1989 Saltare - My god Spock, what have I done???

[Okie Boarder]

1. Obviously, I'll be pulling the engine & trans. It was running fine but planning on rebuilding the carb (it looks nasty), upgrade to electronic distributor, new impeller, belts & hoses, riser gaskets (rust indicating leaks), & general detail & paint. Should I also remove the rudder & drive shaft & plan on new packing while I'm at it (there didn't appear to be any leaks)?

I would leave the rudder as long as it isn't leaking. I would pull the shaft though.

2. If the drive shaft goes, is it out the top or bottom (remove prop or coupling)

Like Salty said, you can go either way. I removed my prop and pulled the shaft out the top with the coupler still instact..

3. I have the same rudder and tiller arm as Okie. I know it was a PITA to get out, but never saw the details of how it finally came out. Any words of wisdom in hindsight, Okie? How is it sealed? Packing? - I don't see a zerk.

I haven't gotten mine out yet. I messed with it for a while and kinda gave up. Once I "need" to get it out I will. Mine leaks some, so I want to fix it before I put the boat completely back together. It looks like I may need to use some sort of puller. That seems to be the general concensus.

4. Besides measure, measure, measure - any hints on building the motor mounts back in the right location/dimensions? I was thinking of making cross section templates that span the keel where the mounts are.

Measure and make drawings. Use the old sections you cut out as a reference. I'm taking out and putting back one stringer at a time. Right now I'm working on the port side and the starboard side is still in. I've found I've gone over and measured there a few times already just to check a couple things I didn't really think to measure in the first place.

5. Will I need to fill/seal the old rubrail rivit & screw holes before rejoining the halves? Run a layer of glass tape on the edges?

Salty covered this. You'll re-use those when you put it back together and cover it with the rubrail.