Outdrive goes down slooow

[dumb tom]

I am looking at a used boat which will be my first I/O. Currently, the outdrive is real slooow going down, but seems to come up decently. What are probable causes for this? Is there some sort of checklist to guide diagnosis? Any tests that say "that will cost many BOATs"? Should I blissfully keep my ignorance for another craft? I assume it should take 2 to 5 seconds to either go down or come up. Is that correct?
Thank you for any and all input.

 

[alldodge]

Trim cylinder packing seals may be binding. Might also need the valve body cleaned because a check valve may not be opening.

If its an old boat I would think the cylinders

 

[tank1949]

I am looking at a used boat which will be my first I/O. Currently, the outdrive is real slooow going down, but seems to come up decently. What are probable causes for this? Is there some sort of checklist to guide diagnosis? Any tests that say "that will cost many BOATs"? Should I blissfully keep my ignorance for another craft? I assume it should take 2 to 5 seconds to either go down or come up. Is that correct?
Thank you for any and all input.

How old of boat and is salt water used or not? I just rebuilt all 4 of my cylinders. If it is a salt water boat and several years old, I suspect cylinders are about to freeze up. Seal kits are about 10-20 bucks each. You will need a good spanner wrench too or make one like I did.. Good luck!