Re: Which motor to purchase – if any

[mercuryspecialist]

The first outboard pictured, the Merc 500, is a 1963, not a 1961. Not only does the serial number fit a 1963, but 1963 was the first year model without the shock absorbers. The water intake located in the strut area of the lower unit housing was first seen (for Merc 500 models) in the very last serial numbers of 1962 production (and as most any modern outboard takes it’s cooling water in), it has the exhaust exiting from the propeller hub (also starting for the 1962 model year, and industry adopted), and all Mercurys were painted black for 1964 (the 1962-63 Merc 1000 models, and 1963 Merc 350 and 650 models, were also painted black). As the provided information does show the Crestliner rated for 50 horsepower, I would much rather have extra power when needed, and be able to operate at 75% throttle setting, when most any outboard is very fuel efficient, rather than near wide-open much of the time with a smaller outboard. Although I seldom login here, do feel free to ask in this thread, and we can speak/write if you should have any questions on Mercurys (I grew-up in my family’s marine business, being a Mercury dealership for 50+ years).

Regards,
Joe