Engine starter

[Sigma1]

I am new to the site and purchased a 79 tsunami last summer---largley due to the information posted here!!!
I had to replace the starter on the engine which is a 5.7 L mercuriser I/O. The replacement is no easy exercise as the starter is at the bottom of the engine with minimal access. The boatyard said this is not uncommon as the starter gets alot of bilge water splashing up on it especially when you start up on plane. They did move a bilge pump further back towards the transom to get any water out as best as possible.

This a long way of asking if others have had a problem with starters and is there anything that can be done to maximize the life span of the starter.

Thanks