'88 O/B V20 restore - *what would you do ?

[brianct12]

Hi Guys,
I am restoring an '88 V20 and could use some advice.

1) the transom hatch covers. *I have removed the existing hardware which keeps the lids closed ... and after the boat gets painted .. figure I will use a different method of hardware. *Can I get away with no securing latch ? *If not, anyone have any ideas for hardware that could be hidden inside that would work, etc ?

2) my right side transom hatch - *looks like it is meant as a live-well ? *Has a sealed storage compartment with a drain fitting / hose at the bottom. *Has anyone with the same set-up used this for a live-well ? *Does it work well ... *or should I just consider it a storage area .. and remove the drain hose ?

3) *Transom drains: *can anyone tell me how far these 2 thru-transom drains sit above the waterline ? *Reason being - *I am going to add a bracket for the O/B and I wonder if the stern will squat lower ... so much that the drains might be below water-line ? *During normal use at sea - *how much water is there coming "in" thru those 2 drains and staying in the transom notch collection area ?

4) *I will be "enclosing" my transom notch when I add a bracket. *Should I worry about being able to get rid of alot of seawater in emergency situations ... say if a few huge waves came over the bow ? *How well do the 2 thru-transom drains and the 2 cockpit floor drains work at getting rid of water fast. * Would you make any changes during a restore to handle water draining ?

Anyone with '88 or similar model year boat ... *who could offer some advice (after years of using your boat) ... *about what you might change during a complete restore ... feel free to comment. * This is the time for me to make the changes.

Thanks in advance, *Brian

ps ... I would post pics here if I knew how ... but I do have pics in the Gallery