If you have done it in a car it is much easier to pull in an average small boat than a car... Check the hoist height as most engine cranes do not go high enough. Can be done with a chain fall off a beam or tree just have to lift it up of the mounts and rotate it 90 degrees to access flywheel and flywheel cover.yeah...I am very hesistant to pull motor because I feel like that will lead to like 30 mini projects...however, it does not look as bad as I thought. I will stand down my other plans and go rent an engine hoist and follow your direction and bondo's direction. Pics to follow. I am thinking if I am removing stern drive that I will replace impeller and do a few other bits and bobs while I am in there....like moving bilge pump etc
Just remember that people call them freeze plugs but they really are not for freeze protection ....... yes you can get lucky and not have an issue with water in oil just keep an eye on it. My former neighbor at the lake (more money than brains) didn't winterize his mastercraft until after the first freeze- pushed out a plug pushed it back in and idling at first seemed like no water in the oil. Next summer after 2-3 uses getting good and hot found water in the oil... He did the same thing to his jetski years before ... just bought a new one must be nice