Renken 15Ft

[Texas Blues]

I recently acquired a Renken 15 foot runabout. The model is a 15 P. The guy tells me is a 70's something year model. Can any one tell me what year this is? I will try to post a picture.

[PAR]

In the upper right hand corner of the transom (where the motor is hanging) there will be a number (the HIN) if it's built after 1974 and on select models in parts of 1973. If no number is present you're probably out of luck, though there should be another one located in an out of the way place, many builders didn't install them.

She's surely early 70's, but which year is a crap shoot without the HIN (Hull Identification Number).

You might have to do a title search and hope the title or registration recorded the year correctly.

[Texas Blues]

Thanks for the reply. There is no number on the transom (my other boat has one in that position as it is an '85 model) so Im guessing its earlier than 73. There is a serial number and a model number on a plate on the inside beside the throttle controls. I wonder if the date is encrypted into the serial number. Maybe I can find some listings of serial numbers somewhere. Thanks again.

[PAR]

You're fortunate to still have the builder's plate. They're often removed. There are literally millions of serial numbers for boats out there and I don't know of any place you could cross reference your too. A title search is the only option, which still may yield nothing.

[Ike]

There is Renken owners forum on BOAT US. http://www.boatus.com/boatgroups/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=987

You might try asking there.

The other is you might try tracing the ownership through the registration numbers. The model year is supposed to be on the registration but isn't always, but might be on an earlier one if you can trace it back. Ask the guy you bought it from, where he got it and so on.

I looked at Renken on Fiberglassics.com http://www.fiberglassics.com/renken/ but there isn't much info there, mostly boats from the 60's.

[PAR]

The Patriot Act put an end to easy registration searches in most states and now you have to perform a title search and hire a lawyer or legal aid to get it done.

[Texas Blues]

Hey folks, as it turns out, the serial number ends with 972. Looks like a
'72 model. It makes sense, the motor on it is a '72 as well. The motor "looks" like its in good shape, but needs some ignition parts (no fire). The hull is in good shape considering the age. Thanks again for the replys.

[the1much]

imagine being blue in a sand,,,,i mean in "the land of non-skid" hehe ;)