[yachtjim]

Well folks, there's no turning back now. I have the t-top off, console removed, and every removable hatch taken off. Time to start cutting! I've been doing lots of reading here in what I could find about this repair but have my own list of Q's. I know you guys will get me through this.

My boat has the standard large console. The flange on the bottom of the console is all cracked and worthless. I was thinking about building a new flange on the inside, and once it is done, then cut off the one on the outside. Has anybody done this? Will there be enough room for a 1" or so flange on the inside or will something get in the way?

We cruise first and fish second with our boat so I am planning to build a bench seat on the front of the console. I plan to hinge the front door on top instead of on the side so it will have enough strengh. It will be like a Contender console, even with the hydraulic ram.
After reading some info on here it looks like 3/4 inch coosa is the way to go. I think the coring is 1/2 now so this will be a problem around the gutters for the fishboxes. Should I suck it up and do the extra work and go with 3/4 or is 1/2 enough?

The stringers are hollow right? So there is no rot I need to worry about correcting in the bilge while the boat is opened up right? It seems like there is some rot under where my batteries go - the flat spots on the port and sb sides of the bilge aft of the gas tank. Is this part cored with wood? I have not cut into it to check yet.

I'm going to need a new fuel tank too. First, where can I haul the boat to get rid of the old one? It's half full of fuel. Second, which tank is the best to go back in?

Lots of Q's but I'm excited about this project.