I didn't see any coming in from the tab holes. I di, in fact, remove the port tab yesterday. I actually removed the flex shaft for the first time. I was kind of concerned about breaking the coupler, or something since I had never done it before. Was I did that, I remove the strut and strut braket. There was still a bit of water behind the bracket, so I out a small bead around the tube where it exits the transom and a thin layer on the backside of the strut bracket along with some blue loctite on the hardware and remouned it. I did grease the cablle with some Prather cable grease, but may have put a bit too much. I did, however stop the grease about an inch short as you mentioned because I coould tell it had never had grease on that portion and saw no use for it there, anyway. I'll float it again tomorrow after everything sets up and see how it works out. I might pull the cable again and wipe it down a little, too.

Meanwhile, back at the farm, I'm still awaiting a prop......

P.S. Have you ever tried to adjust the yoke that attaches to the rudder. You know, the piece that snaps on the ball and threads on the steering arm. I tried to remove mine aong with the radio box and I couldn't budge it. I was afraid I was going to twist/snap the steering rod.