Sorry to hear of your problems, Russ. Have you checked for barnacles? I would think that if barnacles (or anything else) prevented the shaft from turning, the fuse would blow again. Still worth checking whether or not it will turn if you push the blade with a tool.
I was recently part of a prolonged exorcism on an autopilot (Raymarine product on a sailboat). After lots of setting and recalibrating, we found a source of interference near the compass. With that removed, problems remained. Software was upgraded, and problems continued. Finally the brain and compass were replaced, and all seems OK.
I read the other day (in Lats and Atts?) about a new type of bilge pump float switch which may replace the mercury ones common in most boats.