I am thinkng about buying a really cool 74 Carlson Mod. Tunnel "speed boat". Basically a fiberglass flat bottom with fork up front. <br /><br />It has a late 60's / early 70's MERCURY 100 motor on it that has been meticulously maintained. <br /><br />The owner says he has had it in his family since 74' and that he always takes care of it and changes fluid every year yadda yadda... <br /><br />I ran a compression test and all the cylinders were close, with the greatest difference being 8psi. The plugs were newer so I couldn't read them very well but they looked clean... Has new dual points and condenser etc... <br /><br /><br />I am a first time boat buyer - I know nothing about outboards... <br /><br />Sorry for the rambling:<br /><br />I AM WONDERING HOW LONG AN OUTBOARD MOTOR CAN LAST? I know it is impossible to tell me how long this motor will last, but in general? What are some signs of a failing motor?<br /><br />In other words, if I buy this boat, will the motor continue to perform so long as long as I take care of it? Or is a 60's/70's motor most likely an "antique" and junk??? <br /><br />I plan to just do some 3/4 throttle cruising and maybe pull a skier or two...
