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.
Steering the boat with power assist steering is most always hard on a mechanical drive pilot with the engine not running but the octopus is a more direct and stronger unit than the X5 was & has a full disconnect so you should see no resistance in steering in standby or pilot off mode.
This system will work out better if you plan to install a hydraulic auto pilot system to steer both the kicker and outdrive with the engine not running. Pilot will be much more responsive not having to drive the power assist cylinder with the engine off.
Intermediate starter solenoid if its a Mercruiser would be my guess especially considering you had an issue in the fall & be careful with the hammer around the newer starters & small reduction starters as it only takes one hit in the wrong spot to damage the ceramic magnets in what was a perfectly good starter.