Flushed?
I'm not sure you can check this easily, but some folks are very careful about flushing the system after each saltwater use, others are less methodical. Was the boat stored in water or on trailer/valet? For years, I remember hearing "Never touch a boat that's been in saltwater." Nowadays, materials are better and good maintenance programs make a lot of difference.
I agree with Woodsy that a survey is worth it. A surveyor with special accreditation in engines may be worth searching for. I paid $15 a foot last year for a guy with engine cert. Survey took about 6 hours including sea trial, and I paid the marina fee for haul out so we could inspect the bottom.
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