1978 50 hp mercury outboard

[tgpfloat]

I have a 1978 50 hp 4 cylinder and would like to do some of my own maintenance.
I can buy a manual from mercury which is expensive but are they written so someone who is not a marine mechanic understand them?

I don't mind spending the money if they are worth it.

Thanks

[Laddies]

The OEM manual is the only manual worth buying it is clear and repairs are done by the numbers with many pictures not vague drawings like some, all the rest don't even make good toilet paper