[stephen low]

Thanks all guys.

Can also lean on a good mate and fellow sailor for advice who is a mobile mechanic.

Have ended up with the right Permatex gasket set and after a clean up, I test fitted the lower manifold pieces.

Understand now why the protruding head gasket bits are there to match in with cut outs on the lower gaskets as well as the tab cut outs for the front and rear cork gaskets.

Also have the Permatex aviation sealant liquid for the port gaskets and the ultra black for the front rear gaskets my mate uses and has recommended.

No sure why the front gasket had bulged out but know to make sure it aligns well between the mating faces.

Will be fitting up tomorrow night and don't anticipate any issues, so all should be good.

Thanks again though for the advice.