I'm working on a boat and noticed a crack on the gimbal ring (Bravo 1), Right exactly between the two nuts from the U Bolt at the top. The U bolt still has the flat stainless tie-bar piece in good shape. The boat has external Hyd Steering so the inside tiller arm isn't used. The U Bolt & Flat Stainless piece contain/hold the cracked pieces together.. How Bad is It??? Unsafe??? If so, Any chance changing a Gimbal ring without pulling the Motor.

No the motor does not have to be pulled

Check out JR Marine for gimbal servicing parts, they have done a great job at improving on Mercs wearable parts.

I believe X-Power drives also makes a solid stainless steel gimbal ring