I'm interested in a 1987 boat with an 18 horse FWC Yanmar engine which was
installed new in 1997. The engine (and installation) looks brand new. The
hitch (maybe, and that's why I'm asking) is that the hour meter only shows
180 hours, and I have no idea how those hours are distributed time-wise.

I'm concerned that only 180 hours in 7 years may mean that internal rust may
be a problem. The broker has suggested that an engine surveyer could do
a "2 hour" presale look, but I'm wondering how he'd know?

So my question is....how would you know? Good deal...or pass?
Norm B