Well, I am about to be the proud owner of (well I guess I technically already am, I just am picking it up tomorrow) of what I believe is a 1969 Charger 151 Runabout with a 1969 70 HP Chrysler engine.<br /><br />I've searched around and can't find a lot about these boats other than brochures at TheChryslerCrew. I have piloted lots of different boats in my time but this is the very first one I will own, and it is almost as old as I am. I thought I knew more or less what to look at and look for but I have been reading these forums for a couple weeks now (I just registered to post today) and to be honest some of what I am reading here is a bit scary at times.<br /><br />Are there any specific problems that could come up with these old Chrysler boats? Any particular weaknesses in the hull I should be concerned about?<br /><br />What I looked for when I was checking it over was that the floor was pretty solid (although I thought that would be straightforward to replace if the outer hull was fine), and when I bounce the motor up and down there is no flexing in the transom that I could see (the whole boat and trailer moved but I didn't see any flexion). The finish is pretty oxidized but I can't see any stress cracks. Where would I look for these specifically in case I missed any areas?<br /><br />I know the boat has sat out uncoverd all spring and summer to this point but I am not sure if it also was out all winter. I don't think the motor was winterized properly this year although it apparently was in the past. I know the motor may have a problem that could cost as much as $300 to repair but could also be minor fix that I can take care of myself. The fact that the motor needed work was reflected in the price. The boat was in use last summer for most of the season. <br /><br />I am not buying this boat as a fix up project to sell or anything, the idea is that we have finally come across an inexpensive boat that we can afford and the plan is to put some work into it to get it working as a family boat to go out and enjoy. I am sure there are going to be some funds we have to put into it but we need to do them a little at a time. I just want it to be safe, seaworthy and reliable FIRST and then restore it to a nicer looking condition a little at a time as time goes by.<br /><br />I'm just worried that since I can't find much about these boats online that there may be some inherent flaws in the design that will make it difficult to make safe or that maybe they all fell apart so long ago no one has one any more.<br /><br />I do have one specific question - when using Mark42's technique for bringing back some shine to old gelcoat, what kind of wax is best to be used to finish the job off? Do you use stuff like turtle wax? Do you have to use a "boat wax" product or will any standard polishing wax do the job on the upper (not submerged) portions?<br /><br />Thanks for any help or advice.
