Re: Oil
As they've said, read the FAQ to discover there's many differing and reasonable opinions about this. My personal opinions are: <br /><br />(1) it's more important to accurately and religiously get proper mixture into your engine (whether by autolube or pre-mix), than to choose any particular TCW3 oil. Therefore, the only wrong decision you can make is to be lackidasical (sp?) about mixing and/or maintenance of oiling system. Just as with your car, the choice of brand is minor at best. <br /><br />(2) There might very well (probably?) be different additives in the OEM and/or "premium" oils that may or may not make a meaningful difference. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of real data on this particular item. <br /><br />(3) In the big picture of boating expenses, the difference in price between "premium" oils and the cheapest is not a big deal, so if one assumes #2 above is true, the cost of following up on that hunch is minor. <br /><br />(4) If you do decide to go with OEM oil (e.g. Yam, Merc, John/Ev), definitely bring your own container and buy at bulk price. If you use an autoluber, pour from your container into autolube tank. If you premix, set up a marked container to easily/efficiently premix for various amounts of gas. This is what I do.<br /><br />(5) If it isn't real convenient, or just exhorbinant price, see #1. I refuse to go waaay out of my way to get OEM oil if it isn't reasonably convenient.
