Thank you. I will absolutely keep posting here; part of my enjoyment stems from the knowledge exchange during such a project. I have learned more from folks on forums than any other place, period. Assuming this does not break forum rules, the last rebuild I did may be found here:
https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=957.0
I was younger and skinnier then, and certainly green. I have figured a few things out now, but still need advice and appreciate feedback as I tackle new challenges.
Yes, boat will be converted to OBs, and will likely look very much like Daytrip's conversion. I had considered purchasing a bracket, but the ~$6k price tag seemed a bit unreasonable. I can weld steel like a champ - and even have a TIG - but I am not proficient enough to weld my own bracket. At the moment I am 90% certain I will go the fiberglass route, including stringer extensions through the hull.
There are conflicting stories over the sinking. One source said a thru-hull failure, while another cited a slow leak and overwhelmed bilge pumps during a few heavy days of rain. I can say that the only way the pumps failed was if the boat wasn't plugged in, because I manually connected them to keep water out once home, and all four pumps run. I am loading some photos of my progress today, will post shortly.
Thanks again for the welcome.