We have a 1964 14′ Steury Fishing boat, nicknamed “the minow”… minow’s primary source of power a 1956 Mercury 300 35HP Outboard, is out of commision. So I need to know what we can do to fix it or where I can go about getting parts. Please read further, as to why we would like to fix it.

1. Boat and Motor was bought in 2002, the previous owner had the motor reconditioned the year before. We put it on the water and it ran Beautifully that summer.

2. In 2003, we put the boat on the water, after doing a test run start. It ran perfectly fine. Drove it about 100 yards, the motor cut out, and black smoke billowed from it. We immediately stopped using the motor and boat since.

3. The boat has been sitting outdoors since then. Last year my dad noticed the prop was detatched from the rest of the unit, just ‘hanging’. He removed it and not sure where he put it.

4. We are looking to get the boat up and running for a trip August 9th. My mechanic husband and his dad (who repairs mowers and motors on the side) are going to attempt to fix it.

We are trying to avoid the costly purchase of a new motor, since this one is good except for the bottom unit. I am awaiting a response from a local repair shop for marine boats. But I would like insite from the community if they know anything about this particually brand motor.
Repair Manual- The only repair manuals available for the Mercury Makes are for 1965 or newer. Unfortunately this is a 56. Unless there isn’t much of a difference, it not going to be of use to me.

The motor and exterior of the outboard is in amazing shape. Its really not a restoration either. The motor itself has the capability of running, but its the secondary drive or bottom shaft part that needs the help.
UPDATE 7/31/09

I found out by digging that the Merc 300 motors were made in 1960 not 1956. The person we bought it from was wrong by the year. The lower unit of the motor is what the problem is. I have the repair manual now, now I am looking for places that may carry the parts for it.

We are trying not to buy a new or used motor because of the price. If we can fix the motor lower unit it would be worth it more than us trying to find another motor.

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