Simply amazing! Somebody in this thread said that this forum was a great learning place. That is an understatement if ever there was one. I am a bit burned though. Reading about an '83 used 9 times bought for $450 is depressing I bought a well worn '83 last fall for $1000 I do appreciate my white hulls though Hey Jaimezx, I have seen that picture of your boat(very similar to the ones just about everybody on this forum has) about a hundred times since I bought my boat- twice just on this thread Could you at least change the pic? Thanks. cmerrell, I appreciate all your tips, but what is an Aussie halyard system? I think my boat came with a system that takes compression off the mast and step with the little metal glob that locks under that fork up there. Hey don't worry Rick, I think most forum users are aware of the OnLineMarineStore. I am using the forum to figure out what I need to order first so I am ready when the ice goes out Everybody, keep those suggestions flowing!