Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Carry & Boat Outboard Motors

Motor clamps secure an outboard to a dolly or boat.


Marine works and boat repair shops use several methods to carry and boat outboard motors. Many use portable stands that have four wheels to carry larger motors. Some shops use a dolly to carry smaller motors from one place to another. Manipulating an outboard motor between a dolly and the boat is done with the aid of a mechanical system. Outboard motors are top-heavy and can be awkward to manipulate by hand, even with several strong bodies. Taking a few steps to set up a carry and boat system for outboard motors saves time and effort.


Instructions


1. Carry an outboard motor using a dolly that's outfitted with a mounting block between the side rails of the dolly. The block could be a piece of framing lumber or thick plywood. Drill the block and side rails of the dolly and use 1/4-inch diameter bolts with washers and lock nuts to attach the block just below the hand grip.


2. Lay the dolly down and have an assistant help maneuver the motor onto the block. Tighten the motor clamps to the block and have the assistant help lift the dolly upright. Have the assistant act as a spotter and wheel the dolly into position.


3. Lift an outboard motor from a dolly or the boat by rigging an overhead block and tackle in a garage or carport. Use 3-inch diameter pulleys and 1/2-inch braided rope as the lines. Attach a steel hook to the lower end of the line.


4. Obtain an outboard motor harness or motor tote from a marine supply or outboard motor supply. Fit the harness around the motor and connect the block and tackle hook before loosening the motor clamps on the boat or dolly. When removing the outboard from a boat, disconnect the fuel line and steering lines and unplug the electrical adapter before lifting the motor.


5. Use the block and tackle to lift the outboard into position at the dolly or above the motor mount on the boat. Have a spotter guide the motor and lower it until the weight is supported by the dolly or motor mount. Tighten the outboard motor clamps before removing the harness.







Tags: outboard motor, block tackle, dolly boat, assistant help, have assistant, have assistant help, into position