I have just talked with Harvey and he wanted me to let everyone know that unfortunately he's going to be out of commission probably until spring due to an unfortunate slip in the rain and a broken ankle.
Raymarine discontinued the SportPilot some time ago and I wouldn't recommend buying a used one. There are other affordable units out there that will serve you well. Hyd or cable steer?
From past overall experiences I would steer clear of Jasper. There are several very good company's that deal strictly with marine rebuilds and/or new long block assembly's, one being the for mentioned Michigan Motorz & another is Marine Engines Inc. out of Mass. If your going that way I would both consider the difference in price between a new vs rebuilt long block & also stepping up to a 5.7 over the 5.0 while your at it.
I was referring to the filter not the tank. If its been a season or more I would change it out and check it for water again after a few trips to see where you stand.
**The amount of water is not extreme for that time frame & shows the filter is doing the job it was intended to do.
Kits are available ( 435070 ) but complete pumps are about nonexistent although there is a guy out in Ohio ( pettys marine ) that advertises complete pumps on an exchange basis only. I know nothing about him but it might be worth a shot if your isn't rebuildable.
Good point, you need a minimum of 10" behind the dash, but unless it is an older Morris rotary helm/cable or a rack & pinion set up any existing Teleflex rotary cable is compatible with the octopus drive.