Used boat help

[Jefferson]

Went and kinda checked out a boat today. Craigslist, near my house, only looked 10 min or so. To cold out for the guy. Need opinion. 2005 Lowe 170. Was his fathers(inherited). A tree fell across it up north and slightly damaged the hull. He knocked it out almost smooth and added some rivets. Didn't get to see inside, tarp covered in snow. Paint cracked a little. Didn't look to horrible from my no boat having eyes. 2005 50hp mercury says only 20hrs. He wants $4000. My no boat having brain says hell of a deal, but I'm clueless on price of possible repair work. It looks like it just caved in on one side a little bit and was knocked back out. Any feedback would be great. I realize the rest of the boat needs to get checked out, this was just the focus of today.

[Jefferson]

Actually a 2004 165S.

[Bloomer]

Find out if it floats first. Little tough right now, I would never buy a used boat without seeing it on the water.

[Kal-Kevin]

I agree with Bloomer never buy unless it hits the water, a friend got  one a few years back it show no wholes but when he took it out it leaked bad. I would tell him if he does not want to wait till the lakes open up you want to take it to a boat dealer to have them check it out. The big thing with buying a boat is the motor really, a whole can be welded or patch up but the motor will cost real money if it does not work right.

[BIGSHOW]

Also you don't know if it was winterized since he inherited it. Id definately have a tech check it out. that new of a motor should be able to get a computer readout.