Buying advice needed!

[Marscott]

We've been looking at a 4100 SCA and found one that is a private sale. Owner has had it for 8 years and has the marina winterize it and does all the oil changes, etc. A survey was done 3 years ago for insurance update. He is selling it "as is" due it time of year and demand (looks like everyone is buying homes and boats due to covid!). Doesn't want to tie up the boat or deal with haul out and waiting for a buyer to get an available surveyor and he has survey from 3 yrs ago (for insurance).

the boat is a 2000 yet it is crazy clean- we have never seen a boat 20 yrs old that looks this good and we've looked at 13 boats so far.

Engines are gas (7.4 Mercruisers MPI's) with 980 hours (so extra maintenance needed soon). Would have preferred diesel for this size.

Survey from 3 years ago listed moisture as being between 11-15 in most areas with bottom of the V being 19 and the transom having a few areas that were between 17-19. Owner has disclosed that bottom needs new anti-fouling. If a boat is pulled out each season for winter could this number be higher now in 2020? He claims there is no blistering or osmosis but we can't verify. There was also water in the bilge, maybe an inch in the lowest point.

Boat is in water so no way of seeing the bottom ourselves.

Owner has disclosed batteries will likely need to be changed next year. Also that the boat vibrates when engine speed reaches 2800-3000 RPM but stops vibrating above that (and no vibrating below that). He took us for a test drive but pointed this out before we went to view it. He thinks the vibrating is due a slightly bent shaft or unbalanced propellers due to haul last year done by the marina too late in the season.

So, are we being stupid considering a boat that is "as is"? Not wanting to move on from this one, expect some work but don't want a disaster on our hands. While we know it's "buyer beware" opinions would be greatly appreciated!