Jason,
She is a good looking boat, looks very well kept, but you have to remember she is going on 18 years old. Since you don't have an experienced boater to accompany you for an inspection, I'll try to help you out on what to look for. I'm sure others will chime in as well.
1) Inspect the hull for any signs of cracking. I'm not talking about gel cracking, but cracks that have gotten down to the laminate. I doubt you'll find any, but a good first step.
2) Go around to the transom and look at the areas where the transom was cut to produce the engine mounting area. You might see some gel cracking at the junctions of the angled cuts. This would be normal. One thing I like to do here is tilt the motor all the way up, then push down on the skeg while observing the transom. See how much flex there is, if any. a small amount might be observed, but should be less than 3/16". Note how this action feels through your hands. Does it feel solid, or does it feel a bit mushy?
3) Climb up in the boat. Walk around the cockpit and see how it feels through your feet. Jump up and down in the areas where you think there might not be stringers, and see what it feels like. Now, remove all inspection plates and see what's behind them. Stick your arm in there and see what you can feel, and see what it feels like. Also note any accumulated water in between stringers or in any cavities.
4) Do a systems check. Make sure all electrical devices work. This includes lighting, pumps, gauges, switches, etc. Then do a "dry" test on the motor. Bump the starter with the shift lever in Neutral. Should turn over. Now, shift into forward and bump it again. Nothing should happen. Do the same with reverse. Now, press the "throttle only" button and shift into forward. Motor should turn over. Do the same with reverse. Then, with the shift lever in neutral, pull the stop lanyard and bump the starter. Nothing should happen. This sequence tests the integrity of the engine harness as to doing what it's supposed to do. If there are any issues, remember, the main accessory harness was installed at the same time, and could have issues as well.
5) If possible, sea trial her. This will give you the best overall idea about the boat and the motor.
6) If you have had a trailer, you know what to look for. Most importantly, ask him about the hubs, and when they were replaced last.
Hope this gives you some guidance. Let us all know how it goes.
