I'm glad to have made the change. Seems I get less wear on the bearing too. I have a line plumbed from the raw water to the dripless so that to helps pressurize the fitting and keep the bearing cool. After 5 years I've no noticable play. Of course I've only put 300 hours on her in those years. If it works and you have easy access to the unit I wouldn't change it. If you begin to have an issue then yes I would consider the change. Since we were out of the water and doing a lot to the drive train anyway I figured what the hell, I'm still working and can easily throw more money at her! Same situation, same info, what I know now, I would still do it again.

Ciao