Red band 650 thunderbolt 4 cylinder I might buy

[CardiacKid74]

I'm looking at an early 70s starcraft 18 foot with a red band mercury. It's the 650 thunderbolt four. Last time it was in water was 2003. Not sure if it ran since then. I can probably get it for 500.00. Worth it or pass? What should I look for and expect? I know tires, hub bearings, tune up and gear fluid change on motor, water pump.... are those engines known for issues or reliable? Thanks in advance. Looking for my first boat for my son and I to fish out of.

 

[Faztbullet]

Pass....

 

[CardiacKid74]

Can you expand more on why you say pass?

 

[Faztbullet]

Can you expand more on why you say pass?

1) It almost 50 years old
2) Parts are expensive and getting harder to find as it was only made for 8 yrs
3) Guaranteed the internal wiring harness on motor and inside control box are rotten
4) If trigger is bad(no spark condition) a new one is close to what your paying for entire rig.
5) Add a little more $$ to kitty and get a later model rig. Plenty of good $1000-1500 rig out there.

https://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/d/7337-lund-rebel-boat-aluminum/6640307654.html
https://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/d/16ft-superbee/6609696582.html

 

[Tassie 1]

10 years ago my younger son had the previous model ( silver band ) 65hp,
he didn't have it long,
it was old,
he was young
the two don't go together...

he should've listened to the old but wise man who said " don't do that or it will blo... "

youth is wasted on the young.

listen to faztbullet

 

[CardiacKid74]

Appreciate the input. I'll keep searching

 

[jimmbo]

There is nothing Inherently wrong with that model of engine, just some factors that make it less than a great choice.