We have been getting many positive comments about our products from customers, so we decided to put some of them in a separate section of our website. We hope you enjoy reading them.

Send your project description, pics (jpegs please), and comments to:
The Rot Doctor, P.O. Box 30612, Seattle, WA 98113
Voice: 206.364.2155   Fax: 206.364.4744
E-Mail: drrot@rotdoctor.com

Subject: Recommending Product
Dec 9, 2009

Dear Sirs:

The trouble with testimonials is you never know if they’re legitimate of just written by an advertising department, but I have used your products for a number of years now and wanted to let you know how pleased I am with them. I have had a number of problems with both dry rot and termites, in part because I did not know I would have problems, and hence, did not do anything to prevent them.

Hind sight being twenty-twenty, I do wish I had used either your CPES or some other product to protect the wood against dry rot and termites. In a sense, I do believe termites are going to get through no matter what. Maybe not. Dry rot, though, is easily prevented if you treat the wood first. However, that is hind sight.

However, since I do have all this unprotected wood that continues getting these problems, I am grateful for your products. The CPES is a pricey way to go, but whenever I have damaged areas to be repaired, I make it a point to apply it before I use the Epoxy Filler. And I will say, too, that NONE of the areas I have treated with your products have had recurring damage. Unfortunately, I made something of a small city in my back yard, so there is quite a bit of wood that I inspect every Spring with my heart in throat.

As for the Fill-It™ Epoxy Filler, I have nothing but praise for this product. I am a cabinetmaker who made some very elaborate railings for some raised decks, and there are a lot of rounded areas and bull noses. I was a little sick when I saw the extent of termite damage the first time I used your filler for this purpose, but I must say it worked like a champ. I have had some major areas of damage and have been able to get every one of them looking the way they did before the damage. It sometimes takes a couple of days because of building up coats, but with a little patience and a sanding block it ends up looking just fine. And I am then confident that between the filler and the underlying CPES that the area of damage will not be damaged again. Unfortunately, that still leaves everything else! But such is life.

I would definitely recommend your product, which is why I took the time to write this.

Joseph F.

Subject: Thank You
June 24, 2009

I just wanted to say thank you very much for your unbelievably quick response to my questions. Your answers were very helpful. It is a rarity in this day and age to get customer service like that. Again thank you for your great customer service and the great products you offer.

Sincerely,
Don B.

Subject: Thanks
May 28, 2009

Greetings -- Thanks for your efforts in this order. As we discussed on the phone, one shipment is fine.

After we hung-up, I remembered I wanted to say that the problem areas I am dealing with now are not the same areas that I worked on with your products in 2003. Those appear to be in good shape still. I think you have a good product. I wish I didn’t need it, but it works great for difficult situations.

Thanks so much,
so long FTG

Subject: Thanks
May 18, 2009

Thanks for the quick response! Great customer service. I really like the website info and product sheets included with the shipments. Makes everything easy.

Best,
DT

Subject: Kudos
May 14, 2009

Good Afternoon
about three years ago I ordered some CEPS and some Uniflex 225* from you and have been very pleased.

We refinished our decks on a cold-molded 41-foot sailboat and after three Alaskan winters (and hard charter use all summer) the combination of CEPS and the Uniflex* is still perfect! I need to complete the cabin top and the cockpit sole and I really like the grip of using the rubber granules painted into the Uniflex*. Winch-handles just bounce off it when dropped, never a sign of any chipped paint!

Thanks!
Mike

* Since Uniflex 255 Aliphatic is no longer available, we suggest our ColorCoat Aliphatic instead.

Subject: Good Service
Apr 29, 2009

If your product is as good as your service, it is a wonderful world! Many thanks for getting our order out to us so quickly.

Dave

Subject: Thank you
Feb 09, 2009

I wanted to thank you for these products. I received them Friday as you indicated, and by Sunday my project was completed! My buyer came to inspect, loved the results and we are all set to close the sale of our home at the end of this month... I couldn’t have done it so well and so inexpensively without your help and the rest of the Dr. Rot team.

Very kind regards,
James

Subject: Wonderful Stuff!
Dec 4, 2008

I used your product a year ago when I remodelled an old porch. Your CPES allowed me to keep the original porch’s 25-year old cedar beams. Wonderful stuff!

