Good and bad news

The stainless steel pipe that I had made to connect the pump and the thermostat worked fine with a liberal coverage of gasket sealer. 

Next jobs to do are oil change and fuel filter change , then ready for an Easter cruise.

The reassembly of the water pump and thermostat housing went well. I took the boat for a run and it was fine. On checking the area of the water pump I notice a small amount of moisture coming out of the pump pulley - no more than a drip . I will monitor it but I don't think it will be a major issue as long as I watch the coolant level.