Whats your location? Can't you rent Boat trailer for the day or week? Here in Orlando this is an option.
As for the cost of a LU for an 86 motor all I can say is WOW! One thousand dollars ?
I can recommend you shop ebay or craigs for a LU and replace it yourself and save a few bucks. I am guessing you can do since you mentioned you can do the re-seal, swapping the LU is much easier.
Here is an LU with a 90 day warrenty for around 700
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/YAMAH...ssoriesQ5fGear