I see tons of boat manufacturers that spend a lot of time sealing the stringers and transoms, then drill a hole for a drain plug and don't seal it.

IMO, that would not be a major factor in not buying it for me. I might pull the drain plug fitting out and do a bit more snooping, but thats as far as I would go.

If you do buy it, pull the fitting, let it dry for couple / three weeks. I usually point a small fan at the opening and leave it running. Afterwards, I resin seal the hole, then 5200 a new drain plug fitting in place.

I've seen people pull the whole fitting, and set up a halogen lamp about a foot away to dry the wet area. takes a few weeks. re-seal and you're good to go.

I still wouldn't pay more than 40K for it! Stan's boat looks better and better!!

Great advise-thanks.
In the theater that I am in, Stans boat is the benchmark and yes what a beauty.

I know I am pissing off the owner with all the concerns but it sure helps when i present my 'final answer'. Hopefully the price will be right so I too can enjoy some sweat equity and show off the final project to the judges-love the hunt.

Hope the weather warms up in north east for ya all-wishing for sun and a early spring. We are in the fog belt and can't see across the street been weeks now-tule fog bores me.

Understand that you're under no obligation to give the owner or broker any part of your survey. It's a common courtesy to provide them with a copy of the deficiencies but I would stay away from showing them the full survey.
As long as you want the boat and the appraised value is equal to or more than the negotiated purchase price you should be in good shape.

Yeah, I just don't like putting that kind of heat on my transom, nor do I like leaving halogen lamps on for weeks in my shop.. Damn rats can't sleep

Well, is the jury still out or did you step to the cashier's window and become a Cigarette owner? Take the plunge, bub.

Yeah, your keepin me is suspense as well

Jury is still deliberating...work gets in the way of total focus in on this deal.
I am satisfied with the Bullet in general, but the trailer needs work before the 2200 mile trip to nor cal and trying to work that into the deal-last few pennies are tough. Hoping to sell the magnum trailer to step up to a deal working on a aluminum rig-got the fingers crossed. I think my wife is starting to get sick of all the details I am trying to work out...ONe way or another this weekend the fat lady sings.
Thanks for the support guys-stay tuned.

THE JURY IS IN, I am taking the plunge w/ both feet and wallet.
If there are no kinks(so far it has been real smooth), I may be a owner when my money flows to Victor(owner) next week.
At this time I would like to extend my appreciation to all that has given a candid response on not only this vessel, but the entire process...it has been very educational.
One question I have is to Crazyhorse...
you made a comment on an earlier post that "Waterfoul... stated after it was done that at the time he wouldn't have thought it would ever float again". I was wondering why he would state that...is there something that I am or the surveyor is missing? If it is serious, I would like to know, good or bad. Surveyor gave the boat a clean bill of health with some minor dings and scrapes.
By-the-way, the surveyor process was awesome, professional and very informative. I just received all the survey hard copies, with pics, 2 cds and a 34 page narrative on factual findings-way cool data-even on the trailer-GREAT SUGGESTION GUYS...he is a SAMS member-class act, friendly, and very helpfull.
Stan;
you have an awesome 31, I am sorry we could not hook up sooner...I hope my impatience didn't cost me too much-your boat will be the benchmark for my new project.
The process is not over yet, still on pins and needles, GCBC in TX has been so far very professional and informative, I will give a final assessment when I see my boat/trailer and splash it with local water.
Again, many thanks to you all so far. Any changes, I will keep you all posted.
Now, off to buy some boat wax, and wait in the driveway for the transporter. That is after I do ALL the honeydue projects around the house which was part of the deal.

Stay tuned