Those almost looks like some kind of non skid tape. My last boat had a teak swim platform I just cleaned and oiled it once a year and it kept the nice warm brown color and was not slippery. No nonskid anywhere..
Yes the bearing is able to angle in all directions. Bump the alignment tool to move the bearing.
Edit: my bad I was referring to a mercrusier, apologies.
I'm more concerned about my home, I know the boat is dry but our homes down here are not set up for this coming artic blast. the heat pump is practically worthless but I have firewood.. I suspect that the plumbers will be busy next week...
Maybe you could rig up some cable steering, I built a small hydroplane and wire rope worked well. The throttle was easy but it didn't have a gear shift.
If you have the room to work on it then lifting from the gunwale will work. Your tree would work as well. If you have doubts then brace it but in both cases I think you will need to stablize the hanging engine or you will be chasing your tail when wrenching...
I didn't ride during the covid reign of terror but got out a bit this summer but father time has a way of putting a pause on long rides so I stay close to home these days..
