mercury outboard

[bigkahuna021]

ok yes i am a newbie so please bear with me. i am looking at an older boat 1974ish with a mercury 50hp 500 sn 3821990. if anyone can tell me year,4 cyl,4 stroke anything, along with an opinion about this model motor and availabilty of parts be it good or bad, i would be most greatful. thanx in advance.

 

[Starppy]

Re: mercury outboard

It is a 1974 Mercury. it is a 2 cycle engine that requires an oil mix of 50:1. It is a 4 cyl engine. I have never heard anything bad about them. If I remember right, they were a fairly smooth running engine and fishermen liked them because they could idle them down pretty low for trolling eliminating the need for a kicker engine.

Part availability is OK, but remember that you are talking about an engine that is 35 years old. MOST of the "consumable" parts like ignition and fuel related parts like fuel pump rebuild kits, carb kits, water pump kits, coils and caps are readily available. Any major parts like the switch box, major mechanical or casted parts are going to have to be salvage since they are no longer in production.

Definately serviceable, but being older, proper maintenace is key to continued operation.

 

[bigkahuna021]

Re: mercury outboard

Starppy,thanx for the info i certainly do appreciate. and if i could ask if i were to downsize to state park hp would the 50hp have any market value for its age.

 

[Starppy]

Re: mercury outboard

I don't know what you mean by "state park horse power", but I'm sure it has some value. I can't give a value without seeing it, but I can give you a range.

If it is in running condition, complete with no mechanical defects and only run in freshwater, it should be worth at least $400-500.

If it's in really good shape, all of the above and shiny original factory paint, all the decals in good condition, skeg is in one piece, no welds on any castings, etc, etc..... you know, pretty. It might bring $700-800.

Those are based on my experience in the upper midwest. Your region may vary.

 

[bigkahuna021]

Re: mercury outboard

thanx Strappy for the info. ok wasn't thinking ,state park horsepower here in Pa is maximum 15. thanx again.