Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain
a gambler is someone who, at one point in their life, plunked down on the Roulette Wheel of Tin Resto a blank check made payable to the Admiral for an amount of....up to and including their lives.
(sorry, couldn't resist the parody, not intending to imply it's remotely comparable). i like your plan. i have to do stuff all the time with my Admiral on the "fait accompli" plan. some risk, but it's all worth it when you can present a nice surprise.
i am skeptical about whether you can restore something of that magnitude, even given that you work in boat shop, without her noticing the extra time you're spending at work. you may have to out yourself for self preservation.....better she know you bought a $250 cabin cruiser than she think there's Another Woman involved......:target:
that possible donor is old (MR-1 outdrive) and leaves in engine bay are not a good sign. better look at it soon, as i bet he didn't bother winterizing it.