lkttu, I was just like you about 6 weeks ago (shopping for a used boat) and i'm going thru a nightmare right now (
http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2611167/78_evinrude_flooding_problem and
http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2645587/more_engine_problems)
please please please do not make the mistake i did... insist upon a few basic things when purchasing a used boat:
---a written contract is an absolute must, spelling out all basic terms, description of boat/engine, quality of both, past history, warranty (simple stuff like "runs great"), and signatures of both parties---you and seller!
---a valid title and registration for both the boat and the outboard engine (seller cannot sell what is not in his name! trust me, i've just gone thru this!!!)
---test the boat out on the water; yes, that's exactly what i said. test the freakin boat on the water--not in the seller's driveway by starting it up for a few seconds and thinking "gee gollay, it does start!". INSIST that the owner take you out to the lake to DEMONSTRATE that the boat runs and runs the way he or she describes (excellent? hard to start? a little rough at top speed? etc). if they do not want to do this, do not buy the boat. here, i'll type it for you one more time: if they do not want to do this, do not buy their boat, please
---if the seller makes any kind of claim about the boat ("runs great" or "hard to start" or "excellent condition" or "runs like a champ"), put that in writing in the contract and have the seller sign it
IF YOU DO NOT DO THESE THINGS, YOU WILL END UP LIKE ME, SPENDING HUNDREDS ON A BOAT I WAS TOLD "RAN LIKE A CHAMP", SPENDING HUNDREDS ON REPAIRS WHICH DOESN'T FIX THE BOAT, BEING FORCED TO LOG ONTO TFF.COM AND FIND ADVICE FOR TEMPORARY FIXES, BEING FORCED TO HAUL MY SELLER INTO SMALL CLAIMS COURT, AND SO ON AND SO ON. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS OR DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN HERE, PLEASE SEND ME A PRIVATE MESSAGE. I WILL BE GLAD TO BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANYONE ELSE GO THRU WHAT I'M GOING THRU RIGHT NOW. GOOD LUCK.