Greetings,

I just put a deposit on a 2001, 13' Boston Whaler Sport with a 40HP
Mercury 2-stroke outboard. The boat and motor are in near flawless
condition aesthetically, and even under the motor cowling looks near
new.

The boat seems to have had very little use, but I want to make sure I
don't get into trouble with the engine. I've asked the dealer to do a
compression check, and pressure test the lower unit. Is there
anything else I should be concerned with? Any idiosyncracies with
this particular engine?

I've been told that the 40HP Merc. had been around for years, and is
pretty much bulletproof. Aside from it going under water, being run
out of oil, or water in the lower unit, I can't think of anything else
to be concerned with.

Will a compression test uncover any major mechanical issues?

Problem is, in my 30 years of boating, I've never owned a boat with an
outboard motor, so I'm quite wet behind the ears.

Any advice would be most appreciated...........