thanks man, i appreciate it. after seeing all the posts on bad stringers and transoms, i'm terrified to check them. i'm going to do all the mechanical stuff first then worry about making it pretty. i was just going to buy and sell it but i brought me 13 month old daughter aboard to see it. i sat her in the helm on my lap and she was laughing and playing with the controls and steering. at that point i decided i should give her the same nautical experience i had as a child (my girlfriend is not as happy about me keeping the boat as i am, seeing as how it needs so much work/money). but the first time i take them tubing in the bay i'm sure she will see it differently.
