Scout,
A Sea Story:---- I had my Heater out and stored in the Pilothouse, to
make room for the Shaft removal, to replace the "Thrust Bearing. I'd
like to make the suggestion that you look at your engine/shaft coupling
before you add to much to that heater.
My heater was in the Port Side Cockpit Looker; forward against the cabin
bulkhead. I had a 29 ft boat, but for a man to disconnect that coupling,
next was necessary for a man to lay down on the floor of the cockpit to
reach down to disconnect that coupling. Couldn't be done with the Heater
in place.
Look it over before your start modification.
Good luck!! By the way; I tied off the engine's cooling water to the
heater for my "Red Dot" heater which really was a blessing.
http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT