I'm going to check out a 1989 16' Lowe 1600V with from what I can tell is a 1984 Mariner 60. Everything but the motor is in great condition. Side console, 40lb troller, fish finder, etc. Because of that, I've talked her down to $3000 without even seeing the boat in person.
Here's the issue: The owner is not the operator, and she's not real familiar with watercraft. Not that I am either. She just wants to get rid of it. It was a gift for her fiancé and things didn't work out.
Her main complaint is that the motor recently started slipping only when under load. Not on the trailer with the ears on.
Everything I can find says that's most likely the prop slipping, which is an easy fix. When I see her later today, I can get more info about gears grinding, does the shifter move when it happens, etc. A test ride is probably out of the question.
I talked to a guy she knows that worked on it, and he replaced some linkages, which did not fix the problem. He suggested replacing a bushing, and I think maybe he means the clutch plate. But he's a car guy, not a marine mechanic.
My questions: Should I walk away now? If not, what questions should I ask? If I go through with it and it's not a slipping prop, what kind of mess am I getting myself into?
I know I am violating several tenets of the boat buying thread, but this seems like a great opportunity. Thanks for the help.