Yoda,

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I would start by purchasing or borrowing a Yamaha service manual for that engine. $50 plus shipping. Have a look at it and go over some of the maintenance items you want to tackle. See if you feel comfortable doing it.
Gear case removal and a*water pump kit install*on*
my unoffical "Joe Six Pack" scale of one to 10 is a 4-5. A*10*being a engine re-build. Thermostat replacement*is very simple. The hardest part of your job will be getting*stuff apart. An engine of that vintage if used in saltwater........*it could*be hard to get things loose*or apart depending on its past repair history.
Andy