Phil, why not try fixing it yourself. You don't have to be mechanically inclined to work on outboards. You will need the repair manual for that motor though. I'd recommend before you even take it to a repairman, you run a compression test (so simple a 10 year old could do one). That will let you know if its a simple task or one that requires a professional. Generally, the things that go wrong are fuel lines rottening, rubber diagphram in the fuel pump deteriorating, carbs get dirty, spark plugs are bad, and checks and adjustments get out of tolerence. The manual will let you know how to fix all of these things, and all else failing, when you get in trouble, there is alwasy Bubbakat hanging around wanting to help. You will save yourself a cool two or three hundred dollars by fixing it yourself. As long as you do the simple things I've mentioned above, it will not hurt your motor to attempt to fix it and then if its still beyond your capabilities, take it to the mechanics.
All this advise from a guy who absolutely hates to get oil and grease on his hands, but will do so to work on an outboard. Wouldn't even spit on a automotive engine, just trade them in.lOL