Rob,
A couple of things bother me on this one. The biggest is that I sense you have some reservations regarding the work that was done. Trust your gut instinct. That's the hardest one to overcome, and you don't have to. There are plenty of good planes out there.
The new paint and engine overhaul may just be lipstick on a hog. The fact that it has been submerged, you didn't indicated if freshwater or saltwater, is enough for me to pass...ESPECIALLY at 30 grand. It's like marrying an ex-prostitute... you've gotta be able to live with her past...
Personally, I'd pass. I don't care what the engine times are or how new the paint is. Leave her set right where she is. And, man, I'm glad you asked here first.
Even if you were the owner soliciting advice on selling this one, the response would be the same.
One point, though. Just because the non A&P owner worked on it and had the work signed off doesn't bother me, as long as the work was performed correctly. There are wonderful mechanics/craftsmen out there who are not certificated, but can work circles around most A&Ps. My concern with that is that there may be work performed by the owner that wasn't documented...if it's not documented, it doesn't need to be signed off...get my drift...
Welcome to the forum, Rob. I hope your first plane is much nicer than this one. At least if it's got an older engine and paint, at least hopefully it hasn't been swimming.
Go Around on this one!
