Ok, so for a long time I've wanted to buy an old school Champ and make it a "project" boat. Well, I've found one that is in pretty good shape and is fully functional as it is. It is all original so the carpet shows wear, but only has one small tear. I would like to get new carpet, gauges, seats, paint the trailer, buff the gel coat, etc. My question is, is there any specific things I should check for on this particular model/style before I go forward with the purchase?

Plastic screwdriver handle, tap around the transom and on the bottom where stringers join the hull. You want to hear a nice clear tap, never a dull thud.

Any hull that age should be pulled apart and all fittings should be removed and re-sealed.

In case you aren't familiar with Champions, Pat is the person to ask anything about them. If you haven't yet check out the BBC champion forum and you can read about the boat and Pat.

If you see brown streaks on the transom that�s a caution sign. Not necessarily a run sign, but get someone really smart that Pat might be able to suggest to look at it.