Are they salt water or soft water engines ?

[batfalcon]

When I first purchased my Mercury 115 in August 1997 I started wondering if Merc engines are made for salt or for soft water use. I've got several opinions on this matter and I sure need yous too. I was told that the salt water engines (that are made in the US) have blue letters on the engine cover and they have "salt water" written on. In reverse the soft water models have red letters on the cover and of course there is no "salt water" indication. That has prooved partly true because of the recent import of the new 225 optimax with the " salt water" indication, which are made in the US (not Belgium). Now the question lies for the BELGIUM made models, which I belive are the most common in Europe.
Is anything hidden in Mercury's policy here or not ?
Are our models (with red letters), sold in Greece, made for the salt water use or not ?

[batfalcon]

After a long lasting phone call with a technician at the Mercury's headquarters, I've got an answer to my question: "Salt water" series is a trade mark for the X-Long shaft engines, the ones called "offshore" a few years ago". All the engines marked as "salt water" as well as the other ones (with the red letters) are made for sea and there is nothing to worry about.
I would like your opinion on this matter.
Michael

[Alan]

Michael,

I am not aware that Merc "Saltwater" engines are marketed as such in the UK at least. All appear to be branded "Mercury" with red lettering and as far as I know are suitable for sea use. That would match up with the story you have from the Merc technician!

Alan

[batfalcon]

Alan,
Most of the Mercury engines have red lettring in Greece too. All of them are made in Belgium. Just a few though, rather big motors (225, 250 Optimax), that are imported from US, have blue lettering and the salt water indication. All above are facts. The rest is talking with some specialists or so. Even at the Mercuty's site, nothing is written so I didn't get to a clue.
Michael.