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Total Newbie-just acquired 1965 Nauset-need general advise on restoration/refitting
Just purchased a 1965 Nauset and trailer, it's a theft return. Fortunately, almost all of the mahogany is still there and in good nick, but the thief got the motor, most of the wiring, and the steering hydraulics-but not the hub or the wheel. It needs some TLC; the gunwales are showing some rust on the outside bottom edge (don't know if they're stock) from rubbing on the bogies and there is a rather poorly done 8"x2" patch on the bottom-looks and feels secure, just not pretty. That and the gunwales I can fix. This boat was a rescue boat for a small town fire department; it was well maintained and rarely used, but it was delivered without the front railing (for rescue reasons).
My specific questions are as follows:
-Should I buy a complete kit for the steering or simply get new hoses and the steering ram and fittings to mount it? The hub appears to be in fine shape.
-How much power do I need to get around? Main use will be for fishing and mucking about-no water skiing. Economy is far more important to me than a few more knots of top speed. Also, what's the best trolling kicker size and mount?
-Although she's in pretty serviceable condition as is, is this the time when I should consider a total restoration?
Any general idea about how much money a hull re-gelcoating and painting might run?
Thanks in advance-I hope to get your input. Oh-they caught the thief! He was sitting on the helm seat which he had removed and set on his porch> I believe he was enjoying a hop-based beverage when he was apprehended. Unfortunately, he had already dismantled as much of the boat as he could and had found buyers for the near-new Yamaha 90 four strike and other parts.
