My wife & I are looking at a 1983 18' Mach 1 boat with a Mercruiser
488. Owner is asking $2000 for it, having paid $2500 a year ago. I'm
thinking this is a a pretty good price. He does not now have anything
to tow the boat with, and no time to go out. They did run the boat
last summer a few times. I've read there are some problems areas with
these motors that can be aggarvated with poor maintenance. (charging
system, voltage regulator), but if they are properly maintained they
are good, reliable motors.

I looked at the boat yesterday and he ran the engine for me, it started
right up, and ran well. I plan on going back in a few days for another
look. What areas around the engine should I pay special attention to
when I go back to look, to minimize the chance of buying big expensive
problems? This boat has more than likely spent it's entire life in
fresh water and never seen salt water. It does not appear to have been
kept in the water for long periods of time, but been covered/garaged
when out of the water.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I am rather mechanically
inclined, but don't know a whole lot about marine engines/outdrives.

Thanks,

Jon Davidson
clkmn1 at@ hotmail.com