I found this outboard on Craiglist. The seller lives a town over from me. http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/boa/99639165.html <br /><br />I can't really get much more information until the seller contacts me back and hopefully I can check it out and get the serial number, etc.<br /><br />How are the older Mercury motors in terms of reliability and part availability?<br /><br />I am also concerned as to whether I'd be overpowering my 16' hull. The plate says "Maximum Horspower: 85." I'm intending on upgrading from a 35HP that only yields about 15MPH. Would looking around in the 60-70HP range be more economical in terms of carrying capacity and fuel consumption?<br /><br />Assuming I had an appropriate manual, how difficult would installation be? It seems that the ignition and remote controls are already configured. I'm mechanically inclined, but havent had much experience with outboards.<br /><br />I wasn't looking in the upper horsepower range since I figured a faster motor would be out of my financial range. However, $450 seems a little hard to pass up on a seemingly good, working motor. I'll have to wait until I see it first hand before, of course.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any advice. 