Personally, if I was in the market for an older boat, I would stick with the big 4 or 5 manufacturers. Skeeter, Ranger, Basscat, Champion, etc....these are proven boats in the long haul and parts should be pretty available. But, like others, motor condition and general maintenance will be vital areas also.

With any boat the first thing I do is grab the motor at the lower unit and shake the motor side to side and up and down. Watch the transom and if you see any movement at all it's "thanks but no thanks" and walk away. Look under it and look for any cracks, damage or repairs. Then get a compression check, preferably of the "leak down" variety on the motor. Test drive it and test all electrical equipment while on the water. When you get back to the ramp pull the plug and see if any water runs out. If it passes all this it should be OK.....There are more things you can do but these are the basics and will keep you from getting burned in most cases.