Hello, and thank you in advance for any forhcoming suggestions in response to this thread. First off, I purchased this 1978 Sea Sprite Sea Stinger, or Vee, I'm not sure which, with a 1988 Merc 115 inline 6 as a project boat. At the time of purchase, I was told the motor needed a new starter. When I got the boat home and disassembled the starter, I realized the PO had used a hammer to tap on the casing and destroyed the magnets. After replacing a starter, switch box, solenoid and impeller, I am happy to report the motor is starting and idles smoothly, (in the driveway, on muffs). Now for my question relating to this thread. I have noticed that there is a gap between the bottom of the cap and the hull which in some places is around an inch, on the left side of the hull extending from about two feet from the bow all the way to the stern. I have removed the bumper and aluminum channel exposing the aluminum rivet heads used to secure the cap to the hull. I have removed all of the rivets on the left side and need suggestions on how to "push or pull" the hull towards the edge of the cap so it can be secured. Also, does anyone have suggestions as to the proper or best type rivet to secure the cap and hull together? The original rivets appear to be aluminum, 1/4 to 5/16 in diameter and approximately one inch in length, which the majority had pulled out from the hull. I apologize for not having a picture yet, but will post one tommorow. thank you for any and all responses, I need all the suggestions I can get! Alrmost forgot to mention, unless I buy another boat in its place, I intend to pull the cap at the end of the season to do a full restoration of the cap, partial floor replacement and possibly the transom. Right now though, I have a 14 year old Daughter yearning to get on the water!