Burt

Subject: Storm Windows
Nov 10, 2008

Just wanted to let you know I am extremely pleased with the CPES and epoxy filler I used on my rotting storm windows. I am confident they will withstand our cold winter and last for many years. The areas I treated are rock solid.
Thanks for an excellent product!

Carol

Subject: Thanks
Oct 14, 2008

Thanks again. By the way, my package arrived today. It looks like this weekend’s tasks are determined!

Thanks for all of your great help. I have never dealt with a company, here in Canada or in the USA, that gives such great service. Please pass this on to everyone there.

Joe

Subject: Kitchen underfloor rot
Jul 21, 2008

Thanks again for the fast reply, especially on Sunday. I appreciate all the advice, and you will be the first place I will recommend anyone who has a rot problem because I think that being there for your customers is just as important as the quality of your product. And you can quote me on that.

SG

Subject: 100 year old home
Jun 20, 2008

Hello,
I first used your CPES and fill it last Fall when I found a small rotted area on the porch of my 100 year old home. I had just had the entire porch replaced 2 years ago, so I was pretty upset. It not only worked like a charm: I can’t even tell where the spot was any more! Recently I discoverd a 3 inch area of rot on the end of one of the porch boards. I ordered the layup and laminate/sawdust for it, because I felt the area was too large to use the fill it. I patched it last night, and it looks absolutley wonderful! The alternative would have been to hire someone to take down a big column just to replace one board!

Your products are awesome. They are especially a “must have” for us old house owners who are always fighting the battle of the rot.

Cheryl

Subject: Saved Thousands of Dollars
Oct 19, 2007

My order came yesterday. Thank you very much. I saved thousands of dollars by treating rotten windows and window sills instead of replacing them.

Keith

Subject: Thanks
Oct 19, 2007

I have been using your product in restoring wood around the place for about 2 years..wish I had found you earlier. This summer I smoothed the tops of my 3 rail fence posts and treated it with your CPES. I then filled the few that were rotting and they are now shedding the rainwater instead of soaking it up. I just ordered another batch and am impressed with your service. Thanks for the quick turn around.

Jonathan

Subject: House Beams
Oct 06, 2007

Dr. Rot:
Over the past several weeks, I’ve repaired five 5.25 x 11 inch beams holding up the front eaves of our house. The house is 30 years old and being two stories, there has been little, if any, preventative maintenance to these beams where they stick out from under the eaves. The rot varied from fairly minor to two that we were afraid would have to be replaced. We received several estimates and after the shock wore off, we decided to look for alternatives. A subsequent web search turned up your company.

After reading about your products, we decided to take a chance and order CPES, epoxy filler and laminating/layup resin. I have to tell you: these products do exactly what you claim they will. I’ve used resins and fillers in the past, so for me, using these was pretty easy...other than the fact that I was working almost 25 feet from the ground.

The CPES is a phenomenal product that is easy to use and I was surprised at how well it stabilized the wood fibers. Depending on the depth of the repair, I used a combination of filler and resin. Once filled, they were easy to work. After being painted, you can’t tell that they ever had any rot.

Thanks for creating these great products. They saved us thousands of dollars. I’ve already recommended them to others and will certainly use them again.

Thanks again,
Steve

Subject: Recycling and Re-using
July 31, 2007

In this day and age of recycling and re-using, it only makes the best sense to use your products. Thank you for making this so much less an arduous task. I very much appreciate the opportunity to salvage wood that has so much more left to offer by using CPES and Fill-it. Well done.

Best regards,
Peter

Subject: RV Roof and Inside Wall Repair
May 2007

Dear Rot Doctor,
I thought I’d let you see how I repaired the rotten roof on my RV. You have a great product and a great company. Thanks for answering my questions on the phone and giving me the confidence to to tackle this project.

I’ve posted a link to these photos on rv.net, so a lot of people will be seeing them.

Thanks again,
Brian N.

To see Brian’s repair in our Customer Projects section go to:
http://www.rotdoctor.com/projects/rvrepair.html

Subject: Thanks
Jan 23, 2007

Doc,
I just had to write this letter to thank you for the excellent customer service and the superior products you endorse. This is the second project I have attempted, and I must say that the help you have given and the products you sell are by far the best and easiest to use.

My first project was a transom repair...rotten wood. Using the products you recommended, I successfully repaired it in half the time I figured it would take.

I wish everyone had the excellent customer service and products you do. once again, thank you for your quick response and fine service commitment.
Dave C.

Please feel free to use this e-mail.

