Mercury 15HP 2 stroke age?

[thestig1973]

Current owner thinks it's 1998 to early 2000, looking at decals I'd guess around 1996

Any informed guesses?

[Max...]

Can you get a pic of the number/id plate - that will be definitive.

[thestig1973]

Unfortunately no pics of id plate max, I will see it in the flesh tomorrow so can check plate then 🛥

[Fenlander]

If it was as recent as 1998-on the decals would be different. If it was as old as 1989 the cowl shape would be stepped at the rear not sloped. So 1993-1996 is a good possibility.

Assuming the cowl is original of course.

The colour of the coils and shape of the tiller handle (round/square) helps to date these Mercury models.

Edit just found this YouTube of a 1995 9.9hp with the same cowling logo type...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZEq_W_qviw

[Max...]

Is there much difference under the hood to the last gen we have David? It's so simple underneath hard to think much was different earlier?

[uncle al]

If there is no serial number plate on the leg area, take of the top cowl is there a decal on the power head, or what looks like a core plug with a number stamped into it which will be the s/n No s/n anywhere walk away from it.You have a s/n go on the brunswick site download centre find your s/n and that will be the manufacturing year, the year it was sold will be its age, if it was registered. go onto the registration to see the year sold.

[Fenlander]

Max. I've handled but not owned some of the earlier versions of the Mercury 9.9/15 like ours and yes they are very similar looking with only minor detail changes being obvious.

However there may be many engineering changes under the skin in areas that look outwardly similar so you'd have to examine the parts fiche to be sure.

[thestig1973]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

If it was as recent as 1998-on the decals would be different. If it was as old as 1989 the cowl shape would be stepped at the rear not sloped. So 1993-1996 is a good possibility.

Assuming the cowl is original of course.

The colour of the coils and shape of the tiller handle (round/square) helps to date these Mercury models.

Edit just found this YouTube of a 1995 9.9hp with the same cowling logo type...

Excellent work Fenlander, very knowledgeable mate 👍

[thestig1973]

Originally Posted by uncle al

If there is no serial number plate on the leg area, take of the top cowl is there a decal on the power head, or what looks like a core plug with a number stamped into it which will be the s/n No s/n anywhere walk away from it.You have a s/n go on the brunswick site download centre find your s/n and that will be the manufacturing year, the year it was sold will be its age, if it was registered. go onto the registration to see the year sold.

Thanks uncle al 😀

I will check serial numbers etc as you suggested, wasn't aware of number stamped on power head, as you say.... I'll be walking away if no numbers are stamped

[thestig1973]

So presuming this is 1993 - 1996 and in good condition, with serial numbers..... How much of my hard earned 💰💰should I need to part with?

I know good condition 15hp 2 strokes are holding their value well

[Fenlander]

Well I guess the range of prices as Easter and the early season start approaches are from £1250 for a shiny almost as-new looking mid-2000s last of the 2-strokes with a good history and maintained to date... down to £500 or so for tatty much earlier take a chance ones.

The one you picture looks tidy and if a decent runner from a genuine seller somewhere in between??

[thestig1973]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Well I guess the range of prices as Easter and the early season start approaches are from £1250 for a shiny almost as-new looking mid-2000s last of the 2-strokes with a good history and maintained to date... down to £500 or so for tatty much earlier take a chance ones.

The one you picture looks tidy and if a decent runner from a genuine seller somewhere in between??

I'm viewing it hopefully tonight, if it's "as described" then it's coming home with me, for what I guess is a fairly good price (£750)

[Fenlander]

Yep I think that's the right ball park for that motor if it's mechanically fairly sound.

[Max...]

That sounds very fair. Not sure where 9.8 Tohatsus' and 15 Merc/Mariner/Yam prices are now. They were rising over the last five years all the time and as David says (and he and I know from selling a few!) the best ones (mid/late 2000's) were making £1250 privately and the slightly older (early 2000's) not quite so clean last gen 2 stroke 15's were still worth best part of £1100. They will always be in demand and supply will not get any better and you know how supply/demand works.

[thestig1973]

Thanks to you all for the info/feedback

Reassuring to have other people's knowledge and opinions

[thestig1973]

Originally Posted by Max...

That sounds very fair. Not sure where 9.8 Tohatsus' and 15 Merc/Mariner/Yam prices are now. They were rising over the last five years all the time and as David says (and he and I know from selling a few!) the best ones (mid/late 2000's) were making £1250 privately and the slightly older (early 2000's) not quite so clean last gen 2 stroke 15's were still worth best part of £1100. They will always be in demand and supply will not get any better and you know how supply/demand works.

Agreed max, should never loose a penny if I look after it 😀😀

[Fenlander]

>>>as David says (and he and I know from selling a few!)

Yes of all the SIB/15hp 2-stroke outfits I've owned over the last decade to try and find the perfect SIB for our use I think pretty well every one has done no worse than got its money back on resale.

If you buy immaculate/well serviced and keep them that way they are going to hold their money for many years.

So have you gone off the Excel or is the 15hp for something else?

[thestig1973]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>>as David says (and he and I know from selling a few!)

Yes of all the SIB/15hp 2-stroke outfits I've owned over the last decade to try and find the perfect SIB for our use I think pretty well every one has done no worse than got its money back on resale.

If you buy immaculate/well serviced and keep them that way they are going to hold their money for many years.

So have you gone off the Excel or is the 15hp for something else?

The excel looks great, and good value too, however 4.3m and towing hitch was just over 17ft, too long for the garage I was hoping to use, would only just fit on my drive. Decided that the excel is still a sib (not rib) so just get another smaller boat without storage issues, need for towbar etc

As you say there's no perfect boat for every occasion

I was looking at the excel as I have 5 kids most weekends, obviously we can't all go out on a smaller boat at the same time..... I guess I need a compromise

Previously I owned a honwave t38 alu floor and a zodiac futura, both good fun

As much as I'd love an aerotec, I think it's gonna be a t32 that will fit in my boot (Audi a4 cab)

So it's looking like a t32 + mercy 15hp

[Landlockedpirate]

Originally Posted by thestig1973

As much as I'd love an aerotec, I think it's gonna be a t32 that will fit in my boot (Audi a4 cab)

So it's looking like a t32 + mercy 15hp

Ive had both a T32 and an Aerotec, I actually think the Aerotec was more 'packable' and easier to handle, it also seemed to fit in the boot bettier.

[Max...]

I'd agree having had other SIBs both smaller and larger, the Aerotec is narrow and just seems to pack into a smaller package than others. Id also aim for a 3.4 minimum SIB, at this sister every inch counts