First time to boating. What to look for when buying an old Mastercraft?

[brokenanew]

So tomorrow I'm driving an hour to look at a 1988 Mastercraft 190 tri-star. Has the 240 HP 351. Looks good in the picture. What do I need to look for so I don't get scammed. What do I look for in the hull, engine, etc?
He asking 6000$ Has 624 hours on it. I cant spend anymore than 6000$. This will be my first boat.
Any advice would be great! Thanks!

 

[blamtro]

If it has a ford engine, dont touch it. Go find something with mercruiser stern drive/ chevy 4.3 v6 or 5.7 v8.

 

[thumpar]

If it has a ford engine, dont touch it. Go find something with mercruiser stern drive/ chevy 4.3 v6 or 5.7 v8.

Mastercraft is a true inboard and a ford motor is normal in them. For water sports they are better than a sterndrive. A sterndrive is a good all around propulsion but it is dangerous to wakeskate with.

For looking at the boat, the structure would be the main thing to look for with that age. If the floors are soft at all then most likely everything under it is rotten too. With that price it better be 110% in good condition. It seems a little high to me.