Recently picked up a project boat off of Craiglist; my first project boat. The interior is in really rough shape, and I was told the motor was only running at half-power. I only paid $900 for it, so if I have to scrap it, I can probably get that back if I need to. I've been doing some research on the motor work; I've never worked on an outboard 2-stroke before. I have experience with engines, though, so hopefully it won't be too bad. In the meantime, I am going to focus on the interior. The previous owner sprayed bedliner, then covered with a white interior house paint. Needless to say, it's taking a while to grind it all out.

A few pictures of the starting condition:

I started by stripping everything out, really let me see what was going on. A few of the lids were cracked and rotten, but I think one or two I can layer some more fiberglass on and they will be fine. I'm looking into aluminum replacements for the ones that are beyond repair. I'm sure I'll replace all of them at some point, but I want to get it on the water by Spring.

Bedliner is fairly difficult to remove, but I guess that's by design. Best thing I've found is a polycarbonate disc on an angle grinder; makes pretty quick work of it. Took the cheap door pulls off, and it looks like the PO just covered up the old carpet and locks... didn't even bother to strip the carpet. Hinges are rusted and and bad shape, wiring is a whole mess, so I ripped it all out. Last thing I want is a fire on the water, and this wiring is probably original. Go big or go home! Having a blast so far.

before you spend any money or more time....you need to pull that motor and check the transom for rot brother......it is so critical that it should always be the first thing checked

I did a few quick tests before I bought it; check for space around brackets, yanked up and down on the outdrive (didn't see any flex), and tapped around with a hammer (didn't hear anything hollow). I haven't seen any cracks, either, but it has been repainted. I think I might be okay for awhile.