New member, new V20 owner

[Fishwhisperer 180]

I was stationed in San Diego, Point Loma for three years punching wholes in the sea. My civilian boat at the time was a 18 Hobie.
As far as your new asset, Shop the choices. Make a Repair Order and cost out time, parts and materials of each option. Then weight the benefits of cost with your ideal set-up.
With gas prices as they are a lot of people are unloading their boats. Boats that have problems are the first to go ( like yours for example). What I'm leading to is the fact that I have never seen the pick-in's this good. There is New old stock, used parts, New new stock, etc... You might come across a deal that you can't pass up.You have to get online and get just as good at finding the the parts (at the right price) as you are at putting them together.
The crew here does a great job in posting info on anything you might need. Between landing her for $400 then joining this forum your well on your way.
If you should decide to stay with an I/O consider a fresh water cooling system if not currently outfitted with one.
Please post pics of the project so we can pick up some tips. Congratulations and good luck.