how are the mid-late 80's 50hp Mercs?

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wiesmanr

Seaman Apprentice
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Jul 4, 2011
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I am looking for a newer motor for my boat. Came across an add for a clean, good running '86 Mercury 50hp AutoBlend. Were these good motors? How was the Autoblend system? The guy is asking around 1200 for the motor and controls. It doesn't have tilt/trim. Is this a decent price? Thanks
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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May 24, 2004
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Re: how are the mid-late 80's 50hp Mercs?

Can't comment on the Autoblend system but the actual engine is basicly bulletproof. It has been around since the early 1950s and stood the test of time.
 
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wiesmanr

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Jul 4, 2011
Messages
46
Re: how are the mid-late 80's 50hp Mercs?

How about a 1978 Merc 50Hp? I have a 1965 17' Alumacraft Belmara. Would the Merc 50hp be a good motor for the boat? What speeds could I expect? Neither motors have power t/t. How hard and expensive would it be to add power t/t?
 
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mrallen007

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Aug 19, 2010
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Re: how are the mid-late 80's 50hp Mercs?

I'd be careful my friend. I looked up your motor on NADA. According to them, the average retail price for that motor today is only around $250. $1200 is far from reasonable. Granted that is a generic "blue book" value which will vary a little bit from one area to another. And used motors do tend to hold their value a little better than that. But as a starting point it sure is pretty far away from $1200. For that matter I found a whole rig not far from here a few days ago for a 1996 16 foot Skeeter with a 90 HP Force and trailer for $1900. I wouldn't buy an 86 50HP for $1200, but that's me.

That said, I agree with Jimmbo. It's a great motor if you can talk him down. I have a 91 50 HP Merc 2 Stroke. As soon as I get the boat restored that it's attached to, I may can comment on the performance! :)
 
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