The two happiest days of a man's life are the day he buys his boat and the day he sells it. We all have stories just like this and if you don't, you haven't owned a boat long enough. If you're handy with motors, you can rebuild that thing w/o too much trouble. If you're not handy with a wrench, you will be soon enough. If you don't believe me, ask to see the tools that us 70s squirt boaters carry on board - I can rebuild the motor right on the river these days!
G'luck!!!!
RTJas.