Spent the afternoon yesterday cleaning out years of leaves, wasp nests and various types of flora. The floor is in better shape than I thought, still soft and needing replaces but not the mush I was expecting. I'll get some pics up tonight, I set off a couple bug bombs last night as I can't seem to find all the wasp nests and they continue to chase me out every so often. Hopefully that will fix 'em....
The transom is solid as a rock. It appears as though it was replaced not long before it was left to rest in the weeds.
The gentleman that I bought it from purchased the rig in 1996, took it to the Mercruiser dealer to be gone over and serviced then had them winterize it and put it up properly. The engine was fogged and outdrive serviced, may have also been when the transom was replaced. Shortly after purchasing the boat his father passed and rather than retiring he went back to work and the Chieftain was left for better days. Those days were not to come and he was diagnosed with Leukemia and has been doctoring for that the last couple of years. I was shocked that the engine turned over as easily as it did but will give it a thorough going through before firing it up. Need to get a few parts as the carburetor vent hose is mostly non existent and I'll tear the carb down and clean it well before bringing the old girl back to life. If all goes well I'm thinking of getting her wet before I get the real demo started. The key has disappeared over the years so I ordered a new switch from iBoats, the first of many parts to come I'm sure.
Have to say that this site is an inspiration, folks like Waterman and Dozer and their resto threads will continue to serve as not only an inspiration but as a source of information. I'm sure I'll be asking several questions as I add to that flat spot on my forehead....
