Ross, only the cowl was repainted, not the motor. Brian (Goldstar Auto Body) taped off the decals and silver lines on the cowl (they were in good condition) and sprayed the whole cowl and the black portion of the face plate. Brian called Allen at Supreme Motors and Allen was only aware of the spray cans of paint in Marathon Black. Brian's paint company did not have a paint code for Mercury black, so they took a photo paint analysis from the flat top section (cap) of the motor. Two coats of paint were used, and then clear coat. It looks great and I am sure Brian did it as a favor to me. The cost was $100 plus my tip to him.
The next project may be to restore the original canvas top of the boat - am in touch with the one who reupholstered the seats. Always another project, but that is not bad.
Looking forward to boating next year as only got out four times this year. The boat is saying "Use me or trade me."