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I'd say that's a solid buy. Steering cables are not overly complicated if some work has to be done your not looking at a world of hurt in my opinion. As for the engine symptoms you mentioned you could have the engine looked over by a mechanic, maybe have the carbs cleaned and see what the guy has to say if it concerns you at all at least then you'd know.

I recently bought a older montauk with a 1997 65hp suzuki and I've been going over the outboard myself (i know nothing about outboards besides theories I learned in engineering courses...), and am slowly working through things. Only "problem" I've run into has been fuel line related but it is nice to know when the last time regular maintenance has been done, things like cleaning the carbs or checking the fuel lines for any cracks/pinches ect...