---

Welcome to the board Jason.

Here is a thread of a project I am doing. My boat had the same issues the one you are considering does. I chose to regelcoat the boat but that process is very costly. The cracks you are describing are referred to as "crazing".

http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...ad_id=4340

If you look closely at this picture you will see what I am talking about

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/sraab928/1973%20Boston%20Whaler%2019%20Outrage/S6001172.jpg[/IMG]

As for the boat - are you sure its an 18? If so 70 doesn't sound like the right power for it. If the boat is for free and you are handy I would certainly go for it. The crazing is cosmetic. You could use as is.