Newbie 28 TE questions

[Norseman]

If survey and sea trial goes good next week, I could be a new owner.
Been doing basic Internet research on 28 TEs in general and found good info on stuff like engines, flush deck versus box, dinghy storage, bimini tops, etc.
A few questions:

1) how noisy/quiet are the box models with the Yanmar 315?
(The broker claimed really quiet, normal conversation in cockpit during cruise)
2) Autopilot installation: Plenty room back there, or tight? (Raymarine)
3) Plastic fuel tank? Issues or limited tank life?
4) Prop size and angle, is the factory prop good, or has some of you tweaked and fine tuned prop for better effiemcy?
5) Any rudder and steering maintenance problems?
6) Aluminum Fresh water tank, any corrosion issues over time. Is the inside of the tank accessible for cleaning and or coating?
7) Solar panels over aft Bimini top and big a batteries instead of gas or diesel generator? Has anybody done that?

Got plenty more questions, but the above just a start.

Thx

[carolmarie]

Yanmar is reasonably quiet (I have an engine box model).
No issues adding an auto pilot.
My water tank is plastic and fuel tank is aluminum. The opposite of yours. (????) No issues to report.
Factory prop was a nibril, four blade, LH 19x19; has run perfectly for 12 years.
No steering or rudder issues (12 years, so far).
Don.

[Norseman]

Thx Don.
Not sure what material the water tank is, but Looks like the fuel tank is plastic. Saw part of it in the stern under the aft hatch, red plastic.