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I'm in the process of purchasing a 13' Whaler that has a 2005 4-stroke 40HP Honda on it. When talking to the owner he said that he uses it in brackish water and that he doesn't flush that often. I've always been under the impression that you should flush each time after using it in salt water.

I haven't bought it yet, so if there is an easy way to tell if I should run away, please let me know. He says that it runs great and I'll definitely verify that it runs smoothly before buying. I'm not sure how many hours on the the motor.

Should I walk away from this purchase?

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Not necessarily.

Most owners who slip/moor their boat in salt water flush a few times a season. It is not that practical to do.

It is the trailered boats and midsized boats at the marina who have water hoses at the slip that get flushed.

When you look at the boat, check the tell tale stream. I base my judgement on the overall condition of the boat. Are the through hulls in good shape? Is the boat clean? Are there signs of rust?

Keep in mind the engine is 17 years old.

Prices have fallen but many sellers are unaware. What year is the hull?

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It is a 1971 13' sport. It comes with a 2018 trailer. The hull isn't in perfect shape. He said that the gel coat is cracking but that there aren't any soft spots and that transom is solid. The seller is a college kid, so I'm sure it has been through the ringer over the last 5 years that he has had it. Most of the wood is there and the chrome pieces as well. He is letting it go for a good price though. We agreed on $3200.

I'm thinking that as long as the engine works that it is worth it. I can always refinish the wood and redo the gel coat in the future.

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Check the drain tubes.

If they are missing the O ring, damaged or missing, that is a big red flag.

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Thanks for the advice. I hadn't even thought about the drain holes. I watched a video or two just now to see how to replace them. I find it so cool how different manufacturers approach different problems. I have two other boats and I have replaced old plastic through hulls on those. Is there a recommended period that Boston Whaler recommends to replace them due to the rubber getting old? I imagine if these fail, then water gets into the hull and water-logs the foam?