[abl1111]

Stress,

I am in the process of re-doing a 1975 23' Tsunami. If there is water intrusion in that area - it is definitely worse than you think. Tap w/ a mallet on the hull for sound. See if you hear the difference - even a slight one. The transom is (2) pcs of 3/4" ply, laminated together. She'll rot so easy if water has been trapped in there.

If the owner would let you, and I doubt he will -see if you can drill w/ a very small diam. drill bit, from the inside, a few small holes, about 1.25" deep in different areas. Check the wood coming out of the drill. If it's moist SHIT, if not GREAT ! I found that my transom rotted from: the tubes draining the (2) ice boxes thru the transom, the U-bolt eyes, and the gimbal bracket.

A marine surveyor, while helping you find many things - I personally do not think that they can truly and accurately tell the level of moisture in a transom. Meter or not. This is just my opinion. And, if there is moisture in a hull, it has already or will rot the wood, unless you help it dry . i.e heat over the winter in a shed or something.

A transom job can be a real bear of a job, do-able, but a lot of work to do it yourself, or a lot of $ to have someone do it.

Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but I'd rather you be informed than get the @#$%^ end of the stick.

If everything checks out - then it sounds like you have a sweet deal and an awesome boat!!! Good luck!