[OMC-Boats] Looking at a 68 lower pump not working how hard to fix?

So I am looking at a 68 sportsman.

I had a friend go take a look and see what she looked like.

Results were mixed the hull looks to be in good shape( a few deep
scratches between the port and center V and a few minor things) and
the interior looks to be in excellent shape for her age, seats intact,
original upholstery trim looks good and the floor is solid. (this is
a big deal to me after the nightmare I found in the floor of the 69 I
got for a song.)

The bad:
The seller advertised her to be a runner and told me he had her on the
lake weeks ago. I was thinking OK this is great, I am sure there are
some issues going to be found, but after the tasks I am looking at on
the 69 resto a runner for the cost of what I was looking at for the
cost of the 69' floor resto and engine rebuild.

So what happened well while cranking her for the test drive she would
not run except at about 2K rpm. (owner said he had left gas in the
tank over the winter and mixed it 50/50 with new gas) So carb is
gummed up.

So after about 10 sec the hose melted from the exhaust manifold to the
intermediate housing. (sigh no water coming into the engine) Owner
feels it is "Just the water pump in the lower unit". So a regular
pump I can do no worries take a few $100 of the asking price every one
is happy. Now lower water pump that is more of an issue.

Based on the test drive or lack of a test drive and the 1200mile trip
with new tires needed on the trailer. I am at a fork in the road.

here are the photos http://imgur.com/a/fcI5n

Lin
Received on Saturday, 15 June 2013