I picked up a new bilge pump and a livewell kit this week. Just waiting on the garage to warm up to about 20 degrees before I dig into the boat.
you didn't say if your Sylvan was fiberglas or aluminum. Personally, I prefer aluminum as they are easier to work on and last forever. Leaking rivets are no problem as they are easy to re-peen with two hammers. As far as the deck goes, get a hold of the seller and find out how he put it in. I'd take it out intact and use it as a template for the new one which I would make out of one inch pine boards or even better, those plastic composite boards sold for decking. Re-inforce the area where the seat plate will go and use blind nuts underneath so you can use stainless bolts instead of wood screws to secure it. You're going to cover it with carpeting so make the deck as strong and waterproof as you can. No plywood is rot free, especially up there in the frozen north where it may be covered with snow.
