[reelapeelin]

Jeff ... one thing you can do is take pictures of it and post them here for us to look at and tell ya what we think ... yes, it DOES sound like a V-20 center console...as far as checking the transom, tilt the motor all the way up and slowly apply your weight to the lower-unit...if the owner freaks and you hear lots of cracking noises, go find another boat...however, if no noise and feels and SOUNDS solid under this pressure, then you probably got a good tranny...

Also, get compression test done on motor and check oil in lower-unit for excessive metal shavings and / or water (if milky-brown, that's water ... walk around all over the floor and feel for soft spots, particularly around hatch-lids ... run it in the water (sea-trial) and turn every dial, flip every switch for what works/what doesn't ... good luck and show us what yer lookin' at ;) ...