Well guys, this has really been an interesting and informative discussion, had no idea I would stir up so much response. It's great to hear that everyone has had some of those "learning experiences". Now that I have heard so often that the Honda doesn't burn oil, I am thinking that perhaps what caused the motor to quit was something clogging up the vent valve and it didn't need oil after all. But with the little glass and the bright sun and reflections off the water, it is near impossible to read the oil level. I knew I had enough gas, having filled it at the dock, so my conclusion was that maybe it needed oil. Never thought of the vent getting clogged. As always, I appreciate hearing what everyone else has experienced. Thanks, Time for a cool change! Sandra(Seawitch #617)