Wow, what a bunch of "experience" talking here. Minnreefer- my wife said the same things and everyone around me said I was a fool and that it would cost too much and take too much time, etc. I started a complete refit of a Starwind 22 in November 2006 and just laid on the bottom coat yesterday. Yes, lots of work.... yes....a bit of money...but not bad if you pace yourself with what you really absolutley have to have at the time. I am not a master of anything and everything i did was pretty much for the first time. I too found that Don Casey's Sailboat MAintenence Manual, (which i now refer to as the Bible) was a great starting point....not to mention having the absolute support of SAILNET members who were so forgiving for me asking a zillion questions without checking the previous post..
Also, if you have NETFLIX, you can rent DVDs that demonstrate How-To projects. I found one that helped ease the fear of fiberglass. Obviously, make sure the thing is otherwise seaworthy...maybe even get a survey. Be prepared to be frustrated at times, (i had a FOR SALE sign on my workbench ready to go a few times when replacing bulkheads!!) In the end...funny how the ones who said I was a fool are now excited and asking to be there for the launch. AND, even my wife has come around and bought some nautical tea towels for the galley and is making new cushions. Besides being a very rewarding experience (towards the end), I find that I will become a better sailor because I know every single millimeter of that boat inside and out. I am behind you all the way...don't forget to post photos of your progress if you decide to jump.... best of luck.