Look into using foam material.-----Fiberglass on both sides.------Ultra strong then and no rot.-----Material likely can be researched on ------Us composites.-----Composites Canada.-----Noah's boat building supplies and many other sources.
Correct.----The cavity under that cover is full of oil.-----Put a new o-ring in that cover and install with a new gasket.-----Make sure you set the shift rod height when you install the gearcase.
Maybe the rubber drive hub in the prop is slipping.-----Or check shift adjustment up at the top .----You will find the linkages in front of carburetor.
Model # is ??-----I assume you have a 3 cylinder motor.------The 3 cylinder gearcase is robust.----Just take the bearings to your local bearing outlet for replacement 1/4 or 1/3 of factory price.
Remove shift cable at the motor.-----Find the hitch pin on that horizontal shaft below the carburetors.----Remove that hitch pin.------Push that horizontal shaft to the port side and rotate it.----Shift rod is now loose.
When choke plate is closed a very low pressure develops in the carburetor when you pull the rope.----Then the atmospheric pressure in the float bowl floods the carburetor throat with fuel.
