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Hi guys - thanks for all the replies..

Silentpardner your very thorough response is much appreciated! Firs[b]of all, WOW, your1 boat is absolutely gorgeous!!! I checked out your flickr site and am in awe. I have a few questions for you. You mention you dry stack the boat for a portion of the year for "preservation" - I plan on keeping mine in a marina and using year round.. Is this an issue for this hull? If I take it out for a spin once a week in the winter months but it stays in the water year-round (apart from annual lift out for bottom painting etc.) should I be worried. This also negated the size of truck issue as I don't plan on trailering.

Next que`stion is regarding the engines. I have read overall positive1 reviews on this year/brand of engine in the 225hp size. The owner installed them in 2005 and they now have around 900hrs. As long as they check out mechanically (compression test etc) from a certified marine mechanic, then why would I worry? It would be nice to put on new 4-stroke power as you have done but these engines are good size for this hull and should have1 alot of life left in them.. no?

I noticed your custom kicker bracket, looks great, who made that for you? Do you now` have a kicker installed on there? Could you send more pics/specs/info on this as I plan to install a kicker if I buy this boat. I will be using this boat for salmon fishing which is done at a slow troll, 2.5-4mph. What size of kicker would be best for this hull in your opinion for this application? 9.9hp high thrust? 15hp high thrust? With a helm steering wheel and throttle mounted somewhere convenient on the transom - this would be a relatively inexpensive upgrade that would make this boat an awesome salmon fishing boat. Not sure if I would plumb it to main fuel tanks or keep small seperate orange plastic fuel tank on transom. The beauty is with most of the day spent trolling you aren't putting hours on the main engines which delays the eventual repower...

New cockpit coaming / new electronics / anchor windlass would all be very nice additions, but these could wait of course. I wouldn't need to completely upgrade the boat immediately following purchase. I feel like this boat as it is currently provides alot of value and life at its current price, am I missing something here? Silentpardner would it be possible for me to give you a call this week to discuss - I will most likely be driving 3 hours sout3h to view the boat this Sunday..

Thanks again guys..