Looking to pull my shaft out of my 1998 370 Carver Voyager. What size is the socket to pull the coupling off?

Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving.

We just sold our boat and are ready to buy a 2002 or newer 530 or 570 Voyager on the West Coast. We are in the SF Bay Area but will be looking in SO Cal through the winter. If we don't find one in California by spring we will be willing to look in the PNW. Looking for turn key clean, mid time boat and not a water condo. Please contact me if you are ready to sell Rusty Mayes

Our Carver suffers from a rather stiff controls at the helm. The recommendation from the Marina's mechanic is replacement. They are quoting roughly $2,000 ($1,860 to be precise) for parts and labor. I know that prices from such jobs vary widely, but I'm wondering if this sounds too high or if it's consistent with what one can expect to pay for such service. Any input is much appreciated.

Hey All, Boats all tucked away and after my lift out hull inspection, I noticed that the exhaust pipes coming out the hull have sealant around them. Just a very small bead, but its a small bead of black sealant. Do you know what type of sealant would be best to use there to re-seal it. Mine is pulling away a little bit and want to get it all sealed up again. Oh, I have a 2003 396 with Cummins 370B’s installed.

We recently bought a Carver 445. A previous owner has removed the gas shock/lift from the stairs that open up to allow entry into the engine room. We are thinking about replacing that to make it easier to open and close the stairs. Can anyone with a 440, 445, or similar size boat with the same type of stairs tell me what size, capacity, specification gas shock would work there. Also, does your boat have only one gas lift or one one both sides of the stairs? Thanks.