I need to replace the Port Side Starter and access is a nightmare.

From what I can see I need to pull the hoses, the Riser and the Manifold. Might as well replace the knock sensors while I'm there...

Looking for advice on an easier way to do this other than pulling the engine.

Thanks in advance.

I had one replaced in a 30 Outlaw we had years ago. There was no way I could have fit in there to get to it, but the shop that did it had someone small enough to reach it without removing a bunch of parts. The $100 in labor cost was way better than me cussing while changing it myself.

havent done one of those but the last time I changed a starter in tight spaces I put a small flat strap around the solenoid so it held the weight from above so I did not have to hold all the weight from down in the bilge. if you have someone above to lift and lower it so you can just move it into place and start the bolts it is easier.

Honestly, I’d just pull the motor.

6 bolts to remove drive, 2 bolts to remove exhaust clamps, 10 bolts to remove engine if you have offshore mounts. Raise motor a foot or two, replace starter and lower back down. You can possibly get away without removing grounds, water hoses, etc……

Im an incompetent accountant and can have one out of the boat and on the ground in an hour or hour and a half at the most including set up time.

That's a job I paid to have done on my twin 496HO boat. Fortunately on the 37' Active Thunder, there was room for a little guy to slide under the motor for my port side replacement.

^^^ Find a skinny tech with 8' arms!

Easy, pull exhaust manifold and riser off. Replace starter and check exhaust for leaks.
Not that bad. Just do it. Or pay $$$$$

^ Agree. Not sure why most seem to feel pulling the engine is the easiest answer?

...as long as no exhaust manifold bolts break off in the block...

The previous owner paid for this job back in September 2022. I bought the boat March of 2023 and got the receipt.

Fast forward to current time and the reason I'm replacing the starter is the tech left the nut loose that held the terminal lug to the starter solenoid. The lug is arced all to hell and the end of the terminal lug is burned away.

Now I know why my engine was out of alignment back in July and I found the engine mount bolts were left loose. I couldn't figure out why those bolts were never tightened. Until now...