 Mercruiser Reinell with a 120 hp Mercruiser IO engine. I have no idea if the engine runs, but she was told that it ran last time the guy tried it (about 5 years ago). The lower unit is cracked because of a failure to winterize so I know that I need that fixed at a minimum. The boat was gutted for everything below the steering wheel. The throttle is attached to a small piece of plywood and is sitting on the floor. There are no side panels inside but the hull seems stable from a visual observation. The floor is simply raw fiberglass and feels a little weak when walking on it. I bought new fuel lines and a fuel tank to fit under the bow and will replace those once they come in the mail.

I would like to refurbish the boat and get it out on the water.

So my questions are... Where do I start?
Can I test the motor out with the crack in the lower unit?
Can I get the lower unit welded or is my only real option to buy a new unit?
What is my best bet for reinforcing and refinishing the floor?

Again, I appreciate any and all help.
 
Fishermark

Fishermark

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 19, 2003
Messages
5,617
Re: 1969 Mercruiser Reinell Help

Welcome aboard! ;)

Now for the bad news....

Before you start pouring money into this boat, understand that it is going to take A LOT of work, and A LOT of money to get this boat sea worthy.

Are you able to do fiberglass work? Since the floor is rotten, the chances are good that the transom is rotten too. You need a solid transom to hold the outdrive in place.

Then you need to buy a new outdrive. Engine too? Who knows? If the outdrive cracked because of not winterizing, then the engine will be too.

Here's what you need with this boat:
-New outdrive
-New engine (?)
-New floor
-New transom

That's before you start adding in new control cables.... wiring harness... seats....

Unless you have a lot of time and / or money, and enjoy a project, I would suggest selling it and getting a better boat.
 
P

PNW Driver

Seaman
Joined
Apr 29, 2009
Messages
55
Re: 1969 Mercruiser Reinell Help

I have the exact same boat. Mine was complete when I got it and "was running when parked". Its been two years now and I'm still fixing things and have had only a few trouble free trips. There are so many things that could be wrong and need fixing and chances are if you decide to fix it you will find them one at a time. You know you need an outdrive ( minimum 1200 bucks for an SEI drive) and then probably a gimbal bearing, bellows and who knows what else.

I would compression check your motor first and check your transom for rot before you go any further. Good Luck.

If you decide to go ahead with the project I can provide pics for you.
 
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