Urgent rust question

[SUNB15]

I was looking at a boat thats been used in saltwater (10+ yrs old) and both engines have rust in same location as in attachment. Coming from having 2 outboards in the past that were completely rust free despite old age im wondering whether this is normal or something has happened- like an anode not being present etc. Otherwise can someone explain why the rest of the painted metal isnt rusted looks like same paint and id figure closer to water gets more wet this just looks like an area that would get splashed. Then again its where all the weight of the motor attaches so i dont want to just disregard it. It looks like it could be sanded down and painted maybe with something like POR15 any advice or would i be asking for trouble buying this one? Theyre offshore series 150s under cover look brand new no rust.

[SUNB15]

anybodeee?

[SUNB15]

No one with Merc outboards can tell if this is normal for a 1996 and should just be painted over or a more serious issue?

[blue90HP50]

Sir: My 2 cents, I'm not expert on much of anything, but rusted part looks like cast ductile iron that has high steel content. If so, as it is, it will outlast the motor. Buy motor decision should be on other factors. If you buy, then have parts soda blasted or other clean-up, prime and paint. Just my humble 2 cents opinion. I welcome other views as well.
Blue

[SUNB15]

Thanks very much blue, i agree that fixing it and making whats accessible look like new is doable doesnt look that deep, im just surprised to see it and wondering how it came about as ive had 3 outboards and neither exhibited this sort of thing on both motors on same boat. My only other worry since i can only fix up what i can see is the condition of the cylinder on which motors rotate sideways, and im hoping that due to lubrication is much better preserved.
Thanks again for taking time out to reply