Yup, just lift it and slide it off/on. Once it's on the studs you can get a nut on a couple threads.
According to the manuals you can thread an eye bolt into the dipstick hole and lift with a mechanical device, but that obviously doesn't work for most of the boats out there since most have swim platforms
Gorilla It! Eat your Wheaties that morning,,, lol,,, actually it's mostly aluminum, but don't let that fool you it's still a bit heavy, but not as bad as it looks. One guy can usually get it off, & on, and drop it on the tailgate if need be.
I don't have the same drive as you but....I lower the sterndrive onto a piece of plywood and once unbolted slide it out while another person or a rope tied to the ski rope eye keeps it from tipping. It goes on the opposite way.
There is a drawing and/or a picture of a setup that someone constructed out of 2x4's to support the drive. It was at least two years ago, because that is when I found it and built it.
Basically, you construct a set of 2x4 runners that support the horizontal fins (right below where the rams mount). These runners are about 3-4 foot long. Supporting this is a framework of 2x4's, that is custom cut to the height that you need with everything leveled out.
Works like a charm. Unbolt everything with the support under the drive, yank it back, catch the driveshaft before it falls out, and you are home free. Takes about 15 minutes to get it out. About the same or less to go back in.
Find the article, as it has a couple of fine points about open ends on the frame that I don't remember.
if your not feeling super strong... swim platforms make things a pain... literally. they make special jacks... however for the casual user they are not worth it. depending on your access it may be worth your while to make something you can use in conjunction with an regular hydraulic auto jack. just remember when you go to put it back on, as heavy as it is it should slide on like butter. you should get an alignment bar if you don't already own one. you should check your alignment every time the drive comes off.
i've only removed my drive once, never put one back. so i ain't perticularly expereinced. but i made me a drive stand. when i took it off, i jacked up the trailer and adj. the trim on the drive till they were nice and level then pulled the drive. came off nice and smooth. hope to do the same going back on....
i've seen other guys stands they make, look better than mine. but so far mine has worked for me.....
