I say sell the thirsty beast ASAP, because the only reason it may have a decent resale value is because it is only 20 hours on the rebuild. Use it for a year or two and it will sell for chump change, if it is still sellable. Sell it ASAP and you get the v20 for a very minimal investment considering that the trailer and functional electronics have some value also. That way, as your hull restoration progresses you will not be so depressed as those costs ALWAYS turn out to be more than expected. When you are done with the hull you will know what is left in your budget for the right sized engine (150 hp). That 235 is not gonna do your hull any good either. That 1987 hull already has problems evident to you on your first inspection. It is a good bet it has more and the guy from the boatyard knows this, which is why he is willing to take 2840 for the whole package. Crusher picked up his v20 of similar vintage in excellent condition - it had a 115 on it. Does that tell you something? It is probably a good deal for you, since you are motivated, but you should be realistic in your expectations. BTW, Seacrets, I know lots of guys that killed those motors, and their boats too, although they had some rather compelling reasons to do so :-X

CPK, whatever you do, I wish you sucess. :)