Sorry I missed this thread. There’s actually quite a few Manatee owners on this Forum, but like me, probably not monitoring much over the Holidays.
To begin with, don’t buy a Manatee without knowing what condition the bottom is in. These are fully cored hulls and when neglected, can become expensive fixes. These boats maintain their value if cared for. Everything on the boat can be fixed. Done right, you can enhance the boat’s demand/value.
A full peal, dry-out and reglass of the bottom could cost you 25k! Simply get your estimate and take it off the price you’re willing to pay. Original windows are likely leaking and in need of replacement. Pilothouse roofs are usually sagging by this time and may need reskinned or at least spot repaired. Deck cracks may soak some areas of the upper deck, needing balsa core repair.
The original Volvo TAMD-31 series engines are fantastic but parts are getting rare and always expensive. Get a good survey!
Find a surveyor who loves his hammer and moisture meter. These are old boats with a cult following and well worth fixing, but you need to start with knowing as much as you can learn about it.
The most expensive fixes will be for bottom, tankage, powertrain and deck, followed by electrical (rewiring) and perhaps interior rot from water intrusion.
One more thing. There may be one or two of these boats that were sunk and retrieved. Close up the boat for a few days and then look for mold when you open her up again. Those that may have sunk in salt water will show it.
Best of luck.