Re: 1965 Merc
I think they can be as reliable as any outboard out there as long as you catch it up on it's regular maintence.
A lot of it depends on the older stuff the condition of the particular engine if it is going to be a good one. Condition greatly varies on the old ones from serviceable to worn out.
It has a simple magento igntion system, full gear shift lower unit, inline 4 cyl motor.
I would plan on putting new seals in the lower unit, fuel lines/fuel pumps, rebuilding carbs, new points/condeser in mag, and a new impeller to start with. It's a very easy to work on motor.
