Hi,

I'm thinking of purchasing a '78 Glastron 17foot with a 165hp i/o
merccruiser. I am totally new to boats. This will be my first. The
boat hasn't been used in 3 years. Looks like it's been in california
for most of its life. The interior has seen better days, but mostly
just rips and tears in the vinyl seats. I know the biggest factor is
the engine. What should I look for? Cracks? Where? Also, doubt
these folks will let me 'test drive' considering the low price. Can
you startup the engine out of water?

Any buyers advice, to avoid buyers remorse, is welcome...
Thanks,
..n8

Hello.... The Mercruiser 165 I/O is a rugged beast of an engine. You
ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT start an I/O engine out of the water. You will fry the
water intake impeller in 0.2 seconds and then do further damage to the engine.

I would ask them to connect a garden hose flusher to the water intakes on the
sterndrive and start it up that way, so you can listen to the engine.

This is what the 165hp inline 6 looks like. This is my Dad's old 1975 Sea Star
17' trihull I/O.

http://members.aol.com/ammonc/165engine.jpg

Good luck!

Butch Ammon