What does anyone recommend to remove old paint varnish etc when you have no idea what it is that is on the boat. I need to remove the old paint to see if the hull is worth rescuing.

Who would you recommend to do some wood work, like redecking and repairing gunwhales and stem but are not too expensive, my carpentry skills are basic at the best. Would it be worthwhile whilst deck is off to arrange for new lower tank and support for Deck stepping.

Refer to Gary Rucklidge!

A hot air gun and a sharp scraper - both used carefully so that you do not either scorch nor leave scratches.

Thanks thats what Alan Jackson also suggested

I use a cheapo gun from Argos - not too vicious.  Remember to work quickly.  I find that once the chisel gets hot then the paint doesnt have to be blistering as the hot steel does the trick so you don't get the scorching.  It is amazing how you think you have a superb clean boat afterwards but the first coat of varnish and there are scorch marks appearing everywhere.  The guy who had Secret Water before me had used a gun and that was the case as I had used Nitromors only.  Chris Barlow gave me a tip with Nitromors - put it on as per instructions and then once it is all well softened take it off with a power washer - really cleans it up.