'78 Nautique rebuild

OK some of you remember when I bought this project for my 6yo daughter. It needs stringers and an engine.
I started the rebuild this week and have sourced a nice 5.7 Mercruiser TBI that just needs manifolds, risers and an inboard bell housing, ring gear and top mount starter. I have also sourced a decent 1"1 Velvet drive in good shape, with cooler and mounts out of Arkansas for 300$ shipped.
So far I am still on budget.
The goal is to have a running , reliable inboard with tower that looks great for less than $5,500.00 I have $400 in the boat and trailer.
Most of my project boats are built better than new with upgraded grids, composite decks and beams, high-end electrical systems etc and the looks dept. comes in last, if ever.
Not this one.
The goal is to patch up the grid so the boat holds shape and the engine stay put.
Electrical will go all new but bare bones basic.
Luxuries here will be a new gauge package.
She will have fully custom bolstered seating with storage and ballast front and rear. Compliments of my Cuban friends I met this year.
90% sure of teak or maybe Ipe decks. We will see what I can get raw lumber for at the Dade market.
Custom two point arch type tower. Cant decide to sweep it fore or aft. Y'all can help with that later.
PPG Concept base / clear paint job from the chines up. leading candidates are Sea foam green, root beer and hot pink. Trim and tower will be black.
I have done some initial cutting and grinding and have cut the new stringer sections to form.
I had intended to set the stringers tomorrow but I just booked the day. So maybe Friday.
I have started a folder on my desk top and will update this thread as I go along if anyone is interested.
Cheers.
John

Pics in order:
The boat with initial stripping and grinding
Hey look! i can see the top of my benches! been a while.
Stringers cut to shape, nothing fancy just PT
Bucket O resin and designated laminating sneakers.