Well I got my first bass boat . It is a 1985 Aggressor 1500 Bass Champ with a 40hp Merc. She aint real pretty but I think I got a good deal on her for only $1400.00. The motor was checked out and is a sound motor with good compression. The carbs were just rebuilt a few weeks ago along with the fuel pump being replaced. The trailer has 2 brand new tires on it also.

The to do list and questions.

1. The gel coat is completely gone from the top half of the boat. Is this something that can be done as a side project or should I have it professionally done. If I can do it what type of gel coat should I purchase and is there much prep to it.

2. The carpet needs to be replaced. I'm pretty sure I can do this my self as it appears most of it is just glues down other than the hatches which are glued and stapled.

3. The trailer has a good bit of rust on it. Most of it appear to just be surface rust so I'm going to sand it down and repaint it. Is there a certain type of paint that is need for this or would any primer and out door paint work?

4. Any other ideas or tips would be much appreciated!

Here is anotehr pic.

Last one.

Enjoy!

As to your questions

1. Professionally done re-gel on that boat? Nope. Not worth it. Pretty expensive.  Since the deck is probably worn down to the flake there's no point in telling you to go the wet sand routine, you've got nothing left to wetsand.  You can go out and buy some stuff called Vertglas. It's a fiberglass restore kit that'll make your boat look like new. It's around $80 and you can find it at Overtons.com or on the web.  The stuff only lasts about a year though. Something I tried which worked real well is pickup a quart of Gloss, Minwax Helmsman Urethane (you can buy it at Walmart).  It's a self leveling urethane so you can brush it on and it smooths out real well as it sets up,  that is meant specifically for outdoors use and it's flexible so it won't crack the first time you're out hitting waves.  Apply a coat, wetsand with 800 grit wet paper, apply a second and wet sand with 1200 and then do a final (optional) sanding with 2000 grit wet paper.  Wax with something like MacGuires top of the line marine wax.  

2. Carpet is fairly easy.  Use the outdoor carpet adhesive with a very small notched trowel.  On the edges pickup some 3M outdoor spray adhesive. Warning:  Once the carpet hits the adhesive it's pretty much stuck but it prevents you from having to clamp compartment lid end if you use the regular stuff.

3. Regular primer and auto paint or Rustoleum will work fine.

4. Make sure the steering system is free and doesn't bind. If there's any stifness you probably will want to replace the entire works.  Pull the wheel bearings, clean them and repack if that hasn't been done in awhile.  Make sure the bilge pump works!  I'd suggest adding an auto bilge pump switch, they're not expensive and they're good insurance.  Always carry at least 2 drainplugs with you.  That's all I can think of for now.

That Mariner outboard looks to be in great shape. Enjoy your new ride!