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Looks like a 1969, Mumbles. I have a ‘68 and the decals are similar, but the 1969 models have the Merc 200 decal on the recoil housing…the ‘68s don’t. Also, the DynaFloat (if they were still called that by that time period) covers on yours are indicative of ‘69, the ones on the ‘68s are less distinctive.
Your 200 has the Lightening ignition. I believe in 1969 Mercury started transitioning to the Thunderbolt ignition on the 200s, which I believe became standard by 1970. Like Bill said, there should be a white button under the recoil handle that releases the faceplate, and then you can pop the two hinges that release the band. ‘68-‘69 was also a transitional period for the lower unit. The older style shifted UP for forward and DOWN for reverse, and later model ‘68s and 1969 forward, the lower units shifted like OMCs — pull the lever forward to go forward, and push it back to go backwards (imagine that).
Look for rotten kill switching wiring on these Mercs. The insulation and wire just disintegrates over time on the Mercs from these periods. My 200 has tons of power, is pretty good on fuel, but it can get a little finicky from time to time. Overall, a solid motor and fun to run.
Let me know if I can help!
JP