So update to this thread.
I finely got hold of the guy with the boat and he says he knows the engine runs. He said that he put a lot of money in a rebuild about 30 hours before he parked it. I asked if he has started it and he says he won’t start it because the wet pump needs a new impeller. I did some research and he’s right. The net says replace the impeller about every 4 years whether you need it or not. They are famous for disintegration and sending bits all through the cooling system. I can see on utube it’s a bitch if that happens.
Back to the problem, he’s selling a boat that is a good price if it runs even if I have to replace the impeller. But it’s not a good price if I have to rebuild the engine. I have heard a lot of stories of fresh rebuilds throwing a rod after a short time, so his assertion “it ran great when parked” isn’t much help.
I still like the boat. Replacing the impeller is not hard depending on the access. Should I offer to replace it for free? (If he pays for the part)
I don’t think he will ever sell it like it is. So I don’t have to rush. But I have a couple other boats that are not as nice that are less expensive. (But they run) Money burning hole in my pocket.
One has a bad lower unit. This is easy to replace, but cost a grand just for the part. He obviously hit something bad. The boat still runs fine, but the housing is cracked and the internet says it has to be replaced. Should I think there’s something else wrong with it since it hit some so bad?
Another boat has a bad gamble bearing. Not too bad to replace, but the boat needs paint. Very good price.
It’s funny, there seems to be lots of good boats up in TN and KY for good prices. But a long drive to go look.