Welcome to the forum!

Spoongy floor = ROTTEN! If you havent read this yet, take a look, its a good read - https://www.hydrostreamforums.com/the-core-what-is-it-and-where-it-is

I would go into it just knowing it rotten. Not saying it would happen but I'd hate to see something happen during a test drive. Maybe just back it in, test run the motor, check the compression. If it all checks out, then you're good to go. But price it expecting to a full rebuild. I'd hat to see a guy spend $6k or something on a rotten boat. If the gel is super nice, it will fetch more money of course, and really, its all what your willing to pay.

Good luck and post pictures!!!!

Hi guys, 1st off thx for the add to the forum. Now, I had a Vector around 40 years ago (never should have let her go, but hey...) and now Im looking at a 1979 Viper with a 200hp Black Max. Im sure it will need the full redo, but how do I know if its safe to do a sea trail? Or do I just shift gears a few times, and throttle up easy to mid-throttle? I know that the 200 is over the HP rating for this hull. The pad seems solid, the floor is a bit spongy, the deck seems solid and I couldnt really get a good look at the transom but a knock test sounded ok (like thats a valid test LOL). Any and all infor/advice/warnings are greatly appreciated. TIA...