In a message dated 11/6/01 8:14:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, donedmunds@tbi.net writes: << about to buy a 34" 1979 Marine Trader. The best thing that can be said about her is that she needs a lot TLC. The current owner has done keeps the tanks full and has not had any water problems,HOWEVER the tanks are very elderly--(read old & rusty) I realize that should they start to leak the only way they will come out is in pieces. >> Hi Don, I went through this same process soon after I purchased my MT34 DC. As long as you are getting the boat for a price which reflects the condition here are some things to consider. Measure the hatches in the saloon floor and be sure you can fit the engine/transmission up and out the saloon door. Measure the tanks and make sure they will also fit out the saloon hatch and door. Each MT is different and your hatches might not be the same size as mine. You'll have to remove the lower helm wheel and the saloon door (easy) to get the best measurement. If you have to remove interior built in cabinetry it may be best to walk away. If you have the space, your local boat yard should be able to pull your engine, remove your tanks intact and have them duplicated by a local tank maker. A good experienced yard should be able to do this without damaging your interior. This will give you time to clean the bilge and paint the entire engine room. Installation is the reverse and you can fix any glaring "MT"isms. Also you have an excuse to replace all hoses and clamps, reroute wiring, do any engine/transmission/shaft work. Once everything is put back, you will have basically a new engine room under an old boat. It is up to you as to what you want to do with the rest of the boat. Everything on an MT is fixable. Just don't bother trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. When I did this project in 1993, it cost a little more than $7000 USD. The heavy aluminum tanks cost $1000 each and the original labor estimate was $4000. While the drivetrain was out I replaced the shaft, shaft log hose and re-stuffed the stuffing box, new transmission rear seal, motor mounts and some other little nits. I used the summer to repair water damage to the aft cabin. When all was done, I had lost a summer boating but gained a new boat. This doesn't sound like a bad project as long as you go in with your eyes wide open and keep a good grip on the finances. You need a good honest boatyard experienced in engine replacement. I've heard some amazing figures tossed about by yards and I get the impression they just don't want to do (or can't do) the work so they bid high. I've also heard some do-it-yourselfers do it for as low as $500. One conversation went like this: "First I went down to the scrap yard and got me some old sheet steel and started welding up". That is a bit too much for me. You'll have to decide how "hands on" you are. Consider resale value when you are contemplating this project. Can you get your money back out when you are finished? MTs don't have the resale of Grand Banks but they are stable at their level. You should know what MTs with new tanks are going for in your area and adjust your offering price to compensate. If you can't get a fair deal, walk away. There is always another leaky tanked trawler just around the corner. Al Johnson 34' Marine Trader "Angelina"