I have a long term goal of doing the Great Loop sometime in the next 10 years. Or another long trip on a smaller live-aboard of trailerable size. I realize that is a debatable proposition, but I'm years out from looking at any boats of that sort.

I don't have any boating experience, other than a few hours on a pontoon boat.

Would it be a good idea to get a cheap older fish & ski type family boat to start getting time on the water, and entry level boat maintenance and motors? I want somethimg small enough to work on in my garage.

I came across a 17' Ozark 174 fiberglass 'fish & ski' that seems pretty solid in pics, and mechanically + electronically simple. With a trailer I think I can get it for under $3000. In pics the fiberglass, carpet, and seats look to be in pretty good shape.

If I go look at it, what should I be looking at that might not be obvious?

EXACTLY what I needed, thank you!