What year is this 80hp Merc outboard?

[Huron Angler]

I like this 16' Starcraft(open bow/walk-thru windshield, high sides) and I'm curious what year the Merc is and what people have to say about it.

The boat is a '79 so I'm assuming that the motor is of that era as well(just a little younger than me).

Has anyone owned/run/worked on one of these and do you have any thoughts?

Thoughts on the boat are welcome as well

link to pictures: http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/1202402452.html

 

[duknut1975]

Re: What year is this 80hp Merc outboard?

if you can get the serial number, you could find it here
http://www.maxrules.com/merc_contents.html

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: What year is this 80hp Merc outboard?

With that red band cowling I would say somewhere between 1968 and 1972 vintage motor.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: What year is this 80hp Merc outboard?

Thanks Moody Blue, have you used a Merc from that time period?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: What year is this 80hp Merc outboard?

I've got one on my boat now. Its a 1971 Merc 800. Just getting it on the water for the first time tomorrow. I bought a new to me package last summer and have been refurbishing them. Heard nothing but good things about how these old Mercs perform. Getting parts is harder of course and they are expensive (dist cap $150, rotor $150, ignition module $150). See the trend

I bought a total of three motors, one runner and two for parts, cheap. I am my own parts supplier