Evinrude oil leaks

I recently purchased a boat with a 03 Evinrude 200 DI with 160 hrs on it. First I had to change the spark plugs, fine motor maintance no big deal, now the motor is leaking oil, not a lot but a few drips. I called a couple dealers and they said it is very common to have a Evinrude DI leak a little oil. They said not to worry they all leak a little oil it’s very common, they told me to throw a little sponge in the bottom and you will never see it again. Does anyone have any insite on this. Besides telling me I should have stayed with my Mercury’s. I have had 2 different Mercury motors with no problems what so ever. This motor is starting to p… me off . I’m hoping someone has some insite & experience with these motors.

Thanks,

Optimax and HPDI-same thing. I freaked out on it with my opti and so did my buddy with his HPDI. I don’t think it is an actual “leak”.
Some others will chime in here I am sure.

I too have a rude that use to leak oil. I purchased mine new last year even though it’s e-tec 07 150 model. I was shocked when told it was normal for them to leak. Mine leaked out the front under the cowel and onto the steering link. It leaked about 1/2 teaspoon of oil after each outing. I was told that it was leaking from the area behind the air filter and not to worry about it. I had to have the oil pumped replaced after the first outing this year and the engine only has 21 hours on it. The leaking stopped after the new oil pump was installed, I don’t know if there was something loose before and now that it has a new pump it was tightened up or it was just a coincidence it stopped.