While we are on the subject of the well:

I would like to make a flexible baffle to go around the shaft at the top of the well to keep water from splashing into the compartment when heeled in seas. I want it to be flexible enough that I can still turn the engine for maneuvering in close quarters (that's reason enough to have an outboard in lieu of an inboard in my opinion.) I can turn on a dime at slow speeds in harbour by turning the outboard.

The boat came with a baffle made from hardboard (masonite) but it has turned into a dusty, deteriorating felt board in the moisture ridden environment of the boat. I'll use it for a pattern. Now that I think of it, there may be a plan for one of these in the Manual.