[hallburg]

I drilled some holes in the transom and of course it is wet and rotten, oh joy! I removed the floor under the fuel tank and it was amazingly in good shape with just a little rot at one end and a bilge coating on bottom side. (see pic) It does not look like the 100 gallon fuel tank was located on center of gravity (CG). Does anyone know where the CG is for the bare hull? I believe the fuel tank should always be centered on the CG so as fuel is used it does not affect the boats balance only the weight. I may have to position the boat across a fulcrum so I can determine the boat balance point. When adding engine, batteries, seats, and other loads I will have to arrange to maintain balance. I tried stripping the name painted on the side and it was typical tedious and messy work with regular paint stripper. TIP! I was searching paint information on the internet and discovered a claim that oven cleaner is a good paint stripper. I tried it and it removed the paint lettering fast and easy. I let it sit a couple of minutes, then used a scouring pad a few strokes, and then rinsed it off (see pics). I tried it on the bottom paint and it didn’t touch it. I reviewed the boat for what I want when finished and discovered I will have to make some custom modifications. I won’t be able to restore it to represent an original SeaCraft. Sorry about that to the die hard fans! The first thing I discovered is the cuddy cabin is better than just under deck storage, but not much. It is to low, without adequate headroom to sit in. It is also too short to store fishing rods of any length with the front panel in place. We typically use 8 and 9 foot rods for Salmon in the Northwest and I want to be able to lock up my rods. I guess the front panel will be modified. I really dislike the walk through windshield and lack of headroom. I will have to raise the deck aft of the windshield, modify the windshield frame and install a hatch in the deck. It will change the classic look but will be much more usable. This is going to be fun.