I took a look at a 99 25 Outlaw, 540ci 600hp, it has an Imco shorty outdrive. Seller says 80 mph top speed. Does that sound about right, & how does this boat handle at that speed. It does not have external steering, definetly a concern, but seller says it handles perfect. First time I really looked at the inside of an Outlaw, they are a bit deeper than I had thought. He has it priced at 36,500, it does need some good ole TLC, but the boat appears to be in good condition. I do have a concern with the top of the outdrive having what looks like, Blisters around the edge of the top, is that a sign of possible overheating?
I took a few pics, I'll post some later when I get to my home computer. Just looking for a bit of input on if this may be a good deal to look into.

No hydraulic steering & the guy says it handles perfect? Right, sure it does.
Post up some pictures & we'll have a better idea on the other stuff.

That's what I thought, I'm sure at 80 it could prove to be a hand-full.
Here's a few pics.

Not sure what I did, but the pics didn't attach....
I'll try it again...

This is the pics of the outdrive & the blistering that bothers me....let me know what you think..

The boat does not look too bad.

That speed should be possible with 600 HP. I would have guessed between 75 and 80 MPH.

You definately want to have the engine checked out and do both a compression and a leak down test.

Worse case on the drive is a new XR for $7K.

However like Jason mentioned you are not safe at those speeds without hydraulic steering.

Check it out real good and offer him $30K.

I HAVE over 650hp ran out of prop at 6000rpm was hitting 83.2 in 2foot chop and it was a handfull with hyd steering because at the time I had a single add on set up. I had to counter steer the steering wheel to keep the boat straight fighting the chinewalk. you should get full steering with that boat its a must ,mine is a 24ft outlaw it has a smaller pad on the bottom the 25 is wider which may help on the chinewalk. with a 2'' shortie that boat should run 80 plus with a 28'' p bravo 1 prop . the shortie drive makes the boat fly more level off of waves too. thats a nice set up, but get duel full hdy steering, I am hoping for 85 this spring with my full steering and new prop. if the drive is chaulky looking it could be heat from long runs at high speeds before the drive shower or salt. check the drive oil. art

oh and get some real K PLANES FOR IT I have merc 380s there a lot nicer than the 280s I had, great for big water as long as you know your boat I have had mine18yrs this summer of 08

Yea, that boat is worthless for anything other than smooth water without hydraulic steering & k-planes.
That blistering just looks like the boat has a salt water home.
Get it surveyed by a reputable surveyor. That is the best money you will ever spend on a boat, reguardless of a purchase or not.

I do appreciate all the input...
I definetly would add the hyd steering first thing. It seems like a good deal for the money, as long as everything checks out. I have a few other boats I am considering, this one has definetly caught my attention.