Re: Outboard Motor shipping
I shipped a 1992 Johnson 6hp from CA to MN last year. I used UPS. To protect it, I made a close-fitting crate out of 1/4" plywood and 1"x2" framing. Drywall screws made it quick to build. It took about an hour.
One of the keys is to put a cross piece of 2"x6" material at the proper angle to clamp the transom mount to. I also put in a big heavy foam piece for the lower unit and skeg to rest on, and more foam to hold the cowling still. This was soft foam, as used in furniture. In fact, I got it from a couple of old couch cushion. Then I tied the midsection to the framework with plumbers tape and screws. You really want to make sure nothing can move and that the outboard doesn't touch the outside of the crate anywhere.
The crate weighed in at 20 lb. The motor was 58 lb. I shipped it from a store that had regular UPS pickups and paid the store owner $5 plus the shipping costs. It's expensive! The only reason I did it was that my father had given me the outboard. I'd never buy one on ebay without considering the shipping cost, which will always be more than you think.
It took a week to get here and was undamaged.
