1960 Merc 300 35hp

[AMcCall]

I just picked up a Merc 300 from my father in law and looked it up to be a 35 hp from 1960. It has been sitting in a barn for 25 years, but ran fine when he last used it. I looked over it quickly and it looks generally good, but is of course dirty. I will order an owner's manual for it before I begin to tackle any repairs. First, one question:<br /><br />Did they make any of these motors with tiller steering, or are there any aftermarket tiller kits available? I am hoping to put it on my aluminum boat, and really don't want to mess with installing remote steering and controls. If no tiller option is available, do you think it would be possible to make a tiller hanldle with a throttle grip?<br /><br />Next, any specific recommendations for rehabing this motor? As it is, I plan on rebuilding the carbs, replacing the water pump, lower unit lube, spark plugs, fuel lines, and checking the spark to see what needs to be done there. Thanks for your help...

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1960 Merc 300 35hp

Hi AMcCall,<br /> Yes, there was a kit you could bolt on, but they are quite rare. I've only seen maybe a half dozen over the years. But, you might get lucky. Prowl the local marinas, particularly the ones that aren't particularly shiny or new and might have some motors back in the overgrown lot next door, or in the basement...<br /> Also, keep an eye on eBay - they've been known to turn up there.<br /> To answer your other question, yes, you can add a home-brew tiller. I've seen them with motorcycle style push-pull throttles in the grip. Wouldn't be too hard for someone who can fabricate brackets, etc. A simple lever bolted to the shift connection on the side can facilitate shifting.<br /><br />- Scott