Hello there Dave.

I received some feedback on the oil pan rusting issue. In fact, better
than that the potential buyer sent me some pictures taken by his surveyor
with a camera that was lowered down below the engines.

No question about it. They are toast. In fact, one has a big fiberglass
patch over a section of it and oil can be seen oozing out from behind the
patch. It obviously wasn't prepared properly. The other engine is not
patched, but the surveyor said it is well beyond the typical surface rust
that develops over time. It is ready to let go, in his opinion.

The survey report I had done last May says, "The engines, with exception of
the exhaust hoses running from the manifolds to the mufflers appear to be in
excellent condition and have been well maintained". No mention of
fiberglass patches on the oil pans. I had the referenced hoses replaced
before I picked up the boat.

So, replace the pans, I must before it is launched. Meanwhile the buyer
has decided to move on to find another boat, so this sale is dead. There
were some other typical and relatively minor issues of an older boat found
in the survey that wouldn't be a deal breaker, but they, combined with the
oil pans scared the buyer off, so to speak.

Lesson learned. A survey is highly desirable however the qualifications of
the surveyor needs to be verified. The one I had is a well established, well
known and recommended father/son operation out of Gloucester, MA. I thought
I had picked a good one. He was even recommended by the Haverhill, MA
harbormaster.

I also accept some of the responsibility. With all the boats I've owned,
old and new, and the knowledge and experiences I've gained (in addition to
$$$ spent) I should have investigated this boat more personally.

Oh well. No big deal. It can be fixed.

Eisboch