best way to ship an outboard

[knobby]

I would appreciate anyone's ideas on what's the best way to ship an outboard. UPS or freight and what kinda crate do I need?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: best way to ship an outboard

On anything over 75-100lbs., your looking at freight line or maybe RPS...<br /><br />Build a good plywood crate as small and light weight as you can, but don't compromize on strength, then securely fasten the motor inside the crate...

 

[JB]

Re: best way to ship an outboard

Depends on the engine, Knobby.<br /><br />UPS will take wood crated small engines that have been thoroughly drained and flushed of all petrochemicals. Lot of work stabilizing the engine against rough handling.<br /><br />I think the thing to do with larger engines is to palletize them and go freight.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[roscoe]

Re: best way to ship an outboard

Even palletized motors should be completely crated with plywood. Please don't ask how I found this out. ANY damage to the plywood means you need to do a complete inspection before accepting delivery.<br /><br />Most freight companies will not deliver to a home, some will for an additional fee. Easiest and cheapest is to have it delivered to the nearest trucking terminal, and have the receipient pick it up there. <br /><br />Or you can have it delivered to a nearby business, but then someone else will be signing for the delivery, and you cannot do a damage inspection.

 

[knobby]

Re: best way to ship an outboard

Thanks all, I appreciate your advise and help.<br />Knobby

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: best way to ship an outboard

I just shipped a 1960 10 hp, 78 lb motor via UPS in a full plywood crate. The 5/8" plywood crate weighted another 60 or so pounds so it was expensive. The dimensions barely cleared the overall height/girth requirements. Check www.ups.com for restrictions. I added some stiff rubber padding inside and a rope to hold down the lower unit. The crate was screwed and nailed securely.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: best way to ship an outboard

If it is a large outboard, perhaps a visit to a dealership will net you an outboard crate that the dealer would have had to smash up and dispose of.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: best way to ship an outboard

If care is taken to pack the motor well, I have had decent success with UPS and FedEx Ground. When feasible, I have done a partial teardown of the motor, breaking it into more manageable parts. Shipping it in two or three parcels may cost a bit more, but having an undamaged motor on the other end is worth it...<br />- Scott