removing outboard motor

[bman1bpm]

hey I was wondering what people use to lift the outboard off their boats. I've got a 140 chrysler I need to remove to do a transom job.

 

[DJ]

Re: removing outboard motor

I just "beefed up" the wood in my attic (over garage) and use a "come a long" to lift. No issues.

"beefing" means doubling the 2 X 4 rafters and some supports.

We're only talking 350# here, at best.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: removing outboard motor

I rent an engine hoist.

But I don't do it that often.

 

[Mark42]

Re: removing outboard motor

I made a shallow U beam from 2x6 and 2x4's a little over 4 feet long. Glued and screwed it together. Then screwed it to the ceiling of my garage so it spans 4 ceiling joists. Attached a come-a-long and it easily lifted the 190lbs of Evinrude on my MFG. By spreading the weigh over 4 joists, the ceiling easily handled the load. And now I can lift the motor any time I need to.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: removing outboard motor

i use my neighbors cherry picker.

 

[rtpassini]

Re: removing outboard motor

i have a cherry picker!

havent used it on the boat yet though.

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: removing outboard motor

hmm well the garage I have access to (Dad's) has 20' ceilings so I'd need a long cable for a comealong.

Guess I'll start asking around for either a cherry picker, or a shorter garage!

 

[mthieme]

Re: removing outboard motor

I use the bucket on the front of my tractor.
A bobcat would do the trick too.
I have used the rafters in the garage also.
I've also used tree limbs & rope and a bumper (when younger).

 

[slasmith1]

Re: removing outboard motor

I use a couple cases of beer.

Just don't let your friends start drinking it until after the motor is safely off the boat.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: removing outboard motor

Bman, That 20' ceiling shouldnt be a problem. Bolt a length of chain to the ceiling beam and attach the comealong to it. The tricky part is where to attach the Comealong cable to the motor. My Merc has bolts into the flywheel. My Johnny has two molded in lift points.


Alternatively you could build a cradle out of wood and a stand for the motor. The cradle would support the antiventilation plate of the motor, and you would need a guy to hold the motor upright when you unbolt it from the transom, and jack up the trailer tongue. Now the two of you get to wrestle the motor onto the stand.

I usually remove the lower unit before I remove the motor. It makes it a bit lighter.

 

[Mark42]

Re: removing outboard motor

Another way to do it is rather than lifting the motor off the boat, lower the boat from under the motor. I have done this before myself.

Start by lowering the trailer jack as far as it will go, getting the tongue as close to the floor as possable.

Next, with the motor in the full down position, put blocks of wood under the motor filling the gap between the skeg and the floor. Now remove all bolts, cables, wires, fuel line, etc.

Now start jacking up the trailer tongue. As the tongue goes up, the transom goes down, leaving the motor standing on its skeg. Of course, you will need a friend or two to keep the motor balanced as the transom is lowered. Once clear of the transom, the motor can be layed down or carried away.

I did this with a 300lbs Evinrude V4. My friend kept the motor steady until it cleared the transom. Its easy to keep it balanced on the skeg. Then we both dragged the motor over to the corner of the garage and let it stand leaning in the corner.

 

[sschefer]

Re: removing outboard motor

For 125.00 you can get a 2 Ton Engine Hoist from Kragen. I use one and it's a really safe way to hook up and take a motor where you need it. The added plus is that you can use it to pull fence posts, small stumps and even haul those heavy potted plants and landscaping boulders around the yard.

As an added bonus you can loan it for beer.. A case is the current going price.

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: removing outboard motor

Thanks for all the suggestions, if I can do it without spending $125 on a lift I'm gonna try it. Either the comealong or jacking up the trailer tongue. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: removing outboard motor

Bman, what ever you do - safety first. I don't exactly know what the weight of that particular engine is, but it's probably a couple of hundred lbs. I usually just rent an engine hoist for this type of operation and it has always worked out fast, safe and easy. Have fun, be careful.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: removing outboard motor

If you put together a good engine stand with caster wheels, you can roll the boat out/away after using the trailer method already mentioned, have your buds steady the motor and then roll the stand in place and drop the motor on it...then you can roll it around and place it wherever you want in your shop. Anything over 125 lbs. is cumbersome even for a couple of people...especially the way outboards are designed/balanced, lots of weight on one end. Use leverage/physics to your advantage to protect your bod.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: removing outboard motor

I bought a cheapie come-along at Harbor Freight to pull mine. Worked great.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: removing outboard motor

It is a chrysler, force whatever you want to call it, if it were me I would take a chain saw to the transom and burn everything that motor touched.

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: removing outboard motor

I don't think it'll burn the wood is pretty wet haha

 

[Docknocker]

Re: removing outboard motor

3 neighbors & a 12 pack

 

[jonesg]

Re: removing outboard motor

Craigslist , I got a foldaway cummins cherry picker and an engine stand on wheels for $160, renting a hoist cost $37.