TOPIC: Mark 78 ???

I have a mercury mark 78 serial number 1169328. Anyone know anything about it. I thought it was a 1958 but am not sure. I see on the Internet mark 78 motors mark 78a motors and mark 78ae motors. What is the difference. It runs beautifully but trying to tell when it was built. It says super marathon electric on the side. I am sure someone knows about it. Any help would be great.

send some pic!!! It's a dock buster correct Travis

I think it is a dockbuster but I am new to classic boats

1958 Mark 78. Yes, Direct Reverse. AKA dockbuster. One year only. 70 hp. The 78A was in 59. The prop should be a lefty. Dual points, dual coils. Specific controls to operate. Screamers for their day. You did good.

Roughly guessing on that one Neil?

Sweet. Best part is all I did was change fluids hook up battery and take to the lake.
One other question does it have special controls since this boat is a left hand drive? It is one of the only boats that I have seen with the steering wheel on the left side.

No they are unique to that motor due to the wiring harness.

"Roughly guessing on that one Neil?"
Nah, Littlefin, all info I learned from the good folks here.
Cford
She is a shorty also. That lets you run her on alot of the smaller vintage hulls. If you upgrade for this hull, hang onto this motor and controls. Want a thrill that will make you take back things you never stole? Put this shorty 78 on a 14-15 foot aluminum vintage hull and gas it. It will put a BIG grin on your face!
Keep a good impellor in the water pump to keep her cool and she will gladly push you where you want to go.
Sorry for the rant, I think these are just flippin' cool old Mercs.
www.oldmercs.com Take a look in here.
Neil

Now thats a nice looking motor there. Thats the one I would like to have.

Don't think I will change it. This old boat just would not be the same without it.

I had the use of a Feather Craft 14 with a Mark 75 for one day in 1958 on Wilson lake. I beat everything on the lake including a barrel back Chris 15 with a 331 Olds and six Stromberg 97's. THAT was a BLAST!
Neil wrote:

"Roughly guessing on that one Neil?"
Nah, Littlefin, all info I learned from the good folks here.
Cford
She is a shorty also. That lets you run her on alot of the smaller vintage hulls. If you upgrade for this hull, hang onto this motor and controls. Want a thrill that will make you take back things you never stole? Put this shorty 78 on a 14-15 foot aluminum vintage hull and gas it. It will put a BIG grin on your face!
Keep a good impellor in the water pump to keep her cool and she will gladly push you where you want to go.
Sorry for the rant, I think these are just flippin' cool old Mercs.
www.oldmercs.com Take a look in here.
Neil