Several Questions-shorelander and 80 Merc

[pkimman]

Hello--

Last year I purchased a 1980 Galaxy boat with a Shorelander (I believe) trailer. The trailer has a decent amount of rust on it and I would like to repaint it. I was just curious if anyone had any tips as to what type of paint and primer to use/how to get the rust off and if it will come right back/and what color to go with?

My second question involves the engine---its is a 1980 80 Horsepower Mercury. Last year it ran fairly well, but I had a few problems with it. One was after I had been starting it a lot in a day the starter wouldn't engage. The gear would spin but not engage. Does anyone know what this could be. The other main problem is that it is a very tough starter when cold. I finally just began to start it at home first with muffs to make sure it would go without the batter charger. Is this fixable with a tune up/new plugs/carburator adjustment, or is it just how the 1980 80 horse mercs are? Any advice on either would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks a lot,

Paul Kimman