For just the seal? Use a screw driver and hammer to pry it out. But if its leaking, you may have worn a groove into the axle (will leak after you fix it). They sell repair kits for this (its a combined bearing/seal housing. I run 2 of them). If its not the tube seal, then you brake cylinder might be leaking. Wait, we are talking about an 8.8 right? As for tools, AutoZone will rent (free) everything you need to do the work

I didn't know Lynnhaven was considered exspensive. Unless they went up in price after they had to rebuild. Lesner Bridge is also a possibility. Do you know if you can still get to the east side from Duck-In? Never really caught anything from the CBBT beaches, but haven't been out there at night though.

Your also right about owning a boat, except for one. You just can't beat going out to the islands and boat channels. . . which if my dad would get his deck done. . .