Is surface rust normal?

[pugetsounder]

I'm looking at buying a 1980 Carver Voyager 33 with inboards and Warner V-drives. The engines look very clean but I noticed some rust on the surface of the V-drives and also quite a bit of surface rust on the generator which is under the cabin. The boat is kept in the saltwater. Is this something which is not too unusual or is it a big red flag? Don't know whether to spend the money on a pullout and survey or just move on. Thanks.

 

[pugetsounder]

Re: Is surface rust normal?

Here is an example of what I mean:

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is surface rust normal?

normal saltwater environment on an neglected boat.