xcal

I own a 1978 20 hp merc. Bought it used in 1984 and have used it yearly ( 100-200 hrs per season ) It is not a great trolling motor. I can't get it to troll slow enough without stalling. That being said, I usually use a drift sock if in rougher conditions or my 4hp kicker. It usually starts on 3rd or 4th pull when cold. It has never been in the shop. I have had to change impeller twice. The spark plugs are changed every 2-3 years. Have not found it that hard on gas, but have not been able to compare it to another brand of same hp. I have found that the props seem to have to be fixed every 3-4 years. there is not a shear pin on mine, but a rubber styp clutch built into prop.That seems to wear out and start to slip . Besides that I can't complain too much. It has served me quite well and I have never been stranded. At the end of season I pull plugs and squirt oil and pull over engine. I change lower oil 2-3 times per season just to make sure there is no water inside. Thats all the maintenance I have had to do. I probably put a bit too much oil in my gas, but I would rather have to change plugs a bit more often than burn engine. Maybe this has helped motor last. Can't really say much bad about the engine I have. It seems like a lot of people don't have much good to say about Mercs, but I've been pretty happy with mine. Good Luck: xcal

A beautiful tribute to your brother. Please accept my deepest condolences Lew