One clean spark plug, 5 dirty. Why?

And the photo evidence that I’m a bozo.
 

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And the photo evidence that I’m a bozo.
I can't comment on how common it is for a 30 year old outboard exposed to salt to look like that. I'm in fresh water. I'm sure others here can comment.
However, I do have a lot of experience dealing with rust belt cars and corrosion. To improve your odds of removing those bolts (if required at all) without breaking them, I'd strongly suggest the following:
  • Use a flat punch and a hammer to hit the top of the bolts 5-10 times.
  • A better option might be an air hammer to the top of bolts - if you have one.
Doing so will vibrate the bolt and help to fracture any corrosion that could prevent you from backing them out.

In extreme cases I have cut the bolt heads off, applied vibration, heat, and penetrating oil to the remaining studs after the part was removed (the head). Gripping the stud with large vise grips will allow you to turn the stud in both directions to help break the corrosion free.
 
A heads up on the carbureted motors: Do not change any of the throttle adjustments other than the main idle speed screw on the linkage.
If you change the individual throttle plate settings by turning the adjustment screws, it will be just about impossible later to synchronize the carbs if you don't have a multi-port manometer. I learned that the hard way
 
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A heads up on the carbureted motors: Do not change any of the throttle adjustments other than the main idle speed screw on the linkage.
If you change the individual throttle plate settings by turning the adjustment screws, it will be just about impossible later to synchronize the carbs if you don't have a multi-port manometer. I learned that the hard way
Thanks for the heads up Seasick, but I avoid carbs like the plague. I'm all fuel injected, happily so. If I never clean another carb, that will be too soon.

Sounds like a good plan:)