Chris,

Don't assume the model year for a Merc outboard based on seeing a
'72'. Do you know the horsepower? If so, it'll be easier to look up.
Check this link: http://www.maxrules.com/merc_contents.html

-Jim


Chris wrote:
I'm trying to read an old mercury outboard motor serial number to determine
the exact year (somewhere in the 70s) I believe. Is there any trick to
doing this? the serial number has 7 digits, and the 5th and 6th digits are
72 (which would be the only year that would make sense).

So is it a 72?