[jpzotto]

I bought this merc outboard for my 18 foot tri hull,didn't have steering cable or electrical conections that plug into the side of motor case. was wanting to know if the motor is to small or to big for the boat? the guy said it ran good,I didn't hear it run my self. I been around boats and have taking them out my self,this is my first to own.also wanted to know if this motor is a waist of time and money to get going.strait 6 with 3 carboraters,and 2 coils. looking for some advise.

[aeronutt29]

You didn't mention how much you paid, but I hope it wasn't much. Sounds like you just bought yourself a project. My 15' tri-hull has a 100 HP Merc and it tops out around 32 MPH. You have a bigger boat and a smaller motor - you do the math!The Merc in-line 6 engines are very reliable provided that they are properly cared for. Lack of proper care and use can kill them in no time flat. Make DARNED sure that you don't hook up the battery cables backwards or you will be spending several hundred dollars on new ignition components. Go to http://www.oldmercs.com to get a listing of model numbers with their respective serial numbers listed by year.