2013 SAN 230 343 burning oil

[AirTool]

I agree with all of this ^^^. However, the problem is all the engine manf's prescribed break in procedures don't support the drive it like you stole it for the first 5hrs approach. They prescribe the granny approach, nothing over 3k rpm first 2-4hrs etc. fairly certain if you were to have a major engine issue doing that during break in they could pull data from the ECM showing you broke procedures RPM wise and be liable.

isnt the purpose of the on water 1hr QAQC check at the factory to nail it hard and seat the rings?

The break in procedure described in CC's owner's manual matches DC's procedure.

In fact, I don't even know why they put it in there because they water test every boat. (which you mention) The CC factory should seat the rings by their own procedure.

Having said the above, I'm with DC and even more so that I believe this procedure should be repeated regularly until the engine has some hours on it. The process that the rings go through during this process are near perfect for seating. Its a process that has been around a long time. I first heard of it in the early 80's from a guy who was in is 50's.

The worst thing to do is run it a fixed load or steady speed for a long time.

[AirTool]

....
Checked oil to find no reading on the dipstick.
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I hope the engine is off when you check the oil....and has been off for a few minutes.

In an auto, its almost impossible to check the oil with the engine running because oil is steadily getting splashed on the dipstick....giving crazy readings.

However, marine engines have the dipstick tube running down close to the bottom of the pan so you can suck the oil out. The tube prevents the stick from getting oil splashed on it.

When the engine is running, the oil is barely on the stick or maybe not at all.