Thanks for the compliments. I paid 5000 and I feel it was a solid deal.
The good:
First owner apparently stored it in a boat house on a lift.
Seller was the second owner (he bought it 5 years ago) and he ran a boat repair business for 20- some odd years, specializing in fibreglass. So the hull is looking really sweet.
4 yrs ago seller replaced original OMC sterndrive with the mercruiser/ alpha 1. At this time he replaced transom (said it wasn't even rotten though) and the engine stringers. The engine he put in was used (unknown hours) and the outdrive was freshly rebuilt.
second owner only put 50 hrs on since doing the work
Has a great custom canvas with full sides and back
Trailer is in great shape all around
Has trim tabs, a kicker bracket, and a remote spot light on bow.
I love the seating and the layout. Perfect for my family, and for fishing trips with the guys.
The bad:
The bulkheads are rotted about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way from bottom up and the flotation foam around gas tank is soaked. I think the water got in from the leaky front hatch and also the screw holes in deck from aftermarket seats. The main stringers seem solid from what I can tell so far. Along side the gas tank could be a different story. I have started removing the wet foam, and boat is kept dry in an old barn now.
The cockpit drains go into the bilge, not self bailing.
I'd likely have taken an outboard model given the choice, but beggars can't be choosers.