Here ya go skitzo, this is probably one of the best threads that I've ever seen on replacing stringers, the right way. and it has nice large very detailed pictures!!!!

And please, for the sake of your boat, DO NOT REPLACE THE STRINGERS ON THE TRAILER, or your hull will end up like mine, jacked all to hell, and riding very wet and slow!!!!!!! I wish I would have known about these sites before replacing a section of my center stringer, now I can't even find a flat spot on the bottom of my boat, and it is twisted, but I also have a jacked up trailer that is causing part of my problem.

If you do it on the trailer, you are removing all rigidity from the hull, and the trailer bunks will push the bottom in, and when you put the new stringers in, you will be permanently setting that form into the bottom of the hull. And that will seriously fuck things up!!! Take your time and do it right, or don't do it at all.

http://www.performanceboats.com/html/forums/showthread.php?t=4604&highlight=Stringers\

Good luck.

Mahogany, probably a little spendy.

Still unable to find FIR lumber in the state of Indiana, don't know what to do....anyone have any ideas?

Call Duane at Hi-Tech Performance. He is located next door in Missouri, and does business with several boat builders. He should be able to point you in the right direction. He is also a good source for boat/pump parts and info.

They would be fine for a starting point.  You should rebuild it to marine specs if you want it to last.  However, a used running motor MIGHT last a while if you take it easy on the RPM's; without being rebuilt.  It's a gamble and breaking down on the water is never fun.

Marine specs??

When an engine is built for a jet boat the piston to cylinder wall clearances are set higher than in a street engine, this is due to the fact that unlike a car engine, your pistons are going to get warmer than your block, that's why the extra clearance is needed.  That being said, a used engine normally has enough clearance in them simply from miles on the road.  I'd say you're fine with a BBC for $500 to get you on the water.  I had a boat that I put a junkyard 429 in, it ran great when I had it, still runs great with the new owner.