1979 Mercury 80 worth it?

[jhande]

I haven't tried getting my '78 Mercury running yet. My boat's sticker says MAX HP 90.

I spotted a 1997 Mercury 80 supposedly with power trim for (asking) $300.00
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I don't know much about this outboard it was on a boat that was beyond repair. This 80 horse outboard has controls , prop looks new. The motor turns over and appears to have good compression. The power trim works but it's low on fluid. Great for parts or get it running.

I couldn't tell by the pictures, but I didn't notice a power trim. The mounting looks the same as my 50 HP which doesn't have power trim (which would be wicked nice to have to save on my bad back).

I'm not looking to turn my boat into a speed boat. It'll be used just for fishing. But my son and I weigh 600+ lbs combined. Previous owner said the 50HP pushed the boat just fine.

Basically 2 questions...
Should I invest in the 80 HP or just get mine going?
Does the 80 HP really have power trim?

 

[merc850]

An 80 would be a great upgrade...... right now the 50 is on the low side for extra speed.......
I can see the PT cylinders and hoses but is the pump there?, looks like he's routed the tell tale into the transom well but there are lots of parts that you can keep as spares the harness looks sketchy...... I'd buy it.
I got a parts motor for $200.00 and the parts are usable.

 

[Alumarine]

I don't think that's a 1997. I'd guess late 70's to mid 80's?
It does have power trim/tilt.
It's the type with the pump mounted externally.
Can't say if it's worth it or not.
Power tilt might be worth the 300 depending on your market.

 

[merc850]

It's a 1979 motor just a typing error.

 

[racerone]

Decals were used in 81 / 82 / 83 model years.----A very good motor if you are willing to learn how to fix it yourself.

 

[jhande]

I don't think that's a 1997. I'd guess late 70's to mid 80's?
It does have power trim/tilt.
It's the type with the pump mounted externally.
Can't say if it's worth it or not.
Power tilt might be worth the 300 depending on your market.

Sorry, my fingers didn't listen to my brain. Yes it's a 1979 not a 1997.

 

[jhande]

Thank you everyone for the quick replies.

I wasn't sure if parts from the 80 HP would fit my 50 HP.
If I could get both motors running this summer without investing a ton of money, I wouldn't mind using the 80 w/tilt. I could either save my 50 for a backup or sell it. Used running outboards around here cost a small fortune no matter how old.

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

I used to make a hobby out of buying non-running outboards and fixing em and then selling. If you've got the time and energy to work on it and it's got good compression then go for it. For me, when making a purchase I would always test the compression myself.. if the numbers were good I'd buy and most times I made out like a bandit. I enjoyed having projects like that and I learned a lot by learning to fix em up myself. Good luck

 

[merc850]

I've checked my manual and the 50 is smaller in all respects - the 80 is in the larger motor category so you will have to make sure it runs or you can make it run.

 

[jhande]

Thanks guys.