Re: Year of manufactuer (Johnson 9.9)?
Likewise I make that a '98 model
see "http://www.autorepairmanuals.biz/site/573683/page/599244"
Also the number should read J10SELECC where the S (not a 5) is for sail version, E=electric start, L = longshaft and the date letters E & C correspond to the word INTRODUCES where I= 1, N = 2 etc upto E = 9 & S= 0