New owner need some guidance on restoration.
 

So just picked up a 1975 20 CC Seacraft in amazing shape. Transom and floor are perfect. It was stored out of the water for 10 years. Planning on raising the transom to 25", removing bottom paint and repainting the entire boat.

A few friends said not to raise the transom and just use as is. Not really happy with that. I got a quote from a friend to raise the transom and paint the boat for $5500. I paid $2500 for boat and trailer. Money is not a huge issue but want to make sure I'm making the right decisions.

http://imgur.com/a/V8vI9

Thoughts?

looks like you have to repower it so i would definitely raise the transom

X2!!

There are many posts on this forum about this subject and all agree a 25" transom is the way to go.

Well money may not be an issue untill your In It for 8k and then you need a motor. If you are going to keep her for a while go for it, just remember you won't get your money back out of restoring these. Nice boat btw I've seen it on cl.

There is a slight flaw in your thinking. I have been through it once and going through it again now. Here is a little sample of the problem: I want to raise the transom, then I will need to paint the hull inside and out, I may as well replace all of the non skid while I'm painting, now I have to take off all of the hardware, since I am taking off the bow rail I might as well fill all the holes, I don't want to put that old rub rail back on with new paint it will look like crap, I don't want to put the old rod holders back on because they will look like crap, I may as well change all the hinges since I have to put something back on, the console will need to be painted since it will look odd next to fresh paint on the floor, since the electronics are out I may as well go with that new GPS, since I got the new GPS I may as well add satellite radio for the Sirius weather compatability, I have to repower and will need new gauges, since I have the gps, radio and gauges out I may as well rewire everything....... Next thing you know you are drinking a 12 pack of beer a day, sniffing Imron fumes out of a bag and stealing copper out of the neighbors AC unit to pay for the upgrades, I've seen it a million times.....

Put some power on that thing and ride it until it requires some attention. You will be surprised how nice that boat will look after you spend a day or two on it with wax and a buffer. Awesome find BTW. I will give you $2,600 for it!

LMAO That is a wonderful rendition of how we think when we are restoring a boat!!

strick

So what's the problem with that?

Go for it, when your done you will be glad and have a good feeling from your accomplishments knowing you did it yourself. You might enjoy it so much that you will want to get another project, or five.

Its a sickness i havnt do e a full resto but i cant add the $1000s ive spent on her. Id used it till a reposer then raise the transome. I do like the mo handrail look when you paint.

25 or not
 

I was in EXACTLY your situation with a nice 74 just a year ago. Chose to simply repower and tidy things up a bit with a new windshield, forward cushions and bow dodger. I am very happy with that choice.
Good luck!