Subject: Your Products Saved Me Money
Sep 12, 2006

I just want to say that you guys have saved me over $20,000. Using your CPES and Fill it, I was able to completely restore my very expensive windows and sills, which were severely rotted. I’m still in the process of restoration, but I know that your product will last indefinitely. As a matter of fact I just placed another order for more material to continue my restoration project.

Please feel free to use my experience as a reference for your outstanding products.

Thanks so much for making an outstanding product that I will recommend to everyone I know.

Joseph S.

Subject: 1960 Forester Tri-hull Fishing Boat
Sep 12, 2006

I have a 1960 fiberglass Forester tri-hull fishing boat. It is in very nice shape except for the transom. I purchased your CPES, L&L and epoxy for the project followed some of your customer’s tips and had it back in the water this past week. The process was a little slow at times but overall it turned out great. Thanks for all of the support!

Steve B.

Subject: Using the Product for Apx 5 Years
July 03, 2006

Best product on the market - need to email you some before/after photos of some repairs - esp. a window sash -been using the product for apx 5 years now - have had no failures on any repair - bonding to wood has been perfect and exceptional paint hold (I use Bullseye 123 as my primer over the Fill-It) thanks for saving me a grand at least!

Greg S.

March 06, 2006

Hello,

Thank you so much for the quick ship! I just got a new horse in and she needs a lot of it! She is drinking it up like crazy!? attached a picture of what she looks like and if not for you, she would continue to deteriorate until she turned to dust!

I always give credit when credit is due and you guys are by far the best that I have found! I look forward to trying more of your products in the future!

Thank you again!
Kendra

Subject: Thanks for Super Service
Oct 14, 2005

Just a note to say thanks for super service! My order got to you late on the 12th...it came today(14th). You can’t ask for better service.

Signed: Roger A.

Subject: 210 Year Old Farmhouse
Oct 05, 2005

Thanks for the reply. I have to say that your organization could give lessons on how to service the public. Everything has been exceptional, communication, website, follow-up on order, receipt of order, and most importantly, the amount and clarity of the literature/instructions.

My wife and I have a 210 yr. old farmhouse in central VT. There is a lot of sill and much of it could use some CPES. Will let you know how this first application goes.

Thanks again,
Steve W.

Subject: Spike’s Vickie Rann
May 6 2004

Dear Steve and Jim,
I would like to take this time to inform you how satisfied I am with your service. Seldom does one run across a company that takes so much pride in their organization. Your products reached my home in Alaska in record time, I highly recommend you to all my friends in the boating industry and anyone else that might be interested in your products. It is indeed refreshing to be able to talk you guys by just picking up the phone and calling.

Thanks again for your service,
Spike

June 10 2004

Steve or Jim,
I laid the first coat of elastuff 3 weeks ago. I got the bow with two coats but the deck in the back had to wait because of rain. With just one coat on, I took the boat out and we got into some rough water, the decks got wet but I could not find any leaks. I need to put one more coat on the deck. Can I wash the salt off the deck, dry and then paint the final coat on or do I have to rough sand it now that the three weeks have past? ALSO PLEASE SEND ME ANOTHER BATCH of the elastuff, it does such a good job I have decided to do my pilot house roof with it.

Cheers,
Spike

June 11 2004

The boat is pretty well done, as for the bulwarks I don’t have any work left. I did what you suggested and covered the new work with the cpes and then a coat of the easypoxy. I like the way the cpes firms up everything. I will be putting cpes on all new work that ties into the old stuff. I have taken pictures as I went along and can send some at a later date as they are home and I am up here on the north slope. I will be putting living quarters in the old fish hole, that is why I am so concerned about the deck not leaking.

I was in Victoria several years ago and saw a boat similar to mine, an old fishing boat that had been converted to a nice pleasure boat. When I saw that, I went hunting for and ended up with this boat. It has a long neat history about it.

An old sea captain who was sailing large commercial sailing vessels up and down the West coast of the U.S. in the first part of the 20th. century decided to retire and build himself a sailing boat to sail from Canada to the South Seas. With this thought he went to Vancouver Canada in 1937 and had the keel of our boat laid; it was to be a two-mast schooner and built to sail rough waters. The war got into full swing, money was tight and he could not pay for the boat. The boat yard would not let him have the boat with out him paying, so the boat sat under a large shed until 1947. That year two brothers purchased the boat and turned it into a fishing boat. They fished the boat for five years and started hating one another so bad they had to sell the boat. The boat was sold to Cliff Gease the individual we purchased it from. Cliff fished the boat for tuna 200 miles off the Oregon and California coast for many years.

