The lubricating compositions of the present invention are designed for use in a four stroke outboard marine engine and contain an oil of lubricating viscosity, an ashless dispersant, a metal detergent, a rust inhibitor, a relatively high amount of ZDDP, and an amount of a molybdenum compound sufficient to provide the composition with 15-1,000 ppm by mass of molybdenum. An amount of about 15 ppm to 1,000 ppm by mass of molybdenum from a molybdenum compound has been found to be effective as an antiwear agent in combination with the high levels of ZDDP.