The 98 wouldn't scare me as long as it's even but I would use it as a bargaining chip I my favor.

I think the 1992 still had the plain steel shift rod. I know the 225HP's did but not sure on the 250's.

Quick check on part numbers shows 61a-44120-21-00 for '92 and 61a-44120-22-00 for '94 so I would think it was steel.

If it hasn't been replaced already then check it out as best you can.

They started using the SS rods in 1994 in the saltwater series, Before that they are steel and if not replaced yet it will need it! Winch means removing the power head, which can be a hard job if its to corroded? I had one done on a new to me motor and the guy that I bought it from was a Marine Mech so he did it. BS had to do one and he did it with his father with out problems.
But it was 10 years ago for us and they were not as rotted as today's would be. Just look at it well but that might not be good enough, I was looking for it when I bought mine and saw nothing till it broke.

THERE used to be a guy on ebay that manufactered a 2 piece shift rod for yamaha ,, it did not require removing the power head and was a pretty easey fix

Yep. You can still get them, just do a internet search.