I just bought a new boat recently and have used it only three times...I was told to check the oil every 5 or 6 times I was out and it looks like it's about half-full or a bit more. When should I add oil and secondly, which oil would be recommended?  Thanks for your help in advance!

I wouldn't let it get too low, to the point that when you go to get on plane that the pickup can't get the oil. I was told that 3 gallons would probably last 3 or 4 tanks of gas ( I have a 37 gal tank ). They also said to check it after every trip to make sure its not too low. My oil tank has marks on it showing where "too low" is.  Keep in mind, if your motor is still in the break-in period, the computer is adding more oil to the mix than it usually will use.

As for the type, use the manufacturers recommended oil. I use Mercury Optimax/DFI 2 Cycle oil in my ProXS DFI motor. You can usually pick it up at any Mercury authorized dealer and even some places like Gander Mountain. Its not cheap, but then again neither is your outboard. Would also recommend some fuel additive like SeaFoam or Quickleen, especially if you are using gas with ethanol in it.

Great advice. Thanks for the information! The break in period has been a concern for me too. I have ran it at different speeds and such and have had it wide open as well. I'm hoping that it's not been hurt in any way and don't believe it has. I wasn't aware that it was adding more during that period. Thanks again! I have no doubt the oil isn't cheap...nothing in fishing is these days!

Do your research and you'll find this:

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/hpi.aspx

Also ditto on the use of Sea Foam additive, keeps your motor clean!  

Use as directed:

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUpTech.htm

Yeah, that's something I had heard too. IS Stabil just as good or not? Also, is there a good alternative to the Optimax Oil? I keep hearing about Quiksilver. The price difference is considerable. I don't want to be cheap or do anything that hurts the performance or life of the outboard but if I can save a little and still treat it well I'd like to do that if possible....Thanks again!

Stuart

I've heard that Quicksilver is a good alternative. I think the most important thing is that it is TC-W3 rated. I know my manual says don't dare use something that's not, but that the premium oil is better than some off brand that is TC-W3. Given that these are high performance engines I wouldn't take a chance with just any TC-W3 rated oil. But from what I've read, Quicksilver is good.

Thanks again. I'll probably go with the Optimax oil anyway, there's no need to take chances with this outboard. I noticed Sunday once or twice that it was idling a bit erratically when I took it out of gear and smoked a little....but this was after running hard and coming to a stop abruptly to adjust loose belongings...when I did this a bunch of water came over the back of the boat and onto the deck before I had time to trim it correctly to prevent this...would this cause it to smoke for some reason or is this part of the break in period? After fishing for a bit I started it right back up with no smoke or strange idling... It runs flawlessly as a new outboard should....I've had no problems starting it or anything else...

Its a 2 stroke, its gonna smoke occasionally because there's oil in the gas. Every 2 stroke I've ever had smokes a little now and again. I would expect to see it during the break in period since its getting more oil than usual and the engine is breaking in and the parts are getting the polish rubbed off of them.

When you come to a stop, its not trim that will prevent the wake from coming over the back of the boat, goose the throttle a little as the wave closes on the back fo the boat. In time this will be one of the things that you do without even realizing you are doing it.

I have a 225 Optimax and I run the Mercury Optimax oil in it (black bottle).  My last boat had a 150 EFI and I did run Quicksilver in that without an issue.  I would suggest paying the extra and run the Mercury oil.  I just have a better piece of mind doing that.

Many thanks for all of the advice and information from all of you here on the forum. This really helps me to feel better about what I'm doing out there with this new and relatively expensive "toy". I think the Optimax Oil is the only way to go and...I didn't know that giving it throttle would prevent the wave on the back..great, I'll start doing that! I don't remember that happening on the Champion that I had but that was long ago and a completely different boat.

If you want to keep the warranty intac you best run what Mercury says to.

Good idea