When you split the lower...
1. Don't forget to replace the little, tiny gasket that seals the hole between the 2 halves that the gear oil flows through.
2. Be very careful reinstalling the "water tube". There is a rubber gromet at the top. It usually stays stuck in the upper, and when the lower is reinstalled, it is VERY EASY TO PINCH IT, which then restricts waterflow to the entire engine.

Having everything in forward is key.

Yep.

And impellor is 100 hrs or 2 years, whichever comes first.

Really isnt necessary to pull it off for winter.

remember if it's twins couter rotating starboard shift forward port all the way back.