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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JL8Jeff" data-source="post: 463515" data-attributes="member: 12995"><p>Definitely ask to see the motor run either in a barrel or with muffs but an on the water test to make sure it runs fine at speed is preferred.  I always offer a water test when selling and I had a motor act up one time and wouldn't run full throttle.  It took me a couple of days to figure out a linkage problem and then the guy came back for another water test and ended up buying the boat.  Check the battery to see how old it looks, see if there is a bilge pump set up already, see what the fuel tank setup looks like, check if it has working lights, ask about life preservers and pfd's if they're included, see if it has a fire extinquisher, etc.  If a seller starts making excuses about why he can't run it, assume there are problems and either walk away or if you're still interested and ready to deal with problems, shoot a low ball offer to let him know it's a big risk without it running.</p></blockquote><p></p>