L&M

http://videonewsservice.net/index.php/2018/08/12/orleans-county-four-people-rescued-from-lake-ontario-after-their-boat-sunk/

Yes it can

If you did a factory reset Rusty you will have to go thu the dock side wizard first thing before moving the boat either setting still at the dock or on the trailer. It will walk you thu step by step what to do and how to make the changes to the drive polarity ( rudder/outboard in your case ) direction. If it is turning to starboard instead of port as you said it will ask yes or no. select no and it will do the test again and ask you yes or no again. If yes this time select yes, and your drive polarity is all set in the computer, then continue on with the wizard. On another note did you by chance put anything metal or move the electric trolling motor head ( I think you had a bow mount on it when I put it on ) closer to the EV1 ? https://raymarine.app.box.com/s/mpzvev3fdat7t2dbup61/file/23464190539 Sec 5 explains about the compass linearization being set automatically at power up, but can be fine tuned with sea trial. It has no bearing on the actual operation of the pilot itself. Note that your system Does Not have a rudder reference so follow the set up accordingly

Simrad GO series are compatible with that unit as well. https://www.simrad-yachting.com/simrad/series/go-xse/

Save your 80 bucks and do as was mentioned above. Pull the carb & put a kit in it, fuel pump works off crankcase pulse & just turning it over by hand will not make it pump fuel, nor is it a test to see if its ok, engine has to be running for it to operate.

Raised it, leveled it out & widened it this spring.

North state launch at the end of W. Port Bay Rd.

Joe has the right idea, they weren't originally designed for use with rubber bands to start with . If your going to use rubber bands with them you might as well just use shower curtain rings and be done with it.

Wouldn't be this one by chance would it ?

Really no need if all is clean & the o-rings are replaced. Besides the next guy takes it off won't be curse-in ya when it all needs to be cleaned off.

Shift yoke up on a Cobra drive is forward gear

https://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/topic/72318-wilson-harbor-invitational/?do=findComment&comment=538321

Rock the drive from side to side and look in the gap between the top of the gimbal ring & the transom plate, you will probably see your issue right there where the gimbal ring clamps on to the steering pin. It's a rather common problem, but not an inexpensive one to fix.