What year is Yamaha 15 hp with a S on cmpliance plate

[nathan dumschat]

My son is looking at buying a little tinny with a 15 hp yamaha on it . I was told you can tell what year it was made by the letter on the compliance plate. It has a s and is a 15hp two stroke . If anyone can help would be appreciated

Thanks Nathan

[MEGA'bite]

Yamaha used the letter S on to yrs 1980 and 2001 so if it looks reasonably new than 2001 would be the go , if its old and worn out looking 1980