Mercury 9.8 hp?

Found this for sale 60 miles away. The seller tells me it is a 9.8 hp, 2 stroke but he doesn't have any idea of the year. I have heard these Mercury outboards are among the lightest available. I would really like the 9.8 hp, but I cannot lift heavy objects due to a health condition. Any idea of the year/weight? I've also heard these are extremely reliable outboards so it might fit all my needs. He is asking $475 but I don't want to drive the 60 miles unless I plan on buying. Thanks!

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

Have the seller check the year via the serial number. Plenty of resources online to verify the year.

can you lift 66 lbs?

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

70 pounds is really pushing it. I will only be lifting it to/from a van and on/off the boat. I plan on getting some sort of cart to move it more than a few feet. I plan on using this with a 10 ft rib.

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

late 70's, early 80's by the cowl. I would verify the year and then figure out parts availability before dropping near $500 on it. Nice shape no doubt, but I know many old Mercs can become expensive tinker toys with the amount of NLA parts for them

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

looks like a long shaft--is that what you want?

the old mercs are hobby motors IMO--get them if you want something old looking but not for reliability. BTDT

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

That 9.8 could be a rebadged 57 Lb Tohatsu same 9.8 model, if so, plenty of spare parts as this model is under actual current production for countries that have not banned 2 strokes smokers. See if seller can send internal pics of both powerhead sides.

Happy Boating

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

Long shaft? I don't think that is what I need. I plan on putting it on this:

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

It is definitely NOT a Tohatsu product.

It definitely IS a long shaft.

Going by the cowling decals, it is a 1976 model 110.

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

Thanks. I have been told that a 15 hp is only 5 more pounds. Is this true?

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

If you are concerned about liting, a few pounds up or down isn't going to make or break the deal. No matter what the weight, OB' are awkward and depending on your rig easy or hard to lift. For example, a motor on a trailer that sits up high can be harder to manage. Or if you are installing/removing after the boat is launched, a lot depends on your stern set-up as well as dock.

Because of design variations, between brands and years and even among them, I don't think you are going to be able to say the weight based on HP alone.

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

A 15hp mercury wasn't available until into the 1980's as far as I know, and it weighs more than 5 lbs. different that that '76 9.8hp you're looking at. However, the 15hp and the 9.9hp of the same year weigh basically the same. If I was worried about weight, I'd go with a 1955-'63 10hp if I wanted about 10hp. A 9.9hp OMC from the 70's up and the 15hp OMC from the 70's up will weigh the same.
There's nothing wrong with the reliability of a mercury 9.8 from 1976 if it's been gone through like any other 40 year old outboard. They were/are good motors, the '76 and later being more desirable to me because they have a stainless drive shaft.
If weight is an issue, you would like a 3hp OMC from any year. They are light and super reliable if you get one in good condition with good compression. I have a '67 3hp and love it. I also own a '72 9.8hp Mercury and like it a lot. The best bet is to look on aomci.org and buy an old OMC that a member has gotten in good reliable running condition and pay them a good price for it. You will enjoy it for years. Free classified want ads there.
JMO,
JBJ

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

Thanks guys. If I can get in around 75 pounds with a 15 hp OMC (mid 70's or newer), that would be my first pick.

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

The standard shaft (15") 9.9/15 OMC weighs in at about 72 lbs. (as per 1988 catalog spec).

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

Sounds good to me. That 15 hp gives me the max power at the max weight. Thanks.

Re: Mercury 9.8 hp?

Going by the Cowl it is either a 1976 or 1977