So my questions are:
1. Does anyone here run that motor, and if so, what is your opinion on their performance/reliability? Used them before, was stranded a number of times in the St Lawrence
2. Are new parts readily available for them? Lots of parts, always being fixed, can't get it right the first time
3. How are they on GAS? About as good or bad as any other 2 stroke.
4. How are they for trolling? Ring ting ting, cough cough, sputter.
5. Do they have the slip clutch prop, or shear pin? Older ones had shear pins.
Honestly, I'd never buy a Merc product, never had any luck with them. Bring 50 feet of good rope, they make good black anchors. Unless they are bordering on a "gift", I would never take one and only if I had something else as a backup.