pre purchase inspection

[kylant]

Looking at a 1998 Ski Nautique 196. Boat has 874 hours on the GT-40. It is in pretty good condition, with expected wear for its age. What specifically should I look at? I talked to the dealer who last worked on it, and they said everything checked out. (taken with a grain of salt). The owner said everything is good to his knowledge, admits he is not very mechanical. The local Nautique dealer can't get it in for a few weeks to do a pre-purchase inspection. I am familiar with the Gt-40, but don't want to get into a big mess.
thoughts?
thanks

[NautiqueJeff]

That era of boat, and the GT-40, are pretty stout. As long as the engine is in good shape, the biggest expenses will be upholstery, gelcoat, and transmission. Check those things out carefully. The 40-a transmission no longer has parts available, so if there are issues, it will need to be replaced with an 80-a and those are about $5,000 just for the part. I love 1998 Ski Nautiques, and have owned numerous examples, including the 1998 SNOB I currently own.

[kylant]

thanks Jeff,
the engine and transmission were my first thoughts. i would like to have a compression test done, but don't think that is going to happen. next is the ECM, but it seems like there are options now.
I am loosely aquainted with the owner. He is a well known, respected person in the community. so there's that.
roughly, what would an engine rebuild run?