I just bought a boat from one of the guys in my club.  He hasn't been able to use it for a couple of years due to health reasons and the motor has had to have some minor work done.  How long will the oil in the reserve hold up?  Should I replace it before putting the motor to work?  It does not appear to have any water or dirt in it and the reserve is full.

The oil should be Okay as long as it's clean.There is no shelf life or best before date.I would use it up.

Longears is correct, "I would use the lube as long as it was clean". Can you prove it is clean?? Not without oil analysis. So that is a mute point, no offense LE.

After two years of setting, i would strongly recommend you flush the oil out. All petroleum based lubricants can develope a high acid number when stored for long periods. Being acidic it will start attacking the metallergy within the motor. Also the additives in the lube will settle out. Yes you may stir some of the additives up when trailering the boat, but they will not be suspended in the oil as they should be.

Is it really worth saving 15 bucks or so, by taking the chance?? Not with my boat.

I totally agree with bass_junky! Get rid of the old oil. Its not worth saving that couple of bucks! Flush it out and put some good stuff in there! Also flush or clean out the carbs and put fresh high test fuel in it the first couple of times you use it after that just put regular in it with a good fuel stabilizer! good luck

the oil is fine i think.

The 2 strokes are notorious for dirty carbs though. I'd have the carb cleaned or rebuilt. Not a big deal to have done, its usually included in a full service.