I didn't make it to the boat this weekend. I have the gear box down as a KM2P 3.22. However the owner between me and the person who re-engined the boat changed the prop to match. I will definitely be on the boat next weekend so will take some pics. The length thing might be boat specific...the shaft log wouldn't need to be very much shorter for a stuffing box to fit.
I don't really see a need for an access panel. To get to the oil fill the piece of plywood behind the steps has to come off, and then to get the whole starboard side of the engine bay off is 2 or 3 more screws.