In 2002 we went down to Portland, Oregon looking at a boat to buy that we had found on the internet. We didn’t like any of the boats so we traveled back up the coast looking in every harbor we came to hoping to find something that met our approval. On our last day we found a little harbor on Vancouver Island that had fishing boats tied up to the floats. The harbor master told us of Cliff’s boat. We met him working on his boat. He was ready to sell her for $10,000.00. We were the first people he talked to about the sale. Two weeks later I went back down to have a survey done and an agreement was made. A lot of work and time later is the boat you now see. There is still a lot of work left but it is coming along, we hope to have a nice boat for our cruising of the Alaskan waters by next year. We do enjoy all the fishing and beach combing it provides.

Spike

Subject: Porch Columns
August 17, 2004

I wanted you to know how pleased I am with the repair to several 6X6 turned porch columns, whose bases had been damaged by rot. The instructions for the use of the liquid epoxy and epoxy filler were clear and easily followed. I’ll admit that I struggled a bit while applying the filler because I did not use a polyethylene sheet and the material tended to cling to the spatula and pull away from the repair area. Nonetheless, I left it overfilled a bit and, after sanding with my random orbital sander, primer and paint, the repair is invisible. These are great products and I have recommended them to one of my partners whose home has damaged window sills. He will be ordering your products. Best wishes for continued success......

Cal J.

Subject: Transom Repair
July 15, 2004

Just an update..............
so far so good. Looks like I’m finally water tight. I finished the repairs to the transom and I’ve had the boat in the water at least 3 times. The final challenge is putting her in the river (Detroit River). Thank you so much for the time and knowledge that you’ve shared with me. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about how well the CPES™ and L&L™ resin would work. I’d have to say that all my doubts are gone. The kicker for me was when I took a small piece of wood from my firewood pile to make a custom washer to level the area around a bolt that holds the out drive to the transom. The piece of wood was fragile an dry. After I managed to shape it I decided to coat it with CPES™ to see if that would help it hold up to the stress that it would be under from the vibration and heat of being in the engine compartment. To my surprise it did. I keep checking on it to see if it has been damaged but it has not. Needless to say I was amazed and I am still amazed at the strength that small piece of dry wood had after the application of two coats of CPES™. As for how difficult it would be to apply them. All I had to do was follow the directions that were included. If I had any questions I just emailed you and an answers were there. I’m even starting to look for other projects around the house that I can use these products on. By using this stuff I’ve saved just over 2,000 (two thousand) dollars in repair costs. I still can’t believe it. I can’t say thank you enough. If you are ever in the Metro Detroit area look me up.

Thanks again.
p.s. I have an 83-84 Bayliner Capri I/O with an I-4 Volvo motor.

Subject: Bathroom Subfloor Repair
May 27, 2004

Used CPES™ to repair a bathroom subfloor that had rotted due to a leak from the toilet that the prior homeowner had let go. Worked like a charm and saved tons of bucks that would have otherwise been necessary for demolition and reconstruction. Thanks! Also used it on a white oak bowsprit that had a few cracks. Soaked it first and then added filler to fill the cracks. Now going to tackle the balsa core in my deck. Love your stuff.

Glenn

Subject: Log Home Repair
22nd June 2003

The CPES™ has worked great on the repairs to our log house. We were a little cautious at first having never used this product before. Being cautious, we underestimated how much it would take to cover the areas where we needed it for repairs and how much we would like the results we got. It has worked so well, we have decided to do the whole house with CPES™ to protect it. The soft wood where repairs were necessary has hardened up and we expect the Layup Resin mixed with sawdust to finish that job well.

Thanks for your quick response and your suggestions. The ideas you sent us via e-mail worked well.

Subject: Bayliner Transom Repair
21st June 2003

I have just finished a transom repair on a 1986 Bayliner Cuddy Cabin. It took about 8 hours. I was very pleased with CPES™ and the injection system. I was thrilled with your fill-it™ product. It did the trick.

Thanks
David W.

