Sorry for not getting back sooner, work has kept me on the road for the last several months. Thanks for the advice on sanding the boat down and info on the stringers. My concern on the stringers is that when I pulled out the motor, i noticed that the rails bolted to the stringer are at a slight angle, and taper downward towards the back of the boat, so I'll need to make good measurements before I remove them. As for location, I live in the South Bay, a fews miles South of LAX airport. Appreciate the responses. I'll be temporary relocating to the east coast in a few months, so it looks like the project will be placed on hold until I return back home.