Advice for used merc 2001 20hp

just bought a used 01 mercury 20hp outboard. Has been used very VERY little. GREAT DEAL!!!! Anyway..... need some advice about getting/installing a water separating fuel filter for this. do i need this? Have a 6 gal portable tank. will not be able to use boat weekly Concerned about ethanol/water problems. what is the best oil to use for the mix? Engine has not been used in a while, but started right up, any advice on prepping it for a "real" trip?
Thanks!

Re: Advice for used merc 2001 20hp

They make a remote cartridge type setup. They run $20-40.
Personally, I think it is overkill for an outboard assuming you have portable tanks. Having said that, I have this setup on my McKee Craft. But that was from the previous owner, I never would have installed one myself. It's too easy to dump the water out of a 6 gallon can.
Ethanol displaces water (like dry gas) up to the point when the ethanol starts to separate from the gas.
That's one of the things I like about Mercs, at least the all the ones I've ever had. They fire right up after sitting. I have a 200 25 I use once a year. It hasn't failed me yet.
You might want to make a couple short shake down runs. Make sure it's spitting a decent stream of water. You might want to check the plugs and fuel filter and maybe change the lower gear oil. If I'm forgetting a maintenance item, I'm sure someone will jump in.
But you sound basically good to go.
enjoy