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Thanks for all the replies and advice.

Don't have an impact wrench or similar tools. Did use heat and patience, avoided the breaker bar. Problem is, this is the "long" bolt with threads far removed from the head and difficult to get heat to the threaded hole area. Long story short, I broke it. Damn! I feel like an idiot. I guess I should have gone more slowly. Now I am where I am.

It's a 9/16 dia SS (obviously not grade 5)hex head bolt, broken just fractionally above the aluminum casting. Easy to get penetrant in there now. Hmm. I've talked in casually in the past with my auto gear head friends about this situation, and know there are various tools/techniques to employ here. I'd like to get that nub out with the housing threads intact and avoid helicoils and all that stuff, although it does appear to be a hefty piece of aluminum in that area.

Okay, so the lower unit is off and I've pulled the water pump and looked at the impeller and plate and grommets. Not Changing this a moment too soon. It may be the original! Am also changing the housing, going with all OEM parts. Trying to do this right.

So, any further advice here for a dejected and embarrassed soul?