The question of how to transport an outboard motor is a challenge for every owner of a water transport immediately after buying it. Incorrect transportation can lead to serious breakdowns, such as water getting into cylinders, damage to a lower unit or a leaky carburetor. Even a short trip with errors can disable expensive equipment, so the process must be approached with maximum responsibility and knowledge.
There are several proven ways to move the power unit, depending on the type of boat and the distance of the path. You can leave it on the transom, remove and put in the body of the car or use a specialized trailer-boat. The choice of a particular method is dictated by the design features of your boat and personal preferences, but you can not ignore the technical details of the engine installation.
In this article, we will take a look at all aspects of safe transportation, including the right position of the motor, the nuances of fastening and preparation for the long journey. You will learn why for some models it is critical to the "nose" position, and for others let the "tail" option. Understanding these principles will save your budget and nerves on long journeys to water bodies.
Basic rules of transportation on the transom
Leaving the motor on the transom is the most common option that many anglers and water-engineers choose, saving time for assembling and disassembling the kit, which is especially true when they are often on the water. boat-motoring It has passed without consequences, you need to strictly observe the position of lower unit relative to the horizon.
The rule is that the lower unit head should be higher or, in extreme cases, on the same level as the water pump. If you lower the engine too low, when driving on uneven roads, water from the reservoir or moisture residue can leak through the exhaust hole into the cooling system and further into the cylinders. hydrostrokeThis often leads to major engine repairs.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the motor in a fully lowered position (vertically down) if you are driving over rough terrain, and the vibration and tilts are guaranteed to lead to water leaking into the muffler.
To fix the position, a regular or additional transom clamp is used. It must reliably hold the weight of the engine, preventing it from spontaneously descending or jumping on the bumps. If the standard mechanism is not enough, it is recommended to use a safety cable or belt, thrown over a lower unit and fixed on the sides or transom.
Use a soft lining between the transom clamping and the lower unit to avoid scratching and deforming the metal when vibrating while driving on dirt roads.
Motor position: on the nose or on the tail
When transporting on a transom, it is critical to choose the correct orientation of the engine. There are two main positions: "on the tail" (dadewood back to the stern) and "on the nose" (dadewood forward to the bow of the boat), the choice depends on the design of the motor and the availability of a reverse gearbox.
Most modern two-stroke and four-stroke engines with reverse-reducer You can move in any position, but you're going to prefer the forward position, and in this case, lower unit looks at the boat on the trailer, and this arrangement minimizes the risk of water leaking through the exhaust hole, because it's at its highest point when the boat is tilted forward.
If your engine does not have a reverse (for example, some old models) Hidea or Tohatsu Without a gearbox, it is strictly regulated. Such engines often require transportation only in an upright position or with an inclination, in which the carburetor is above the cylinder, so that the fuel does not overflow. For accurate data, always check with the manual of the specific manufacturer.
Why is the nose position safer?
When the boat is moving on the trailer, the nose is raised and the stern is lowered. If the engine is on the tail, the exhaust hole is lower than when it is on the nose, which increases the risk of water leaking during rain or washing.
It is also important to consider dimensions. When the position "on the nose" long lower unit can project beyond the dimensions of the boat, which requires the installation of a flag oversized cargo. When the "tail" motor fits better into the contours of the stern, but requires more careful check of the level of inclination.
Preparation of the motor for the long way
The long road is a test for any mechanism, and before you go on a journey of several hundred kilometers, you need to carry out a number of preventive measures, which will help to avoid surprises on the water and prolong the life of the unit.
The first thing you need to do is drain the water from the cooling system, and even if you plan to store the engine for a short time, the residue of water can cause corrosion or freeze in the winter, and this is done by putting the engine upright, opening the drain holes (if any), or simply letting the water flow away after work.
The second step is to check the mounts. Strubbine bolts should be tightened with the force recommended by the manufacturer; loosening the mounts on the track can lead to loss of the motor; and it is also worth checking the condition of the lower unit leg for cracks or dents that may have formed earlier.
