To have or to have not Engine Hours

Jun 13, 2017
20
Islands 17 San Diego, Ca
I see some inboard engine sailboats for sale some as old as 45 years posting engine hours, for example, as 380 hrs only to find out that the owners really only did an engine service. This seems to me, to be polite, a bit disingenuous.
Yes, many inboards do have a hour counter but for those that do not you really are subject to service records and the sailors candor.
I've bought and sold several boats over the years; I've learned that those sellers most likely to evade information or answer questions about their inboards are hiding something. Since the value of an older sailboat with an inboard is greatly dependent on the condition of the inboard what suggestions might you advise?
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,068
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Since the value of an older sailboat with an inboard is greatly dependent on the condition of the inboard what suggestions might you advise?
Ask if they have maintenance records by date and engine hours. I have done so for the past 27 years on my boat.