Subject: CPES Over Bare Wood Boat
2nd June 2003

Last year I bought a bunch of your products, CPES™, Layup & Laminating Epoxy Resin™, Fill-It Epoxy Filler™, and the Tropical Hardwood Epoxy Adhesive™. I have to say that after using the CPES™ and the Tropical Hardwood Epoxy Adhesive™ I am amazed at the quality of the products. The CPES™ has done wondrous things to my boat, things that I could have never imagined. I am also amazed at how much I was able to coat with the 2 gallon CPES™ set. What I’ve accomplished so far was to strip everything down to as bare wood as possible and then given it all a coating with CPES™. All and any wood that was wet, which I dried out, scraped off the rotted dry punky fibers from and then soaked with CPES™, now appears fresh and stable as does the rest of the interior planks, floor timbers, sidewalls/freeboards, etc., which have all been coated with CPES™ as well.

Lou

Subject: Lightning Class hull 9693 Bottom, Gunnels and Stern Repair

As you may recall I contacted you over 30 months ago asking for your help on how I should proceed in repairing the bottom, topside gunnels and stern of my Lightning Class hull 9693 built in 1960. You were kind of enough to review the pictures I e-mailed you and walk me through the steps and understanding of the applications of your various products. I followed your guidelines and 26 months later I launched Tringa on July 7th of this year. I sailed her a total of 42.5 hrs. I just put her on the trailer Nov. 10th after sitting on our buoy in front of our home located here on Vashon Island, WA. in Quartermaster Harbor, the entire time.

There were no failures of any of the repair work using your products, as well as no leaks of any type including the center board.

It was truly a wonderful experience to sail her without being concerned about my repairs and restoration. Thank you for all of your help.

Take care, Rick

Thought I’d drop you guys a line and show you a pic of my finally completed A Scow, Dreamer.

I did a complete frame up using your products (maybe some of you guys remember me over the past year or two). From copious amounts of Sealer, L & L Epoxy to fillers, your products and knowledge made the process go a lot easier.

The hull is Cedar on White Oak ribs, most of which were shot. I went with a laminate deck instead of the original cedar plank method. This has proven to be stronger, lighter and finished off the project nicely.

Given it is a scow, even the best restorations are short term. They rot like fiends on a good day and given the nature of the boats, they wear out quickly. Thanks to your help it may hold out a few more years before it needs it again!!

Thanks
Bill R.

Subject: Oak Door Restoration

We have repaired and restored our oak door and were able to rehang it this weekend where it belongs.

Our experience with your products were just as we had hoped, we’re very confident with the help of your formulations, our door will now last a very long time. Had we not met you on the internet, our door would now be clogging some landfill and we’d be out $975 for a replacement door that’s not as good.

Thanks for your initial time in answering my questions and for your follow up as we placed our order.

When I am no longer landlocked in the midwest and can once again have a boat, I shall certainly remember the advice and products of Dr. Rot. Who knows, we might even have the courage to buy a wood boat.

Stanton B.

Subject: Garage Door Trim and Bean Rot Repair

Dear Doc,
In case you are curious, this is why I needed your products this summer: I took off some rotting exterior trim over the front of my 2-car garage, only to find that my major STRUCTURAL laminated beam behind it had started to rot. I was in a panic over the thought of the time and expense of replacing it (I never got a professional estimate, but I imagine that the job could have been between $5,000 and $10,000). I spent $300 on your products and fixed it myself. Your web site was very educational and helped me to understand what was happening. The products work like a dream.

I’m now using CPES to prime any wood I put up on the exterior of my house. I’d rather prevent the rot now then wrestle with a huge project later on.

Rick

Subject: Rot Repair on a 1960 T&T

Dr. Rot
Enclosed are some pictures of the boat that I used your products to repair. The boat is a 14 foot 1960 T&T. I used C.P.E.S. under the keel, in the bilge, the bottom below the water line, on the transom, and on all the mahogany deck and windshield. I also used it to repair some rot on the last inch of the oak ribs. It really worked a miracle on the ribs, they are really solid now. I used the boat a lot this summer and it seems to be holding up real well. I plan on removing the floor boards this fall and inspecting the ribs to see how well the C.P.E.S. is holding up. The paint on the bottom is holding up well, I applied it directly over the C.P.E.S. without any primer. The varnish is also doing well.

Sincerely,
Roland M.

Subject: Deck Restoration

Doc:
I just had to write to say THANK YOU for your products and your assistance!! I’ve completed the project using your materials and guidance and I’m very pleased with the results. Other than a serious deck replacement that would have taken months and many $$’s I don’t know how the job could have been done to satisfaction without your products. I just couldn’t believe how much structural integrity was restored after the L&L Resin treatment. Thanks again. I’ll spread the good word about your products and service every chance I get.

