Unfortunately to find out the year of a Mercury boat motor one needs not only the serial number, but also the horse power rating. This allows it to be narrowed down to a specific year.
How old is my Kiekhaefer Mercury 7.5 boat motor Serial number 3374590
1977
Mercury 3.9 HP. Single Serial Number 1657514
A 65 hp Mercury outboard, serial number 3076063, would be a 1971 year model.
A 9.8 hp Mercury outboard, serial number 3089762, would be an 1971 year model.
In order to determine the year model of a Mercury outboard, both the serial number, and the horsepower rating, must be known.
I believe you can obtain the answer at the link below: http:/www.maxrules.com/merc_contents.html
how to take cover off 1979 mercury boat motor
Two items are required to determine the year model of a Mercury outboard, the serial number and the horsepower rating.
The serial number posted, appears to be a Mercury number. In order to answer your question, the horsepower of the engine is needed also.
my serial # is 81885 on a Silverline boat.
It depends on the year, but for the most part you will find them on the Starboard side of the engine on the transom bracket (where it connects to the boat.)