☑️ Preparation for the long road
It is not superfluous to lubricate the moving parts of the tilt and turn mechanism with a consistent lubricant to protect them from moisture and dust raised by the trailer wheels. If you use a case, make sure that it is securely secured and does not rub against moving parts.
Transportation in the trunk and cabin of the car
Sometimes there are situations when the boat is carried separately, and the engine must be delivered in the trunk of a car or in the back of a pickup truck, in which case there are different rules, ignoring which can lead to damage to the cabin or the engine itself.
It is strictly forbidden to place the motor on the side or upside down without prior preparation, in this position, fuel and oil can leak out of the carburetor and oil crankcase, spoiling the car skin and creating a fire hazard situation, and gasoline vapors in the enclosed space of the cabin are also toxic to passengers.
For safe horizontal transport, you need to:
- 🛑 Completely develop fuel from the float chamber (let the engine stall).
- 🛢️ Pour oil from the gearbox and cylinder (if it is a two-stroke by removing oil into gasoline, it is enough to produce fuel).
- 📦 Paint the motor into a dense bag or box covered with polyethylene.
- 🔒 It is reliable to fix the cargo in the trunk so that it does not roll around the cabin.
It is best to use a special transport box or at least a dense fabric that will absorb possible leaks.Yamaha F, Honda BF) require special care for the angle of inclination, as oil from the crankcase can enter the valve mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a full-gasoline engine in an enclosed garage or car interior in the sun. evaporation of fuel can create an explosive concentration of vapors.
Comparison of modes of transport
To make it easier for you to decide on the best option for your situation, we have prepared a comparative table that will help you to weigh the pros and cons of different methods of transportation.
| Method of transport | Safety for the motor | Loading convenience | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the transom (vertically) | High. | High. | Hydro impact with high roll |
| On the transom (horizontal) | Medium | High. | Oil/fuel leakage |
| In the trunk (horizontal) | Low (no plum) | Low. | Salon damage, fire hazard |
| In a special container. | Maximum | Average | Dimensions of the container |
As you can see from the table, boat-motoring The most balanced solution is to use a transom in a vertical or close position, but if you own a powerful four-stroke, it is sometimes easier to remove it and carry it separately so as not to overload the PVC transom of the boat.
For motors over 15 hp, it is strongly recommended to remove the engine from the transom when transported over long distances on bad roads to avoid vibration loads on the transom of the boat.
Features of transportation of different types of motors
Other engine designs dictate their operating conditions.Yamaha Enduro, Mercury ME) more tolerant to tilts, but sensitive to leakage of the fuel mixture.Toyota, Suzuki) have a complex lubrication system and require strict adherence to the inclination angles specified in the instruction.
Electric motors (Minn Kota, Haswing) It is easier in this regard: they are not afraid of tilting, but it is critical to protect against moisture and impact. The battery of an electric motor is better to remove and carry separately, in warmth and dryness during long parking.
When carrying remotely controlled motors (the rummuler folds or is removed), be sure to dismantle the rummuler. It creates additional sailing and can break when branches or low arches are touched. Stack it along the lower unit or remove it completely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I carry a outboard motor upside down?
Absolutely not. In the inverted state, the fuel and oil are guaranteed to flood the candle and piston group, which will lead to a difficult launch or hydraulic shock, let's just have a slight tilt for the water drain or a specific position on the nose.
Do I need to remove the motor from the PVC boat during transportation?
For low power (up to 5-8 hp) and good roads, this is not necessary. For powerful engines and long journeys on broken tracks, removing the engine will save the transom of the boat from destruction due to constant impact load.
How to protect the engine from dust and dirt in the way?
Use a special transport case. If you don't have one, you can use a dense cloth or a bag attached to ropes, the main thing is that the material breathes and does not create condensation, but protects against direct dust flow.
What to do if the engine still gets water?
Don't try to start the engine! Unscrew the candle, pull the starter several times to knock the water out of the cylinder. Pour some oil into the candle hole, pull the starter again to lubricate the walls, twist the candle and try to start.