1967 Mark Twain VSonic Restoration

[Intravartolo]

Hello all! I've been an avid reader of this board for quite some time now and would like to compliment all of you on your love of boats and willingness to help everyone!! That being said, here's a little background on my Mark Twain. It's a 1967 Mark Twain VSonic with a 120hp I/O motor and 16.5 feet long. My father bought the boat new in 1967 and used it every single year of his life until his death in 2000. After his death the boat was started a few times (hasn't been started in probably 5 years) and sat outside for years. Yes, I feel like a moron for neglecting it but college (bachelors and masters) and work ate up a lot of my free time. Anyhow, I now have some free time and would love to restore this boat. Here's what she looks like now:

Now, I'm new to the boat restoration (as so many of us are or once were) so I have a bunch of questions that I need some answers to. As I go along with this project I'll post pictures and update whenever I do something. Now on to those questions!

This boat does not have power tilt/trim on the motor. Is this something that is worth adding?

the boat is on the trailer crooked, how can I get it on the trailer straight. Can the boat be put on regular car jack stands?

The gel coat has some spider cracking on it and the front (where the bow stop roller use to be) and underneath of the boat has some chips in the paint. Is this something I can tackle myself or should I have shop do it (BTW, I'm mechanically inclined with autos.). Here's some pictures of the cracks.

Top front of the boat:

Bottom of Boat:

Front of boat where bow stop roller use to be:

The floor was redone about 6 or 7 years ago and the boat was taken out once since then. As I was inspecting it this past weekend I noticed a screw had gone through the bottom of the boat. Is this an easy fix?

I've got a few other questions but I guess I'll just start with these. Any help is greatly appreciated!! And thank you in advance for taking the time to read this post. I'll be updating more pictures and info on my blog as well soon and I'll post the link if anyone is interested.

 

[Intravartolo]

Re: 1967 Mark Twain VSonic Restoration

Here's a few more pictures just in-case anyone is interested:

Interior:

A picture of the boat in the early 70's:

 

[boatflipper]

Re: 1967 Mark Twain VSonic Restoration

Very Nice! I especially like those older closed bow boats (although I am partial to tri-hulls)
To help you on your questions, I personally would not worry about adding power tilt and trim at this point. To me, it has no real significance, unless there is absolutely nothing else left to do with the boat (which will never happen mind you). So, in my opinion, dont worry about the tily&Trim.
Yes the boat can be placed on reg. car jacks, just be sure to place a strong board, for every jack (I use 4x4's) the entire width of the boat to prevent too much stress on one particular place.
On the fiberglass issue, I have no idea

Now on to suggestions, I dont know about you but that 'retro' interior is pretty dang awesome. If at all possible I would try my darndest to keep that interior! (just me)

Happy Restoring!