Are the external hydraulic lines for tabs available off the shelf from somewhere or do you just have them made custom at a local shop?

Sorry, I reread your post, you are looking for external, sorry!!!!

I always had mine made up at the local Aeroquip dealer. they are not exotic but they are stainless ends so smaller hydraulic shops may not have them.

Yes they are available at any merc dealer. They are a merc part and many places stock them. I think they're about $40

Any Weatherhead, Gates or Parker distributor can make them up for you.

Here is a list of all Merc tabs and all thier parts.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selec...doc_nbr=891720

Ok. Thanks for the info.