I recall the Seagull requiring a 10:1 mix
Yes more Oil can hide a Leaky Crankshaft Seal. I found a few by adding more Oil to the Gas, and the Motor had restored Power, though it can make a Mess of the Ignition System
I know the 1957 - 63 Big Twin Engines(35hp and 40hp), and the 1958-63 V4s were full Antifriction Bearings and could run on 50:1 using a TCW Oil even though they were 24:1 motors when released. In 1964, OMC changed the Ratio to 50:1 for the entire Line, and also increased the Warranty Period to 2 Full Years. Comparing the Parts Books of the 63 and 64 40hp, and 75hp, the Only differences, besides switching to a Hot Air Autochoke, from the Hot Water Autochoke, was the Pistons came with a Tin Plating, to make Break In Easier. All the Bearings, Crankshaft, Crankcase Seal Rings, were the same Parts #s