My first boat was a 1974 Grampian 26....great
starter boat with lots of forgiveness. Go for it, you won't be disapointed. As for the survey, unless your insurance company demands one I would skip spending money for a boat of that price. Do you know a sailing buddy that would go look at it with you? A survey would cost you about 500 bucks, so it it makes you sleep better at night, then follow your gut. Let us know what you end up doing. Good luck.