dry stuff and testing electric
Given that the boat is fiberglass I would be surprized if the length of time out of the water has had any real negative effect on the boat itself. Our Capri 22 was out for several years before we got it and we had no problems there. The issues for me that would come up regarding its being in dry storage so long would be related to the conditions it was stored under and how that might have effected several things. Let me say that I am assuming that when it was stored it was stored with some thought to properly closing the boat up.First, I would check all of the rigging to make sure that it is still in good shape. Make sure that all fittings are solid, and look for fraying wire or line. If you don't mind spending a little extra, this may be a good time to go through the entire boat and replace all of the halyards and sheets with new ones. That way you know that you aren't going to be surprized by a failure of a line that has been sitting exposed to weather for years. Look for any rust and check all the cotter pins, etc.. We found it to be a good idea to replace all of the cotter pins, (half were not stainless when we got the boat) with new stainless ones.Second, Check the sails to be sure that they have not suffered from some sort of rot, etc., from being stored wet or damp, etc. In regard to the motor, I would not try to start it myself, but would figure that it is in good shape (subject to the seller paying to repair it if it isn't), and I would take it to my local outboard dealer and tell them what the story is and have them service it, and start it for you. That way any problems associated with lack of lubrication in the cylinders, etc. will be dealt with and you won't have any damage from it.On the electronics and wiring, you should be able to test those with a multimeter. A guy named Nigel Calder (sp?) wrote a great reference book on boat repair and maintenance, which I have found to be a wonderful resource for dealing with things like this. It runs about $40, but is well worth the price. It has directions on how to test things like the wiring in the mast, etc.I can't comment on the strength of motor you will need, but it sounds like absent any serious problems, you may have found a real good boat.Good luck....