Sincerely,
Gary M.

Subject: Cantilever Deck Joist Extensions

Dr. Rot,
I purchased a house in 1998 with a cantilever deck sitting atop 20 year old floor joist extensions. The joists were rotting and the estimate was $1500 just to anchor new extensions. I found your web site, ordered the products, followed the instructions, and repaired the deck for just over $400. Four years later the deck is as solid as the day I completed the repair. I flooded the joists with CPES and have seen no additional rot. The sections repaired with resin have remained solidly bonded. I recommend your products anytime I hear someone complain of a rot problem. It is good to see that you are still in business.

Tim T.

Subject: Teak Toerail/Handrail Project with CPES

Dear Doc:
I just finished the teak toerail/handrail project with CPES as sealer and Epifanes high gloss/no sand (3 coats) with wonderful results. I applied the first coat of varnish about 4 hours after the CPES as you recommended and it took perfectly. Anyway, these photos show just the difference after the first coat of varnish. The CPES and the varnish brought the teak to a color that matches the rest of the boat. I am very pleased with CPES and my dock neighbors all want to know about it.

Thanks again ... as the needs arise, I will be ordering more products from you. Great stuff-easy to work with, great results. Photos attached to this email.

Thank you again. Best regards,
Jay K.

Subject: Thanks

Dear Doc,
Thanks. I’ve been using your products for the past year and they are far superior to any other so-called wood rot fix or repair product on the market.

Allan T.

Subject: Thanks

Dr. Rot
I am well pleased with the results of the products that you sent me. Your suggestions on how to handle damage were most useful. I am finished with the repair and hope to never see another termite.

Thanks again!
Jim H.

Subject: Transom Rebuild on a 1974 Wellcraft

Dear Doc,
Last year, I rebuilt the transom on my 1974 Wellcraft using the advice from your site & your Layup & Laminating Epoxy. As I get down to the end of a great fishing season in the Northeast, I had to drop you a line & say thanks!!!!

When I first realized the extent of the rot in my transom, I felt like an idiot. I had just purchased the boat a few months earlier, & it was clear that it would not last. The repair went well (a little sloppy), and I added some layers of glass against the plywood inside the hull to prevent future damage.

After a full season of abuse, I can confidently declare the entire process a success. The boat is a 17 foot center console & I have been out in 3 to 4 foot seas. I pounded the hell out of it, and the repair took the abuse.

Thanks again for saving my boat.
Stephen B.

Subject: Window Wood Rot Repair

Great stuff! The wood I repaired last spring shows no signs of further rot or damage. Your product has allowed me to avoid replacing the 30+ windows in my house with moderate wood rot damage. Thanks.

Dear Doc,
Thanks so much. I used the resin and cloth and staggered it. It seems strong. I may go back tonight and fill it with the epoxy fill it. Also, I wanted to say that your product is easy to work with and well worth the price and the fact that you give great advice and are eager to help is worth hundreds more. You saved me approx. $500.00 on this project.

Thanks again.
Guy M.

Doc, I used your product over the weekend. WOW! it worked great. I am very impressed with this product! Thanks much for the great customer service too.

Joe A.

Doc
I am finished with my project. I managed to get the boat in the water on my self-imposed deadline date last Saturday at 7:30 pm. As the attached photos attest, the rot treatment project became quite involved, but the end result is near-perfection. The hard part was finding matching paint (long story). If I had to do it all over again, I would’ve removed the manifold & riser at the start of the project and I would’ve worked from the inboard side of the transom instead of outside. Doing so would’ve avoided the cosmetic issues of hole repair, and I would have more readily noticed the hole, which wasted about $60-$75 worth of L&L resin. In the end, I ended up removing and replacing the manifold & riser anyway. My "minor" project ended up including: rebuilt carb, new riser and manifold, rebuilt prop, new 3-rung telescoping ladder, new bimini top, newly-refurbished interior (replaced lots of trim and seat wood that had rotted), new rear seats, new fuel filters, new spark plugs, new fuel filler, new fuel hoses. It now runs strong and looks like new! I plan to install a CD/AM/FM and speakers this weekend. Thanks for all of your help and enjoy the photos. If you’d like larger versions of any of these, let me know - these are just the e-mail-able thumbnails.

Eric S.