Does a 35hp Mercury need an air filter?

Question

I'm buying an older motor (35hp mercury) it has no cowling/cover on it. Also there is no filter on the card, I'm not very familar with outboards or boat motors at all. Should I be running it in the water without a cover? Does it need an air filter?

Answer 1

You need to have a cover over the powerhead.  This prevents water from getting on it.  There are many parts on an outboard powerhead that can corrode.  Also you do not want to suck any water through the carbs.  

Outboard motors do not use any airfilters.

Answer 2

All motors need air filteres!!

Answer 3

I think you should have a cover to protect it from being splashed, and to protect you from falling on the flywheel but no, outboards don't usually have air filters.