If you do Facebook and are willing to drive there are plenty of turn key 2stroke mercs/yamahas in the 3k range. Most of them in Mississippi/Arkansas, but it's worth the drive to get a freshwater only motor. Everything down here is gaaaarbageeee it seems like.
Thanks for the reply. I have a handful that im watching. Was trying to snag one from north Miss last week but when the guy finally replied it was gone. The ad is still up. Thats happened a few times with FB. Would rather be closer to half of that while i figure this boat out. I may regret and want the console back. Good point about them being freshwater motors