If I'm going past the boat shop the day I need it, or have to buy something
else there anyway, I buy it there. Otherwise, lots of hardware or
anywalmart / Target/Fred Meyer type store all sell certified marine lower
unit lubes of various brands. You don't have to buy an automotive
substitute to save money or (more importantly) convenience.
While I agree that a few $$ difference between buying a product for cheap
vs. the boat store offering is truely insignificant, to me, convenience is
everything and the boat shops in my town are neither convenient locations
nor convenient hours of operation.
Cam

"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
The spec for the oil isn't much different than the standard 80-90w gear
lube. What the concern is if you get a few drops of water inside the
gearcase which may cause problems. The "marine" lube has additives to help
the drive last if water gets in. Try places like Boater's World, Bass Pro
shops, West Marine, etc for lube which is slightly cheaper.

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...

Maybe this didn't come out the way I intended. What I intended to say
was,
auto parts stores are much more convenient for me to get to... And Merc
oil
probably isn't anything "special". Its just about guaranteed that it is
a
standard weight gear oil. Why can't Merc just give the spec. instead of
making us take a trip to the boat store?

Rich


"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
If you're worried about buying $20 worth of lube then you shouldn't
own
a
boat!

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...
Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive,
what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich