Hey guy's, my name is gene. I buy and sell boats,as well as work on them. Here are some of the methods that i use WHEN I am looking 2 buy a boat or engine. The first thing i ask, is Can i drive it on the water? If they are honest they wont mind. Can i do a compression test? Tell them u want to check and make sure the ignition system is fireing correctly. If you are looking @one they say they don't have the keys to. Tell them you have a remote harness to crank it with. If the person you are dealing with doesn't mind, chance,s are they are not trying to screw you. If they do have a problem with this,WALK AWAY!!!! Before I sell a boat I allway's lak e test them. If I have a problem I fix it and test again. All of the boats i sell are test drive before you buy. I hope this help's IF SOMEONE ASK'S ME ANY OF THESE QUESTION'S, THE ANSWER IS YES. One more thing-(Allway's act confident)- Your first impression will let the seller know where they stand with you. Hope this help's. Good luck.