Thanks everyone. A Lancer 'ey? Columbia Yachts sounds like a good boat. When I checked the transom, there were two chain plates, and one was bisecting the HIN. I'll take another look, but, well, ...
I dare not go too near because when I get too close to a boat for sale it comes home with me. It always starts the same way, "just have a look." But then I find a way to rationalize inquiring about the price, "for a friend." Then I start saying things like, "the price is really low", followed by, "hey - he said he'll take <price-x>, and I can just fix that!" Now I'm in a world of pure imagination, where everything is possible. It's like a f***n Willy Wonka movie! It's an unstoppable force and little by little every thought is consumed by it, and now I'm fighting off all opposing opinions until dammit, I'm writing a check! God help me.
This is the boat owner's forum, right?
Is there a section for boat-a-holics?
"...my name is G. It's been 6 weeks since I bought my last boat..."