Looking at Other Boats
Karen, you are going to have a similar "problem" no matter what boat you look at. Chances are you are not going to find a boat that is in perfect condition, and if you do, you will pay a premium price for it.The O'Day 25 you're looking at, from what the pictures show, is not in a "run away from it" condition. However, it needs a survey to say for sure. Keep in mind, the Hunter you're looking at does as well. The bottom line is that with boats, the issues that may need work can be hidden from folks that don't know what to look for, and can quickly exceed the value of the boat.Pictures aren't good enough. We can't hear the thunk of a small hammer against the deck or bulkhead, or feel the deck give way (or not give way) when we walk on it, or feel the motor shaking because of a bad cutlass bearing, etc etc.None of the issues above are "deal killers", even if you had ALL of them, depending on how bad they are. On the other hand, any ONE problem can be excuse to walk away, if it's bad enough.Seriously, the best advice you're getting is to ask questions like you have to narrow down the list of boats you want, and then have a surveyor look at it.