Just read some of your posts.......we removed almost all of the antifouling paint with acetone and and LOT of elbow grease! What you see in the not so revealing picture is whats left of the blue paint. No the boat was NOT painted, ever! That is the original gelcoat and its gorgeous! All 3 owners of this boat(32 years worth)were anal as hell, with me being the worst(most obvious) the hull has been kept waxed this boats whole life and its very evident. Everyone I talk to (many)thinks its been gelcoated...I love it! As for the statment about an outboard bringing more money........yeah right! this 165h.p.(250 c.i.d. chevy) is the most reliable engine ever put in a boat, period. its a Jasper (marine engine)with 150 troublefree hrs. Yes I installed an hour meter when I fitted the engine. I have done ALL the work to this boat thats why I know its worth every penny. Dave (the stickler)