1965 Reinell engine info

[sosume]

I'm new to boating and just bought a beautiful 1965 Reinell 15' Runabout. It currently has a non-working 1975 Mercury 500 50hp motor with forward controls. My question is: What would have been the original brand and size of engine offered on this boat in 1965? I was going to have the Merc rebuilt, but the prices quoted seem extreme, and I'm told parts are hard to come by.
Also, what's the smaller hp engine I should consider for just cruising around lakes and rivers (no skiing or pulling anything)? Thanks for the advice. Frank

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1965 Reinell engine info

that's an impossible question to answer, as there was no specific brand attached to the boat like there is today. 50 hp sounds right, if you have the 4 culinder 50hp they are good motors. i have a 1966 50.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1965 Reinell engine info

Hello Frank,
A 15-footer probably ought to have at least 40hp on it. The 50 is likely a good match. If your motor is basically healthy and just needs some basic TLC to get running, it is probably worth putting some money into it. If it needs something extreme, like a complete rebuild or new lower unit, it'll probably be cheaper to get something that needs less work. As TD mentioned, they are good motors - VERY good motors. I've got a '71 and a '69 myself...
- Scott

 

[sosume]

Re: 1965 Reinell engine info

Thanks for your responses. I was told by the former owner that gas/oil was blowing back into the carb from pistons 3 & 4, and that the reeds were probably shot. And if I was going to replace those, I might as well rebuild the whole thing while it was apart. A reputable boat shop estimated the rebuild to be at least several thousand dollars IF they could even find the parts. They recommended I not waste my time/money, but to look for a newer engine.

So that's where I'm at. I just want to make sure I'm buying the correct size/type motor for my runabout.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1965 Reinell engine info

it could just be a build up of gunk of the reeds, not allowing them to close.

 

[ziemann]

Re: 1965 Reinell engine info

I am thinking that you should get a second opinion from another dealer in your area.

Rebuilding that motor should be worth the time and money. Parts should be available....

The rest of these guys here are giving you good advice....

 

[sosume]

Re: 1965 Reinell engine info

I called another boat shop and they will run the engine, evaluate the situation and do a compression check for $75.00. Hopefully that will tell me if the engine is 'toast'. Is there anything else I should ask them to check?

Thanks, Frank