Outboard transom bracket strength

[Pack Rat]

I need a temporary lifting/moving table for my 156 pound outboard. This table would work best if the outboard was horizontal.

The table will drop to 11'' and lift to 34". I would be able to lift the outboard off a stand (outboard fully tilted), move it around, slide the outboard into truck bed, lower the motor onto SIB transom...basically fill many needs.


I'm wondering if I bolt a couple of 2x6's onto the outboards bracket if I would be placing too much stress on the bracket? As you can see I could lower the lower unit onto the lift table taking some weight/pressure off the outboards bracket. I would only use bracket like this for a short amount of time/distance. I would not allow the engine to bounce on it during truck transport (that's another post). In theory wouldn't the wood
2x6 be the weaker of the two anyway?

 

[azzurro]

Re: Outboard transom bracket strength

Just look at the pictures to understand me better.
http://www.el4x4.com/spa/item/gato_inchable.html
http://truckprousa.com/i-6481330-arb-4x4-accessories-bushranger-inflatable-x-jack-72x10us.html

It maybe useful to get the engine out of the truck bed, lift the engine (place a wood or rubber plate between the inflatable jack and the engine), etc.

What about an outboard trolley? I mean, that lifting table looks horrible. You can find outboard trolleys that can be used as stands and for servicing the engine.

Even a common modifiyed trolley can fit.
http://www.sz-wholesale.com/shenzhen_China_products/Hand-Trolley_1.htm

My favorite one is a stairs electric engine trolley, but that's too expensive.
http://www.grupodorados.com/familia...as-sube-escaleras/carretillas-electricas.html

Use one of these to protect your back.
http://www.unobike.com/detalle.php?ref=817

 

[Pack Rat]

Re: Outboard transom bracket strength

I like the big inflatable balloon idea. Certainly lighter and would fit on a small dolly.

I have a hand cart almost exactly like the one in one of the pictures but I just couldn't figure out how not to end up lifting the motor on/off it. I'm still tinkering with dolly idea's. I think a common trailer jack on wheels (2 of them) could be attached to a dolly and lift the motor up to transom height from a full tilt horizontal position. I don't think it would hurt a 4 stroke to store it in the semi tilt horizontal postion would it?

Anyway here's the dollys I'm tinkering with. They are 24"x 6' right now.

 

[jondavies]

Re: Outboard transom bracket strength

I think the main concern is dropping the motor and damaging it.

I've borrowed one of these before and it makes lifting an outboard a piece of cake:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-93840.html

However, I don't have room to store it and I don't really use it often enough to justify the purchase.

This YouTube video, provides a more low-tech approach that works if you have someone to help you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_Z8ldOGqAg

For moving the motor around, I made a stand as Azzuro indicated with an old hand truck ($5 on CL) and a 2x8 board.

 

[azzurro]

Re: Outboard transom bracket strength

I think the main concern is dropping the motor and damaging it.

I've borrowed one of these before and it makes lifting an outboard a piece of cake:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-93840.html

However, I don't have room to store it and I don't really use it often enough to justify the purchase.

This YouTube video, provides a more low-tech approach that works if you have someone to help you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_Z8ldOGqAg

For moving the motor around, I made a stand as Azzuro indicated with an old hand truck ($5 on CL) and a 2x8 board.

Man do I have fallen in love with that foldable crane.

 

[Pack Rat]

Re: Outboard transom bracket strength

Well I got the lift table and I think it's going to work. I used 2x8's bolted to the outboards bracket but it was too wobbly so had to stabilize it with a fake transom and couple 2x4's on lower unit. The fake transom pops right out. Here's some pictures and a one minute video showing me lowering and raising it then shoving it up against a workbench where I hang it. Still need to drill couple holes in the table top to bolt the wood frame the 156 pound 4 stroke sits on so I have no surprises while pushing the table.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fkw-fZFDeY