1963 Mercury 9.8 to buy, or not to buy?

[GreenScrew]

I've been looking for a 10hp class outboard to use as a trolling motor. A friend of mine mentioned tonight that he has one his dad bought brand new in 1963. It's a Mercury 9.8. He said that he thinks the impeller needs to be replaced. What would be a fair price to offer him in view of this. Also, what else should I look at before deciding whether to buy, and what price to offer? I looked through previous posts and didn't find anything about prices. I also looked on ebay, but didn't really find any comparable motors. I found some 9.8's but they were much newer. Any help y'all could give me would be very much appreciated.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1963 Mercury 9.8 to buy, or not to buy?

Hi Nemo,<br /> Good design, but a few weaknesses. Lower unit components are prone to rust, particularly the driveshaft right under the waterpump cup. If the lower unit leaks oil, you'll be looking at adding a sleave to the driveshaft and resealing the unit.<br /> If your local Merc dealer looks at you funny when you mention parts for a 40-year old motor, try NAPA. If you get a helpful counter guy, ask to see the Marine Parts catalog. It has general stuff like carb kits, points, condensers, impellers, etc.<br /> I wouldn't pay a whole lot for the motor - it's not really in the collectible range, nor new enough for most pull-the-string-and-go types.<br />- Scott

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: 1963 Mercury 9.8 to buy, or not to buy?

depends if it runs or not.... do a search above<br />regarding motors that have sat for a long time,<br />follow the advice, and try to start her up.<br />if it's got no compression it's not worth anything<br />but if it starts right up it's worth a few bucks.<br />check local paper or boat trader for comparable<br />prices in your area to be fair.<br />good luck, u could do a lot worse IMHO.<br />M.Y.

 

[Big Al1]

Re: 1963 Mercury 9.8 to buy, or not to buy?

These are great motors and there are still many common parts being made. I have a 1964 model that is very similar to my brand new 2002. <br />Try www.vintageoutboard.com <br />They sell impellers, carb rebuild kits, etc.<br />I have a 1964 Merc60 6hp that is probably very similar to the 9.8hp. Very easy to replace the impeller. You should be able to do it without a manual. I saw the same motor as mine sell on ebay for $275. If the 9.8 runs good it should be worth around $300. If you are buying it from a friend I'm sure he will give you a discount. I would buy it. I looked real hard trying to find a 10 or 15hp older motor and finally had to buy new. It seems that these size motors are bought up quick. If you don't like the motor just sell it on ebay. I know it will sell there very easy.

 

[firefox632]

Re: 1963 Mercury 9.8 to buy, or not to buy?

I just purchased one in medford for 225.00 works good.

 

[bluethunder01071973]

Re: 1963 Mercury 9.8 to buy, or not to buy?

I just purchased one in medford for 225.00 works good.

i bought one at a garage sale and payed 100 dollars but the guy new nothing about it and neither did i but there is alot of people that can answer alot of ur questions.