It used to be that Mercury would change the paint scheme of the cowls every year, so you could just look at the cowl and know what you have by the color of the stripes and their order, but I don't know if they do that any more. So, if the serial numbers have all been removed I don't know if there's a way to figure out the exact year, but just by looking at the cowl you should be able to get it down to a series of years. Look at your cowl, then do an internet search for Mercury engines. When you find one that looks like yours you'll know what series of years you have. I don't know if there's anything more than that. Maybe some of the other guys have more knowledge in this matter and can help further.
If you would, could you tell us more about the government auction thing? I've always been curious about them and it's good to hear from someone that's actually used/done it. Thanks
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1987 V20 w/1987 150HP Yamaha on a Shoreland'r Trailer
1978 16.5 Airslot w/1996 120HP Force on a Four Winns trailer
1996 V21 w/1993 200HP Mercury on a Shoreline Trailer
All towed by a 5.7L Hemi Durango.
If God didn't have a purpose for us we wouldn't be here, so
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.
(Leave the rest to God) 
Silence, in the face of evil, is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless.
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