175 Rebuild Start

[CTsalt12]

Hey Guys,

So I recently purchased a 1990? I believe, 175 Osprey with a 115 1999 Merc.  I don't think 175's were made before 1990 so it's gotta be a 90, although it's registered as an 89...weird.  I know you guys love pictures like I do, and I will get them up as soon as I get a chance during daylight...(Work long hours in the city)  The boat is in good condition, mostly just needs cosmetic work from what I can tell,   The engines got good compression and ran "ok" after warming up in 32 degree weather after not being run in months.  No soft spots on deck, hull damage, stress cracks etc., it's just not too nice on the eyes.  

At first glance my plans are the following, in order of importance:

1.) Get engine inspected by a mechanic and have necessary maintenence and fixes done.  (Waiting to see how much work she needs before I make significant investments in other parts of the boat, keeping fingers crossed.)
2.) Get all nav lights and electronics up and running, lights are currently out, not sure if CD player, fishfinder work.
3.) Install Chartplotter, thinking about Garmin 421s, thoughts?  Recommendations?  
4.) Put in float pump (boat will be kept in water majority of season from April-November minus taken out for hull work)
5.) Refinish all exterior (Hull, bottom paint, teak, rub rails, maybeee repaint deck,  not sure if it's necessary.)  

Step 5 is where I need help / advice.  The exterior isn't bad, just chalky and faded above waterline, and the bottom paint is not scratched or damaged but has indents all over and is bumpy (what does this mean???)  
Given my description, is repainting necessary, or just a serious buff job?  I know you probably need pictures.  I want to take the tacky 90's decals off for sure, as well as engine decals for a clean look.  I want it to look shiny and purdy and maybe paint it a dark blue or mint / seafoam, and from what I gather AwlGrip and plenty of prep work would do the job.  
I guess my question is, for someone who would like to have this in the water the majority of the time in saltwater, is a fancy paintjob and all the man hours worth it?  It's primarily a fishing boat, not a showboat, but I want it to be something I'm proud of, and your boats look amazing repainted, but is seems like y'all trailer and dry dock your vessels.  

Also, please feel free to suggest other work I should do, or changing the order of the work.  I've enjoyed looking at your rebuilds immensely and appreciate your input!  Pumped to join the Aquasport community and turn this boat into my baby!  My grandfather owned an aquasport 20 I grew up on, and I have always loved them, despite the soaking wet ride!

[CTsalt12]

http://s1063.photobucket.com/albums/t501/ctsalt12/

Realized I already took pics when I bought the boat.  Take a look, can't see much because of shrinkwrap but you get the idea.

Also, take a look at the rust on the trim pump and that other part on the engine (what's that called?)  The latter has me worried, because its really deteriorating and seems like a vital rod.  I need to look into replacing it, it's that bad.

Last question for now, living in the Northeast, when can I take the shrinkwrap off so I can really get starting on cleaning and fixing it up?  It's stored in my driveway.  What is the potential damage, if I keep the engine covered with a tarp and taped on vital parts?  I want to get my hands dirty asap, and given this winter's lack of severity , spring will be here any day.

[Capt. Bob]

http://s1063.photobucket.com/albums/t501/ctsalt12/


 that other part on the engine (what's that called?)  The latter has me worried, because its really deteriorating and seems like a vital rod.  I need to look into replacing it, it's that bad.

It"s something like the steering arm/shaft.
Yes it's rusty but the arm is fairly thick and while it's hard to tell in the photo, they usually have a fair amount of metal that is still usable under the oxidation. Unless you see a failure (crack) about to happen, I wouldn't loose sleep over that particular piece of the engine at this time. Other things like T-stats, carbs, fuel, plugs etc. will consume your time.

I would think replacing it takes a fair amount of work.

Good luck.

[Circle Hooked]

Sand the loose stuff of the pump and put some rust stopping paint on it and you should be good.