ColdOne

Welcome to the forum, great story.

Might try Joe at Cecil marine or an upholstery shop

Bad ground?

I went with Boat buckle Tie downs and love them

I would change your drive oil every couple of years.

+1

Is it a Volvo or a Merc? My understanding is a torn bellows in a Merc can sink the boat, not so on a Volvo. I'm sure people will chime in if that is not true .....

On mine access is from underneath. So I lay on the floor with my feet on the helm seat that gives me access to the switches. Then all you have to do is remove 2 -4 nuts and the switch panel will come out from the front.

I had a 276 SSX (now a 297SSX I believe) on Lake Ontario and it was fine. Although never did anything bigger than 3 footers. I would think the 347 would do better .... but remember it is a open bow can take water in over the bow.

+1

Define normal

I would seek out a local canvass guy.

I would find a local canvass shop to make one custom for your boat.

My arch was rated at 1000#