What year is my mercury 500 50 HP?

[rononline]

I just bought my first boat at a lien sale. I'd like to get a manual for the Mercury outboard, but I don't know the year. If anyone has information, please help me out. It is a four cylinder. Stamped on motor:OT178500; on a plate on mounting clamp:1510563. It is on a 1979 Starcraft Supersport 16. <br />I know nothing about boats (yet), so any of the following would be helpful:<br />Year? Long or short shaft? 2 or 4 stroke?<br />Thanks.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: What year is my mercury 500 50 HP?

It's a 2-stroke, runs on 50:1 oil/gas mix. Go to www.pfs-ware.com, John's Old Mercury page to run down your serial number (1510563). Measure from the top of the transom down to the end of the skeg (fin below prop). If its less than 22 inches, its short shaft. Good motors. Good luck.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: What year is my mercury 500 50 HP?

1962 or 1963 here is a link for you web page