Reflection 23

[38mess]

Has anyone experience of these boats? There is one for sale in our marina and it looks a nice little boat to spend a weekend on.
It has a Volvo petrol engine and a leg. Is it worth a look?
Edit.
Just had a message that it's sold.
He who dithers I guess.

 

[volvopaul]

Made locally to where I live , I believe from an old Birchwood hull as they were local too at one time.
A bit Fred in a shed job I believe I don’t think they lasted long .

 

[QBhoy]

Was one local to me years ago. Was also aware of another with different engine. One had the 4 cylinder VP cam belt engine I’m sure (was a world of problems for the owner and hardly managed to plane at all most times)…other had a 4.3 GM in her. The rare time I’ve been aware of another from afar…they seem to have had the 4 cylinder lump. If the boat you’re looking at has one of these, I’d respectfully urge you to know what you’re getting into, with reference only to the cam belt equipped version. Can’t remember what they were called. Was two similar problematic engines of this era. Maybe a 151 and or a 171. Straight out the Volvo cars. Apparently good in that world…but I’ve known far too many that are just horrible in the marine world.
@volvopaul will know better than I perhaps. They were installed in a few sealines (and similar) around late 80’s to early 90’s…then abandoned soon after.

 

[38mess]

Was one local to me years ago. Was also aware of another with different engine. One had the 4 cylinder VP cam belt engine I’m sure (was a world of problems for the owner and hardly managed to plane at all most times)…other had a 4.3 GM in her. The rare time I’ve been aware of another from afar…they seem to have had the 4 cylinder lump. If the boat you’re looking at has one of these, I’d respectfully urge you to know what you’re getting into, with reference only to the cam belt equipped version. Can’t remember what they were called. Was two similar problematic engines of this era. Maybe a 151 and or a 171. Straight out the Volvo cars. Apparently good in that world…but I’ve known far too many that are just horrible in the marine world.
@volvopaul will know better than I perhaps. They were installed in a few sealines (and similar) around late 80’s to early 90’s…then abandoned soon after.

Thanks for the comprehensive reply.
The boat has been sold, but the buyer hasn't stumped up the deposit as of today.
The engine is a Volvo AQ131C 110hp petrol on a leg. It just seems like a nice boat for me and my 7yo son to camp out at weekends and do a bit of fishing.

 

[madabouttheboat]

…but I’ve known far too many that are just horrible in the marine world.

They are fine if looked after. The 151 is better IMHO, as it's a non-interference engine. The 171 was twin cam and a bit more fragile/complex for just an extra 21hp. The one thing to look out for is corrosion on the no. 4 exhaust port.