2003 SANTE vdrive oil check

[slidin_out]

Seems to be varying opinions on when you check your vdrive oil. Is it on the water after running it for a few minutes to warm up the vdrive or sitting cold on the trailer? I've always checked it cold. Which is the correct method?

[core-rider]

I seem to get better readings with the boat sitting in the water. On the trailer seems to always give me a higher reading than in the water. It is just 30W oil so cold or hot shouldn't matter as motor oil doesn't really expand once heated like ATF. The transmission fluid should be checked at operating temp though.