1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

[humboldtbrad]

so I work for a guy who bought this boat a year ago but its more boat than he can handle.:grumpy:
So he's giving it to me.
if you go to this link this is the listing from the previous owner FOR SALE: 1971 REINELL CABIN CRUISER $5000.00

it has a omc stinger outdrive and a 350 fresh water cooled engine
it runs and seems all good
but i am hoping for some info on things to test and check/replace before i get it on the water.
I need to do it soon its salmon season here and i need to get on the water
any help is appricated
thanks
brad

 

[greenbush future]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

For a 1971 boat not running, with an obsolete out drive (OMC) I would think he paid way too much. You might be shocked at what it might cost to get that boat ship shape and ready. start with all fluids changed, and perhaps the water pump. Add suggest's the boat doesn't run??

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

Back in the early 80's I had a similar Reinell, 1973 24'er, not quite as big, but I definitely had it beat in the power department (twin 318 cid Chrysler V8's w/Chrylser (read: Volvo) 270 drives)...

One of my all time favorite boats, it was a great ski boat, and I had it out in foul weather aplenty and never got wet.

As for testing, I'd just lake test the thing. Best case would be to have a friend with a boat join you, that way you have a way back if something happens.

First off, make certain all fluids are accounted for. Then head for your local watering hole, be sure to check for towing issues and such... Once there, make sure it's okay to spend 15 minutes on the ramp. Making sure the plug is in and the boat is still secured to the trailer, back it down the ramp and get the stern floating, then fire it up. Watch for water leaks, from the boat and from the engine. Listen for weird noises. Shift into forward, note the action of the stick and the gear engagement, while idling go back and listen again for new noises-- Repeat for reverse... Let the engine get to normal temp and make sure it stays there. Keep checking for leaks.

If it's warms up without issue, then launch the thing and finish your testing out in the open water!

If you find problems, THEN fix 'em

 

[humboldtbrad]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

well it does run and everything works. the guy I'm getting it from took it to a local shop and had it checked out he said all was well. I just want to make sure its reliable. it was overpriced I'm going to call the guy from the add and find out some history.

and lets not start with the omc bashing just yet as long as it works its what will be used.

do you mean the main water pump on the engine because it doesn't have a jasco pump? the engine has a closed fresh water cooling system. From what i can tell

 

[humboldtbrad]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

so I called the guy that sold it to my buddy. he sad there wasn't anything wrong with it the guy who owned it was in his late 70's and didn't use it so he sold it. he thought it needed a jasco pump so thats confusing to me but other than that all seems well

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

Well,, at $0.00 you can not complain if you need a little done. It looks good for a 1971! If you need parts-- expect to pay a premium until then --- enjoy!

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

At a zero dollar investment - enjoy!

Make sure your lower was loaded with type C gear lube. The electric-shift needs that lube in the lower in order for the system to work. Also, on the Stringer - make sure you know the difference between tilt and trim (if you have trim). The Stringer can't be run with the drive up like a Merc can (you can idle with the drive up in shallows if needed). The drive is supposed to be completely down when running. Trim is located on the front of the engine (if you have it) and that's a different switch.

Welcome to the Electric Shift Stringer outcast club

 

[humboldtbrad]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

ok so new question (maybe a stupid one) so some rain water has been sitting in the foam under the floor who knows for how long.
so also there is no way for it to drain there is no hole leading to the engine compartment (wich is where the drain plug is) form the rest of the boat. If i use a shopvac to suck it out will the foam still be too heavy? maybe Im not making sense.

 

[ricohman]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

You are making sense.
Water logged foam may never dry. The only way to ensure its dry is to replace it.
If the foam has water, the stringers could suffer rotting.
The last boat I helped gut had hundreds of pounds of old rotten water soaked foam.

 

[humboldtbrad]

Re: 1971 rinell cabin cruiser help

ok another new question... top speed. it is a 25' with the 265hp chevy 350 and the stringer drive I took it out yesterday and my top speed was 14.3 knts and that seems really slow. would trim tabs make a big difference? would the prop pitch make a big difference? I understand that is a heavy boat and has a large displacement hull but my neighbor has a 24' that does 40mph and it is a very similar boat.
as always any help is appricated.