1987 mercury classic fifty 45 hp outboard

[ottsixx]

I just picked up at an estate sale a 1987 bass tracker v17 tournament fishing boat with a classic fifty 45 hp outboard when I turned the key it lit right off and it just purred like a kitty and I was just curious as to the "classic fifty" is this some type of a reproduction of a 1950 era outboard motor and are these a pretty dependable motor that should provide years of service with lil headache and thanks in advance for the info.

 

[79Merc80]

Re: 1987 mercury classic fifty 45 hp outboard

Basically, the 50HP inline 4 was introduced in 1963 and went until 1985 pretty much unchanged with the exception of ignition systems along the way. It was the lowest HP rating of the inline 4's. In 1986 the 50hp was made into an inline 3 and the inline 4 was re-designated a 45HP (Classic Fifty) and continued until 1989 when it was discontinued. From what I have heard they are very dependable and all but bullit proof as long as the maintanence is kept up.

Hope this helps and others shold chime in wqith their thoughts as well.

Craig