Re: basics to you not to me!
Depending on the condition of the boat, engine, drive and trailer $3500 could be a steal or you could be getting hosed. We'd need to see pictures and know what the maintenance was like. Floor condition? Has it been sunk? I would say that priced at $3500 you should expect some issues and work to be done, but it should not be a money pit either. I would expect to spend a couple of grand to get her right depending on how much I could do myself, and if I did I wouldn't feel like I got a bad deal.
Here's a check list for a used boat that one of our most experienced members, Reel Poor, posted sometime back:
"Here is some advice I would give to anyone buying a boat.
□ What ever you do don?t buy any boat without a test drive.
□ Make sure the engine is cold and has not been previously warmed up. You will want to see how it cranks and runs after it has been sitting for an extended period.
□ Always check all fluid levels before test drive.
□ After the test drive ck all fluid levels again for color and consistency, looking for any water intrusion or fluid level changes.
□ Make sure bilge area is dry before and after test drive.
□ When test driving, don?t make a quick trip out and back, give it a real test drive. Put it thru the paces, run it hard, hit some waves, run it long enough to show up any problems.
□ Pay special attention to how solid the boat feels when you hit a wave, if it feels loose/shaky it may have structural problems.
□ Check closely for any soft flooring. Reach under the floors and try to dig your hands into any exposed wood.
□ Stop and restart the engine several times.
□ Make sure everything on the boat works, gauges, bilge pump, blowers, lights, wires are still in their looms, etc.
□ Make sure all thru hull fittings are tight, in good condition, and well sealed.
□ Make sure all deck hardware i.e. bow rails, cleats, tow eyes, windshield, seats, and etc. are solid on their mount.
Don?t just accept it. Don?t buy while you?re overly impressed. Take your time and look it over well."
Good luck!!