custom wooden boat...

[2182]

...to complement my seacraft. came across a custom built wooden boat that im considering buying. its 8 years old, marine plywood (painted), white oak stringers, mahogany deck and engine box. could use a bit of cleaning up but its built soundly and rot free. the owner has all the cleats, lights, etc, it has a new rudder and prop, no engine, no transmission. i have very little experience w/ inboard engines. my question to you guys is how much will i be looking at for a motor and transmission? the boat is about 17 feet. also, how big (ballpark) of a motor does it need? lastly, considering i wont be using it much, is it a bad idea to get a used inboard? old, unreliable outboards are a nightmare (as we all know), are inboards any different? i know i can search the web and find some info but you guys are so knowledgable, it never hurts to ask. thanks in advance.