Hello all. Joined the forum not long ago after having my bid accepted on a 03 360 sport sedan, so this is my first post. Wondering though if it may also be my last as I just got my survey results back.

Quick summary: boat has the gas Volvo penta 8.1s at 375 hp with about 400 hrs each. During the sea trial (other than the starboard engine shredding a belt which got replaced at the haul out) they ran great. Started right up. Sound good, no skipping/hunting. 20 knots at 3500 rpm. Got a knock in one cylinder on the port engine at wot the mechanic on board thought is a bad coil, but for the short time there ran abt 4200 rpm with no other issues. Compression tests on all cylinders good, Scope of cylinder bores clean - ‘look brand new, nothing of concern here’. Other than a stuck plug in one cylinder the mechanics didn’t want to risk breaking to remove, all the plugs looked clean. There is some indication there could have been a ‘big’ problem in the boats history as the oil pan on the port engine appears to be after market - its black vs red - but cant say for sure. The boat overall will be a bit more of a project then originally expected but overall we walked away with it being a good boat that just needs some TLC as it’s been a bit neglected. All was good until the oil samples came back.

The port engine is showing ‘severe’ particulates on all the wear metals, the starboard is better but also has ‘severe’ indications on a few. The transmissions are clean. It’s unclear when the last oil change was done but it seems there was at least one as the oil filters appear new. The boat has been mostly sitting at the dock as a live aboard for about a year. The running history unclear before that. Only info I can find on line is oil sample trending over time is what you need, and a single result may/may not be a problem indicator.

So I’m looking for opinions from those who have any. Is this a run, don’t walk, away scenario? Are these engines typically robust even with some neglect? Maybe just wishful thinking but could the high readings be due to there in fact being some level of repair on that port engine and the heavy particular is ‘new wear’ caught in that same oil? Know there is no way to know for sure but feedback from anyone with an experienced perspective would be appreciated. I have until next Wednesday to make a buy vs walk decision. Thanks.