18SF Restoration - Advice on top paint and details

[pjzabo]

Hey guys - taking out that livewell was a complete bitch. Sawzall and grinder and more time than I thought. I think you could lift the boat from a hook on that livewell the way the factory glued it in. I have not thought about the best way to seal that hatch. I actually repaired and sealed the livewell and put flanges on it so I could use it as a drop in "wet storage box" that can be lifted out for bilge access. But I rather run without it to save the weight. I have to look at the suggestions to seal it and the idea to run the deck drains into a box with a bilge pump - all good suggestions.

The transom was redone by my buddy from the outside in. Here is the irony - it was done at stock height for the PO, when I bought it I wanted to run a 25" Suzuki 140 so he cut back on it and raised it. I really thought about a bracket and going full height, but I decided against it on an 18. I also thought about raising the deck, but the original deck is really so solid I hate to do it and I want the freeboard.

On the console location, I actually like the stock location. The only reason I am thinking about going forward is weight shift with the heavier Suzuki 140 out back.

No comments on top paint??? I'm thinking Pettit Easypoxy Semi-Gloss white - roll and tip and add some skidless when I'm done for all the top deck areas that need it. I want to get this done and get out there. The Stripers are heading north in the Hudson, the spawn is gonna peak soon and I want to be there.