"Swede" wrote
being a newcomer to boats I really have
no idea of what to look for in a used boat

I didn't either. The story of my boat purchase and subsequent ownership is
he http://members.citynet.net/blizzard/boat/index.htm (I haven't updated
it since autumn. I have lots of stuff to add but need to find some time.)
Please feel free to learn from my mistakes. For example, don't have the
survey done when you're not present, by an unknown friend of the seller, who
might overlook items like checking to see if the engine runs. Also you might
want to avoid taking Alvin Phillips' advice on where to buy trailer tires in
Ripley, WV at night, if that issue should arise.