[macojoe]

They started using the SS rods in 1994 in the saltwater series, Before that they are steel and if not replaced yet it will need it! Winch means removing the power head, which can be a hard job if its to corroded? I had one done on a new to me motor and the guy that I bought it from was a Marine Mech so he did it. BS had to do one and he did it with his father with out problems.
But it was 10 years ago for us and they were not as rotted as today's would be. Just look at it well but that might not be good enough, I was looking for it when I bought mine and saw nothing till it broke.