Am I Crazy? '89 220 BR 454 Magnum

[HiSport]

Came across an old Cobalt 220 with big block mercruiser (365HP Bravo 1?).

Looks like average to good condition, but I'm very wary of old boats with wooden transom, stringers, deck, etc. How common are rot problems with these old Cobalts? This one appears to be outdoor-stored fresh water trailer boat usage, which is what I would plan to continue.
I've had a number of boats over the years (eg, Grady, Carolina, Bayliner, plus sailboats, etc) and don't mind mechanical and cosmetic work, but don't want to deal with transom or stringer rot.
Looking for a comfortable, reliable, fairly quiet lake boat for day use; 1 - 4 passengers. Like i/o V8 inboards, for some reason. Would never consider an old Bayliner or other cheap runabout for restoration, but might with a good Cobalt. Is this one a candidate?

[jhnmdahl]

An '89 is both old enough to have issues if wood stringers got wet, etc., but simple enough to work on if that's your thing. I don't think I'd buy it without knowing the condition of the transom and stringers - maybe the seller will allow a boat survey or a local dealer to go through it first? Spending a few hundred bucks now to know what you're getting into seems prudent, even if the survey comes back saying it's in great shape.

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us hisport. Totally agree with John’s assessment. I think I would get a survey done if you’re looking at something that may have stringer damage. That can get pretty involved if there are issues
….and welcome aboard mate.