Merc for dingy

[bcguy]

I am considering purchase 6 hp 2 stroke merc .... gear and throttle are both in the handle. Looks to be in top shape Serial 0G249361 USA 54935 ... No idea of the year but otherwise near showroom... very little use. Wondering about ball park price.... and whether it is reasonably reliable for ship to shore inflatable 9 feet. Thanks...

[svHyLyte]

We have a somewhat larger version of that engine and have found it very problematical. The combined gearshift throttle arrangement made it impossible to power up the engine in Neutral, which as one might wish to do while working on it or tuning it or for other reasons and we finally had that arrangement removed at no minor cost. As to general reliability, ours has proven finicky, constantly requiring adjustments. About half of the people I know with Mercury engines swear by them, the other half at them. FWIW, in no case would I buy another or accept one as a gift.