Johnny.....I operate on a 5 month use and 7 month storage schedule.
Manual says to treat gas and run for a bit and then fog cylinders.....which is exactly what the dealer does at the end of the season. And yes, this is a 4 stroke motor and no one confuses 2 stroke oil with 4 stroke.
In the spring I burn off the previous years treated gas and then change my water filter. Motor starts up right away and might smoke for a couple of minutes...but works well after warming up.