New owner of used 396

[slowboat76]

Hello Gentleman, new owner here of a 1999 396 with a Merc opti 225. I picked it up last week and brought it home and have started to transform it into what I am wanting. I bought it as is, the gentleman that had it quit using it and it set up for over 5 years. It's sun faded on the rail that was facing the sun, but it was under a open shed. I have done a compression check and so far that checks out good. I am taking it to a gel specialist to bring the shine and color back as best as possible. I am also redoing the Carpet and seats to my standards and get it fish/sandbar ready. I am kind of stumped on the engine as I keep getting the optibomb word thrown around when I talk about it but I am sure someone can get it back to reliable and lake ready. I have already spoke with Don at European Marine and will be pulling entire injection system and fuel items and send to him for inspection and repair. If anyone else has messed with one that has been setting this long I welcome any and all suggestion. Also if anyone knows of a really good opti mechanic around the Ark/Tn/Miss/Mo area I would invite a recommendation. Anyway I have a few question about some rigging aspects but will address them and look for guidance at a later time. Anyway I look forward to the interaction and comradarie that we enjoy on these types of forums. Any suggestions on any aspect are welcome. Thanks

[Dan21XRS]

... Pictures... Dan

[TOUCH OF CLASS]

Welcome and post some pics.

[basscat tyler]

Congrats! Let's see some pics.

[Lea]

Welcome!!

Congrats on your 396!

(we have a few women on here, too....)

[slowboat76]

Thanks guys and gals. She is bad dirty and neglected but we will get there.