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1969 7.5 Merc any good?

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PhilSch

Regular Contributor
Looking for a small outboard for a kicker on my 17' Jet Sled for trolling and emergency backup. There is a 1969 locally availble with low hours and in excellent condition for $450. How is that motor over all and what about parts availability given it is so old? Thanks for your replies!
 
Those had carbon steel driveshafts.-----Did not go to stainless until mid 1970's.----Johnson / Evinrude used stainless shafts in the early 1950's motors.
 
Thanks guys. I am not stuck on a Merc, just saw the 69 in good shape. In general, would an older OMC be a better choice? I would like to get the most bang as far as weight/power goes. Hopefully under 70 lbs.
 
Excellent point, Racer. Why the problem with carbon steel? They rust, seals leak, lower units rust and die......that's why. These are great motors, ......but like everything else, there are pros and cons. Parts are readily available so no grief there. If your near salt water, I would avoid pre stainless Mercs. A very strong motor for it's weight in a stainless driveshaft are the 15 hp OMC's, under 70 pounds too.
 
timguy said:
Excellent point, Racer. Why the problem with carbon steel? They rust, seals leak, lower units rust and die......that's why. These are great motors, ......but like everything else, there are pros and cons. Parts are readily available so no grief there. If your near salt water, I would avoid pre stainless Mercs. A very strong motor for it's weight in a stainless driveshaft are the 15 hp OMC's, under 70 pounds too.
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What year range to look for with the 15 horse OMC?
 
They are all very good. Got a ton of 'em and they sell like hot cakes. Yes, speedi sleeves are the way to go. Shafts, even here in fresh water, are hard to find.
 
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