Proud(!?) first-time owner!

[CaptCurt]

Thanks everyone. I am looking forward to it. I have been reading this forum for a while now, trying to educate myself a little before diving in. You guys are a wealth of knowledge.

Is anyone on here (other than et23) in the Houston area? I might want to get together and talk shop. The boat is down in Kemah right now at Gulf Coast Composite for a fiberglass quote. I'd like to get a recommendation on a engine shop that won't rake me over the coals on overhauling the Mercury. If there is such a beast.