1981 Ranger 189V Apache OB re-power

[Goldfishy2020]

I'm looking at the 1981 Ranger 189V Apache with the 1982 Mercury 150 BlackMax that the seller says it's got low compression on the top (#1?), actual hours on the current one is unknown, but I would go ahead and either do a complete rebuild (not myself) or most likely, go with a re-power of a used 4 stroke motor.

The boat is located in the Southern CA area and many of the lakes do not allow 2 strokers any more, which is fine with me. I prefer not to pre-mix the oil and gas or worry about the oil injector going bad. I don't need to go 50 plus mph on the water so fast speeds is not a big issue. That being said, what would be an ideal OB and even dropping HP's is fine. The boat will be used primarily for bass fishing and the seller has a 82# working trolling motor on it.

Ideally, I prefer to spend $2,000-2,500 maximum on either a rebuild or used 4 stroke engine. Comments, suggestions, offers....

I do have a 23' salt water I/O boat but never had a bass boat before.

[ParDeus]

I'm looking at the 1981 Ranger 189V Apache with the 1982 Mercury 150 BlackMax that the seller says it's got low compression on the top (#1?), actual hours on the current one is unknown, but I would go ahead and either do a complete rebuild (not myself) or most likely, go with a re-power of a used 4 stroke motor.

The boat is located in the Southern CA area and many of the lakes do not allow 2 strokers any more, which is fine with me. I prefer not to pre-mix the oil and gas or worry about the oil injector going bad. I don't need to go 50 plus mph on the water so fast speeds is not a big issue. That being said, what would be an ideal OB and even dropping HP's is fine. The boat will be used primarily for bass fishing and the seller has a 82# working trolling motor on it.

Ideally, I prefer to spend $2,000-2,500 maximum on either a rebuild or used 4 stroke engine. Comments, suggestions, offers....

I do have a 23' salt water I/O boat but never had a bass boat before.

Unfortunately, I don't think you'll find anything close. MAYBE $2500 for a used 75hp 4-Stroke that needs some work or a rebuild, but not for a good running engine. You'd have to get very lucky.

[Wormer]

I had a 1981 189V here in SoCal also, It was my first Ranger. Bought in 1995, Fished out of it for about 8 years.
It was a good boat.
Good luck on your search