Third week into prepping my 66 Boston Whaler Sakonnet.....

[Jet Wrench]

You really don't know what you're getting into until you get started! Anyway, it's been fun and keeps me out of the bars! I picked up a 66 BW Sakonnet for cheap about a month ago, getcoat is shot, but all in all a solid hull and transom. It did come with the port and starboard aft rails and a fiberglass center console, not original to the hull. I decided not to restore it to original and opted to install the fiberglass center console. I found an old Johnson 70 (1975), had it running good for a short time and threw a rod through the crankcase (ouch!). I have since found another powerhead, prepped it and am waiting for the powerhead to exhaust manifold gasket before assembly. I know it overheated, and it was my fault for not removing the lower unit to inspect before running it. I removed the lower unit and found that "dirt daubers" built a nest in the top of the lower unit between the water passages, plus, the overheat warning did not work warning me of impending overheat! Live and learn! I filled the holes and dings, sanded and have the hull prepped for paint (Interlux 2 part primer and paint for the exterior hull, still pending application). For the inside of the hull I decided to apply two gallons of Durabak bedliner (sand color). I am happy with the decision to do so. You have to work fast with it, it sets up very fast, especially in the Texas heat! I have prepped the center console and will be using a binnacle mount throttle/shift assy. I adapted a fuse box from a Buick Century that will hold my tilt /trim relays for the CMC tilt / trim unit and fuses for lights and equipment. All the weight will be forward contained in the center console. I will also have 2 deep cycle batteries wired series/parallel mounted in the console port and starboard for weight distribution. I will be installing a 12 gallon fuel cell under the seat. This should make for a clean aft area with nothing to trip over. I modified my drain. I removed the old brass tube and installed 3/4 inch PVC. This should alleviate any water intrusion into the hull. I managed to paint the engine cover to pretty much the original paint scheme. I can't wait to get her on the water! Lot's of work, but well worth it! Now if I can get my 13 year old Son to help some more, that would really be great! Here is a link to the pictures so far. http://picasaweb.google.com/gff1961/WhalerPrepPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCKG81_S35_eY8gE&feat=directlink