possibly buying a boat that hasn't been out in a year

[momule]

If you're mechanical do the refresh yourself but...I'm about half mechanical and I would never buy a boat like that without taking it to a certiied mechanic for an estimate of work needed. You will absolutely need work done if you want to have a successful first, second etc trip out on the water. I would let the mechanic replace the gas (he'll also be able to stick a camera in the tank to make sure there aren't problems there), you will need to replace, as has been said, all rubber parts that the fuel has sat on for the last year, the carb will need to be taken out and rebuilt in order to make sure that all gas passages are clean, new water pump impeller, new fuel lines and filter, and yes, the compression test to make sure your valves and rings are good. If you don't do this completely the chances are pretty much 100% that your motor will not run properly or at all when you take it out.

You should also have the mechanic look at the other systems in the boat such as electrical, bilge pump and ventilation, transom in good condition. On boats small things add up quickly. These comments and those of others are no reflection of your ability to buy a boat but rather words of wisdom from people who've been there. done that. Good luck !!!