How do I get the Cowling off a 60 hp mercury outboard 2 stroke?

Push down on the lever on the rear of the motor cover to unlock the cowling. The latch straddles the seam between the two halves of the motor cover on the back of the motor.

Lift the back edge of the motor cover and, while doing so, unhook the front of the cover from the hook holding it in place.

Lift the cover off of the engine.