What year is my 8hp Mercury four stroke

[fishon71]

I always have trouble figuring out the year of these newer Mercs. I have an 8 hp four stroke F8M model# 1F08201FK and serial 0R397061 - is there a nice chart some place you can plug in the serial number for newer engines. I was told its a 2011 but I have my doubts

 

[Fun Times]

Unfortunately the year would be to new to get an accurate year from the engine serial number using an online computer or chart since the charts end at 1996.

When it comes to looking up parts on, Merc technically doesn't use the "year" any longer especially after 2006 for outboards and 1998 for I/O's.

Mercury did not publish model year information for 1997 & newer outboards.
The year is now normally noted on the serial number sticker.​

Their reasoning is when it comes to specific part designs, they use the serial number to make running changes on the assembly line.
Parts are found under the serial number or a serial number range depending on where you look.

The three ways to get a year and date built on the newer outboards is, Try calling a merc dealer parts department and have them look up the serial number under History, call or email Merc customer service here: https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/contact/outboard-customer-assistance or look all over the engine for a date. Lately they've been putting either a sticker on the outside or/and scribed on the engine under the cowling someplace.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selectSerailRange.asp?doc_nbr=8+(4-STROKE)(209cc)

Let us know, good luck.​