What do you think of this boat?

[bchaney]

Hey guys, been reading up here (excellent info, thanks to all the posters) and keeping an eye on craigslist for anything interesting. Was planning to wait until fall or winter to buy because I don't really plan to use a boat until next season (we've got a 1 month old baby who technically shouldn't ride in a boat until she's 18lbs according to the USCG). BUT something interesting popped up nearby on Saturday - an 18' Sylvan Sportster. I understand that this is the same/similar to the Starcraft Super Sport, so I'm hoping that you guys with all your wisdom and knowledge can help me find out more info about this here vessel so that I can make a more informed decision. I talked to Rob (Waterman) about it since he knows every piece of these boats (Thanks Rob!), but I want to see what others think as well.

I went to check it out last nite and here’s what I found:

• Solid floor, looks like some sort of dark colored plywood but not epoxied or painted or sealed up really well
• Solid transom, I pushed and pulled on the outboard pretty good and the it didn’t move
• No loose or missing rivets, no pitting or cracks or big dents in the hull
• 1985 Merc inline 6 90hp runs but middle carb leaked a bit while running
• Upholstery in pretty good shape, some fraying on seams of passenger seat
• New looking battery, didn’t see a date on it
• All the wiring looks pretty clean and everything worked except the horn
• Driver-side console is kinda loose and center windshield is out of alignment so it doesn’t latch
• Trailer looks clean, fresh paint and newer lights/wheels/tires but I didn’t look too close, has rollers underneath but a set of bunks outboard
• Has 2 extra seats, one on each side of the outboard well
• Some silicon caulk on the bottom of the transom on the outside
• Bow cushions thin and uncomfortable
• Aluminum fuel tank under the outboard well

Here’s what the owner said:

• He’s the third owner, his dad owned it from late 80s to 2016
• His dad put in a new floor, transom, seats and cushions (but kept the same color theme unfortunately) 3 years ago
• Mercury dealer replaced the stator and 2 ignition switches (not sure what he meant by this, I think of the key receptacle as the ignition switch, he’s gonna send me paperwork, said it was a $1200 bill)
• Boat sat in his dad’s garage in TX from 1991-2016, estimated 200hrs on motor maximum
• He left it uncovered in his driveway for the past 3 summers but covered in the winter
• Gets about a quart of water in it by the end of the day
• Freshwater use only

We’ve agreed to meet up Friday for a test drive so I have a little time to do some more research. I will try to get a compression tester before then and check the oil in the lower unit (is there a way to do this without draining it?). Will check out the trailer closer. Will check the bilge for water and see how the motor runs of course. Anything else I should look at or check during the test drive? How much do you think its worth?
From what I know so far, overall it seems like a solid boat, no major work needed immediately. It’s a shame that he left it uncovered for the past few summers and the upholstery colors are pretty ugly but those are my biggest complaints. I’ve read mixed things about the Merc – sounds like they can be temperamental. The '85 was a late production model so that’s good, but the 90hp seems to be a lower RPM grunt compared to the faster spinning 115hp (bigger intake ports I think).

All opinions welcome and thanks in advance for any help.