Big thanks to everyone out there who has helped and is helping out with info and advice on our( and #83's) dilema. Gary O., Howard, Tom, Bones,Rick, Theo, and the man himself Jerry M. all have been in touch with me helping me make a decision on what to do to get number 83 on the water again. Without you guys I'd probably have curled up into a little ball and gone and sat in the corner! I'm still trying to decide the best plan of action. I have even considered seeking professional help just to get this stumbling block behind me (probably need professional help of the phychiatric kind). The repair job that Gary referred to on a Catalina 25 I remember. Don't let Gary's modesty fool you! I saw that job, what it took, and the expertise with which he put that boat back together. Not sure I've got that ability within my toolbox!!! If Gary was still in the sailboat repair business my 23 would be sitting beside his shop as we speak! Biggest lesson learned so far....probably from reading about Mark and Roberta's 23 purchase. They hired a profesional surveyor to check out the boat before they purchased. Smart move. I probably would have still bought her becuase of the what the boat is, the fact that I've always wanted one, and that there aren't many out there, however, I would have known more of what I was getting into and probably would have used the info as a negotiating tool. But, that's all hindsight now!!! With the continued help of all my new Monty buds we'll get it handled and this great old boat will float again. So, thanks everyone. Sean