Is this normal for mrec?

[Steplift 72']

Correct! Mixing oil is the only way to go. I also believe in a water pressure gauge. The tell tale stream only works to alert you of a problem if you happen to be looking that way. The water pressure gauge is the cheapest gauge on your console and can save you much money. I've had one on every motor since an ice bag was caught on my lower unit 45 miles offshore. The hot alarm went off seconds after a piston siezed.

[bigshrimpin]

Step72 - How did you get in? That's my worst fear. I have to get a kicker bracket figured out for my boat this year.

[Steplift 72']

Originally Posted by bigshrimpin

Step72 - How did you get in? That's my worst fear. I have to get a kicker bracket figured out for my boat this year.

I was running my 248 Offshore with twin loopers when I caught that ice bag. It was still a very long trip in.

I've had 3 single engine boats with kicker motors;

Aquasport 170 Merc 115 & 6 Evinrude kicker
1983 V-20 150 Johnson & 25 Johnson kicker
1990 24 Grady White 200 Yamaha & 9.9 Yamaha 4 stroke kicker

That 4 stroke kicker really worked well. It was the one designed for use as a kicker with the big prop. It moved the 24 footer better than the 25 Johnson moved the v20. In the big Pacific swells I'd be sure to go with something that has that kind of torque. Around here the afternoon chop in the gulf of mexico is steep and rough but its usually moving the right direction from May through September. Anything is better than nothing, I proved that with a 6 Evinrude kicker getting us in over 20 miles.

I've seen kickers lost off of hi-low brackets. If you get one, be sure to drill a couple holes and thru-bolt in addition to the clamps.