hello all 8-)I am looking at buying a mid 80's ranger 370-v with a late 80's or early 90's 150 black max, it has been sitting for a few year's, but it was fogged before storage, doe's anyone have experience with these v-6 merc's? I can get the boat for 3k Thanks Junebugmn

Ranger didn't go to an all fiberglass transom until 1988, so assuming 'mid' means before that check out the transom, decks and floors for soft spots.

Have the motor checked out by a mechanic, run a compression test, and if an oil-injection system is present, assure it is functioning properly. Don't be surprised if you have bad gas and need to have the carbs cleaned and maybe new gas lines installed.

I had a an early 80's 200hp black max (on a Ranger 392) that sucked up gas big time but ran great. I now have a '99 200hp efi that is real smooth (on a Ranger R97) and a '87 150hp XR2 on a project boat (Ranger 373) that I haven't had a chance to run in open water yet.

Be prepared to replace trolling motor and electronics as well. Or maybe you'll get lucky.

I'm actually in the process of taking a mid 80s 373v from storage for 5 years with a 150 Johnson.

The first problem I have was a hole in the gas line.  While I'm replacing that I'm going to be do the rest of them.

The second problem is a frozen trim solenoid. The motor will trim up but not down.

hello all 8-)I am looking at buying a mid 80's ranger 370-v with a late 80's or early 90's 150 black max, it has been sitting for a few year's, but it was fogged before storage, doe's anyone have experience with these v-6 merc's? I can get the boat for 3k Thanks Junebugmn

I have a 87 Ranger 373V with a 1984 150 Merc. The boat performs great and the top speed is 63 MPH Tourny loaded....not bad for a old Ranger. When fully trimmed out, the boat is a blast to drive. Mercury engines are extremely reliable if you keep them running cool ( replace your water pump impeller annually) and you pre-mix your gas with Quicksilver oil. Prop the motor so that the RPM's no higher than 5700-5800.

Before you buy the boat, have a professional OB mechanic check the compression and overall health of the motor. As far as the boat and trailer, if you buy it, inspect your trailer bearings, and the boats plastic through the hull fittings for cracks and leaks.

3K sounds like a fair price if all is well.

I'm actually in the process of taking a mid 80s 373v from storage for 5 years with a 150 Johnson.

The first problem I have was a hole in the gas line. While I'm replacing that I'm going to be do the rest of them.

The second problem is a frozen trim solenoid. The motor will trim up but not down.

IMHO..

Clean the carbs and replace the water pump impeller before you fire the motor!

The rest of the stuff is easy..