Boy, am I glad to find this site! I'm a rookie-level do-it-yourselfer with only the most basic woodworking skills. Bought an old aluminum BT3 that has seen a lot of wear. Replacement decks were semi-sealed plywood and need replacing. Previous guy put 3" slats in bottom (drift-boat style?) for floor. Boat needs 1) new wood and carpeting all over, 2) 2 pedestal seats for fishing - need reinforcement under them? 3) permanent gas tank...only has set-in can currently, 4) new floatation foam - most old foam ripped out, 5) advice on trolling motor set-up - new Minn-kota 12-V, 42-lb thrust, but will have to make place to put it...and batteries. 6) Check for leaks - older, riveted boat - advice on using truck bedliner as waterproofing? The boat was a steal at $1700 for it the 35-hp merc (runs fine) and trailer...I knew I'd be putting some $ in it. PS. Any advice on good boat restoration book? Thanks for any help!