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I'm looking at a Whaler that has a mid 80's 90 hp Mercury. I know nothing about Mercuries other than they are black ! So what's the good/bad about these ?
Outboard motors are a matter of personal preference for the most part or one brand can be chosen over another because that brand has a motor which fits the horsepower and weight requirements of a particular hull. I've had almost every brand of outboard over the years and have found that they are all pretty reliable or they wouldn't be in business long. Also I've found that as time passes and technology advances the engines get better. Better fuel mileage, better speed and better longevity. If the Mercury engine you're looking at is a fresh water engine and has had all required maintenance it should last years more but if it has 10 thousand salt water hours on it it's probably on its last leg. Two stroke Outboards are relatively simple engines and if it has compression within specs on all cylinders it's probably ok. Although I would maintain to the seller that it will have to be replaced soon and base my price accordingly. Then I would use it till it falls apart.
I winter in Ft. Myers and summer in St. Joseph, Michigan. It’s now about 12 years since I’ve joined this group. I gave my 1972 whaler to my daughter and sold the 17’. Bought an O’Day 28 sailboat and sailed on Lake Michigan. Yesterday I bought a 2005 130 Sport.
Just an FYI. The Mercs of that era had an issue where the driveshaft became one with the bottom of the engine. At that point, it's a REALLY nasty job to drop your lower unit for water pump repair. I know, because my 1987 Merc 45 had that issue. It came with the boat that had been in storage for 6 years after running in salt water. I did finally manage to get it apart - but it was a war.
I'd try dropping the lower unit prior to purchase. It's only 5 bolts. If it's stuck, you'll need to buy a new engine when the impeller fails. Just not a good story!
Not sure if my 75hp is a 1984 or 1985, but it was a fresh water motor, and runs great. I did replace the water pump, of course, other than that, been great.
There is another thread on here about starting older motors and there is something to that. But, once it's warm, no issues...
