How old is too old for a used motor boat?

Is a 21 year old boat too old to consider buying used?

The interior is replaced and body is fine, but don't know about the engine. Will the engine be too much cost to rebuild to be worth it?How old is too old for a used motor boat?
My boat is 31 years old, the motor is 32. The engine OEM and several aftermarket suppliers still support it with parts, and fiberglass is forever. I've redone 1/2 the interior, the other half is in good shape.



The weak spot in the hull is the transom. Transoms can be replaced but it's a *major* project which, for an old boat is not economically prudent unless you do it yourself. Any soft wood in the transom means it's a goner.



A 21 year old motor would probably be more economical to replace with, say, a 15 year old motor, than to rebuild unless you do it yourself.
Depends on how well the boat has been taken care of all of its life. I own a 1984 242 ls Formula and it is in better shape than most boats that are only 2 years old. It is immaculate from bow to stern.



I did have to replace the old 5.7 liter engine (MerCruiser) a few years ago because that got tired...



But it has some serious horsepower now, and it is well taken care of, and well worth the work if you have money to spend on something like that.How old is too old for a used motor boat?
Age is not as important as how well it has ben maintained.I would look for cracks in the hull,transom area for rot and cracks.Just look for any structural weakness.If it looks good buy it.As far as the engine.Make sure "hard parts" are still available before you make your final decision.
Most people down boats because of engine problems. Price that first.

Older engines can leave you stranded. Play the jaws music.How old is too old for a used motor boat?
My sailboat is a 1981, the 10 hp engine is 1984. I trust all systems with my life.