[macojoe]

Well having been threw this myself, I would let them do it next time!!
the rust and corrosion make the job a huge pain!! Add to the fact that fitting in that engin compartment is dam near impossible!!

OK If I was to do it again, I would put a motor lift in the boat on Plywood, I would pull the outdrive and service it while you are at it.
Lift the motor up out the hole so you have a clear shot at all!
Heat & PB Blaster are your friends!! Work slow and take your time!! and you should be fine!!

Now that you have it all out check all wires, change the oil and inspect the oil pan for leaks and or rust ( I had to pull the motor 4 monts after the deal to replace the oil pan >:() ck all hoses conetions, ect ect ect.. These are all things you can never see and this is your time to get it all done!

$1000 is good to pay with out having to do your self, but then again if you do like i said, yourself you have the time to fix all the other little things you may find on the way, with out paying the guy who finds it and then you go from 1000 to 2000.

well this is my opion Good Luck

If you do this job, there is this thing called a Camera!! We expect pic of all!!