Hi all, I'm looking to buy my first boat. Found an 87 force 250 with a 454. Says it was serviced recently and had a new water pump and starter installed. Motor is rebuilt. Over all the boat is in good shape. Didn't see any bubbles in the hull. Big rip in the rear seat. Wood could use some oil things like that. 90 hours on the rebuilt 454. Didn't find any soft spots. Trailer is in great shape. It's a roadrunner. We but the boat in the water and it fired right up. Ran great for a bit then started cutting out before it died. I'm thinking fuel pump. My dad's 83 chriscraft just did the same thing. Anyways the guy said he'd take it in and get it fixed. He wants $6000 for it. I don't know much about these bajas. What other questions should I ask or what should I look for? Your help is appreciated. I'm looking to buy soon. Does the price sound right?

Some pics

It looks to be really clean for a 87 besides the rear bench. The wood entering the cuddy looks to be well cared for also. The cloth in the cuddy also in good shape? Like you said it felt solid. Just make sure the stringers are strong, floor is solid(not bouncy common in the force's) and transom. Besides the engine running strong.

Put it this way, 6 stacks dont buy much these days besides maybe a bayliner.....

How do I check the stingers? And yeah the cloth in the cuddy was way better than I expected. I didn't want a bottom liner lol

Stringers will be tricky getting to them. But the basic tap or knock on them test listening for dead or hallow spots should work. You should be able to access the back of the stringers at least in the engine compartment area.

If there is access holes in the cock pit open them up and look around under the floor with a flash light. See what you see.

Also check in and under the engine area for chunks of black/ dark colored wood. If you see wood it came from some where...

Thanks for the advice. I still have to go check out the boat again so I will see if I can get to the stringers. I've pretty much made up my mind to buy it so that's the only thing that would stop me.