In the past, I was always very concerned and careful not to dock too quickly or do anything inside or out that might put a scratch or scuff on my baby. I didn't have to restore anything because I kept it up pretty well. G-d forbid anyone should want to fish out of her or do anything to mar my pride and joy. <br /><br />Recently, I bought a 1983 16ft Invader with a Volvo Penta I/O for $400 that had been sitting outside for 4 years and I was going to restore her. After changing the oils and replacing the impeller and exhaust bellows, I took her out. She ran like a champ.<br /><br />The interesting thing is that I found her to be more fun than my past boats because, to tell the truth, I didn't care how I docked her or put her on or off the trailer or even if I spilled something inside. It was a gas no longer being anal about it's appearance. She was already scuffed and scratched. The vinyl interior sides and trim were already cracked and had some tears. I'm even thinking about going fishing in her and I don't even like fishing. <br /><br />So the sum total of my interior and exterior restoration plan now is to replace the seats, tear out the carpets and put down a rubberized non skid washable floor paint. I might, however clean the outside with Poli-Glow to get rid of the oxidized orange exterior, but the scratches and scuffs will remain. <br /><br />So I guess my question to you who have done a total restoration is, do you still have as much fun with your restored baby? How do you treat friends and family when they're on you boat? Do you find yourself not enjoying yourself as much because you're afraid of ruining your labor of love or do you just run it like always?
<br /><br />Dave..
