Having redone a couple Baja's and somewhat familiar with their techniques, I would bet that it has moisture or rot, especially at that age. Both times I had engines out I found bare spots on the stringers, the hole cutout for the drive was ALWAYS bare wood and the last project had some exposed wood where the transom drain tube/plug went thru the transom. Simple but really stupid manufacturing techniques or mistakes depending how you look at it...

Not saying you shouldnt buy it, but I am saying that you should pay what its worth assuming it has rot as a worst-case scenario.

You can’t effectively check the wood without drilling a hole. Unfortunately he’s probably not going to let you do that. I’m betting there’s gonna be some serious transom rot and you’re gonna have to replace a lot of stuff. buyer beware!

Should be able to unscrew some fasteners that are screwed into transom around lower half of transom assembly and drill a little bit farther to see what comes out, but as Keith said, I'd be very surprised if an original transom did not have rot

If you have any doubts whatsoever walk away and find another boat. You’ll be thankful you did. Good luck.

good wood should be 0-18%. Anything above 25% is wet. I would pass unless a new transom and stinger is priced into the purchase.

Moisture meter from Home Depot corresponded with "pin" marine moisture meter. Known bad parts of the transom were 20-26%. Spots away from bolts and fittings were 8-12%. New transom and stringers measured 1-4%.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-...-MM8/205519129

not sure I agree with the 1-4%. I put a moisture meter on a brand new donzi that has only been in the water a handful of times. And it was reading 10-13%.

Just pointing out what it shows. I know the before and after numbers.

Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to let this one go and find another. There doesn't appear to be any shortage of Baja's out there.