Thanks for the input Kolive. I am going to scour the net for ideas and pics about what and how to improve the look and utility of this unpolished diamond. For example, the walls of the aft cabin are that rough inside-of-fibreglass, and there must be a simple economical solution to cozy-ing that space up. Also - the Admiral is a seriously good cook, and I will want to win her over with an excellent stove/cooler sitch.
The PO installed a nice swim platform, new VFR/GPS and depth sounder.
As for repowering, ya but ya but. Hoping to revive the 36HP Volvo, it sips fuel and is actually in the boat.
I don't have the kind of aptitude that is comfortable hunting down a Rabbit diesel for parts . . . I gave one away in the 80s that stalled out in the street for the 5th time. Electrical.