[sailnaway]

Sounds like that water may be wat the pump will not pickup. The boat may have a little water coming in around the shaft stuffing box and so you will always see a little but it should be an inch or less more is a sign that a little to much water is coming in. Haul the boat out befour you buy it and check the bottom. Ask the owner if the boat has any bottom damage watch the owners eyes and if the shift back and forth allot and his voice changes beware. Your normal bilge pump even if it has a check valve to stop backflow will leave a little water.Lift the float switch fith your fingers until the pump comes on then after a few seconds release it and you will see the water come back out the base of the pump.