White smoke

[UMC]

I have a 2002 Yamaha 60 hp outboard that I've noticed gives off some white smoke upon starting, usually only on the first start of the day. Also, I've had to add a little oil after every trip or two (1-2 ounces) to keep it at the top of the dipstick, and in previous years I don't remember hardly ever having to add oil. In doing some searching online, most seem to point to a bad headgasket as the cause of the smoke. Does that sounds about right and what am I likely looking at for $$$? Thanks

[boatfixer]

White smoke is steam. Usually a sign of water in a cylinder. Pull the spark plugs and check for water by taking the plug and "tapping" the electrode end into the palm of your hand. The water will bead up.

[UMC]

And if there is water in the cylinders, what does that mean? Some sort of seal/gasket is bad? I'm not very motor literate.

[delcecchi]

And if there is water in the cylinders, what does that mean? Some sort of seal/gasket is bad? I'm not very motor literate.

In a car it would be a head gasket,or a cracked head most likely. I don't know if there is anything else in an outboard that could be leaking.

[Sonicrunch]

In a car it would be a head gasket,or a cracked head most likely. I don't know if there is anything else in an outboard that could be leaking.

That would be my first guess too.