Hello Everybody,
Well, after lots of questions, lots of searching, lots of inquiries about v-drives in general, lots of boat inspections, and a hell of a lot of patience and frustration, I finally found myself a second boat (less engine).
I live in California, yet I inquired about boats as far away as North Carolina and Arkansas. I was willing to go the distance for a clean, well kept, proven and properly-rigged boat. I think I found one and I'm feeling pretty good about it right now. The long, gruelling road trip is over and it's in my posession.
As I stated earlier, this purchase required a great deal of forethought and pointers from those that have been in this arena so much longer than I. Special thanks go out to (in alphabetical order):
058
FIAT48
SANGER MIKE
Thanks to all just the same for the any other input and insight that helped steer me in the right direction.
I am on cloud nine right now,
LO