[4arch]

As far as the bottom paint, I wouldn't necessarily see it as a bad omen. I've often seen people put it on in the fall at haul-out in anticipation of splashing earlier in the spring. Also, if I were selling I would think a fresh bottom job would appeal to a buyer and be one less thing they could use to nickle and dime me. When I was in the market, it seemed virtually nobody was willing to contribute a thing toward having the boat hauled, cleaned, painted, splashed, etc. so finding a seller who would is helpful.