Properly organizing the transportation of an outboard motor is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical aspect of road safety and the safety of expensive equipment. Many small boat owners make gross mistakes when trying to fasten a heavy unit in a hurry, which can lead to a cargo drop, damage to the transmission or even an accident. centrifugal and inertia when moving the car is necessary for every driver planning a trip to the reservoir.
There are several proven ways to deliver the engine from the garage to the water, and the choice of the specific method depends on the type of vehicle and the design of the boat. It is important to consider not only the dimensions and weight of the equipment, but also the requirements of the law, since violation of the rules of transportation of goods can entail serious fines from traffic police inspectors. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances, from mounting on the transponder to transportation in the cabin of the car.
Do not ignore the recommendations of manufacturers, which often indicate specific requirements for the transporting position Ignoring these rules can be a reason to refuse warranty service in the event of a breakdown. Let's look at the basic methods and requirements that will help you avoid problems along the way.
Transportation of the motor in working position on the transom
The most common and, perhaps, the most convenient way is to transport the engine directly on a boat, fixed to a transom, but this method requires strict adherence to the rules of fixation, because the engine is not a simple thing. outboard It creates a significant sailing speed and changes the center of gravity of the trailer, and when you move along the track, you get vibrations that can shake the fasteners if they're not tightened securely before you go.
To be safely transported in this position, you need to use special transom wheels that take the main load, removing the voltage from the transom of the boat. If you leave the motor hanging on the transom without support, constant shaking can damage the lower unit or lead to microcracks at the mounting site. differentiatorso that during a sharp braking of the car the engine does not hit the side or other objects.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely on a regular tiller locker. When vibrating on the road, it can spontaneously unlock and the heavy motor will fall down, damaging the screw or lower unit.
The use of reliable belts with a ratchet mechanism (plates) is a prerequisite. The belt must pass through a lower unit or a special bracket, fixing the motor in an upright or slightly inclined position. rubber-dumpers suspension of the motor, as their wear can increase the beat during transportation.
Methods of fastening the engine on the roof and in the trunk
If your boat's dimensions or trailer design do not allow the motor to be carried on a transom, alternative accommodation options must be sought. Transportation in the trunk of a station wagon or on the roof of a car requires special care to distribute weight. The engine is a compact but very heavy object, and its improper placement can lead to the car rolling over on a turn or damage to the roof.
When transporting on the roof, you need to use reinforced arcs and special fasteners. It is important not just to put the engine down, but to firmly fix it, eliminating any displacement. To protect the paint coating of the car and the engine itself, it is recommended to use soft pads or special covers. air-resistance During such transportation, it increases significantly, which affects fuel consumption and stability of the machine.
The option of accommodation in the trunk or cabin (for low-power models) seems simple, but there are risks. Yamaha or Tohatsu In the event of emergency braking, it turns into a projectile that can penetrate the seat back or break out the glass, so fixation inside the cabin is mandatory, even if the engine is just on the floor.
Use an old mat or dense motor fabric when transported in the trunk to protect the skin from the residue of oil and dirt on the lower unit.
Special attention should be paid to the tightness of the fuel tank if it remains attached to the engine. Even a small drop of gasoline in the enclosed space of the car can create an explosive concentration of vapors. It is best to disconnect the fuel hose and transport the tank separately, in a vertical position.
SDA requirements and GIMS rules for transportation
The legislation clearly regulates the rules of transportation of goods, and the outboard motor is no exception. According to traffic rules, the cargo should not restrict the driver's view, close the lights and signals, as well as protrude beyond the dimensions of the vehicle by more than 1 meter in front or behind and 0.4 meters on the sides. If your motor assembled with a boat exceeds these standards, you must mark the protruding parts with special signs.
At night or in low visibility, lights should be installed on the protruding cargo: white light on the front, red on the back. Often drivers forget this when carrying long boats with engines on the roofs of cars, which can lead to a fine. GIMS inspectors also pay attention to the reliability of the mounting, and if the motor dangles on the transom, you may be obliged to correct the violation on the spot.
There is a myth that you don't need any paperwork to carry a motor up to 10 hp. It's not quite true: the rules for the carriage of goods are the same for everyone, regardless of engine power. However, if you are driving the engine separately as a personal cargo, no special permits for the right to operate a small vessel ("M" rights) will be required from you while you are on land.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the license plate and taillights are fully open with the load, and a fine is imposed on the plate overlay, which is easy just by placing the mounts correctly.
Also, you should remember the rules for the carriage of dangerous goods if you take a canister of fuel with you. Gasoline should be in specially designed containers, tightly closed and securely fixed. A fuel spill in the trunk is not only a smell, but also a real safety threat.
Preparing the motor for a long road
Before you go, you need to do a number of procedures to prepare the equipment. Prolonged shaking at high speeds can reveal hidden defects or aggravate existing ones. First of all, you should check the tightening of all visible bolts, especially those that attach the motor to the transom and lower unit to the lower unit leg. Vibration has the property of twisting even well-tightened threads.
An important step is to preserve the fuel system if you plan to leave the engine on the trailer for a long time or carry it with residues of fuel. Modern gasoline mixtures can delaminate or form deposits. For two-stroke engines, it is critical not to leave the mixture in the carburetor in the heat, as this can lead to coking of the jellybars.
☑️ Preparation of the motor to the road
Don't forget about the lower unit. The bottom of the motor, which is submerged in water, is often covered with algae, mud or sand after the last fishing. Before the road, all this must be washed away, because when drying out, the sand will turn into an abrasive that can damage the omentums or antifriction coatings when vibrating. propeller It is also less susceptible to corrosion during storage.
If you're transporting a motor in winter or off-season, you should consider additional shelter. Road reagents, salt and dirt are aggressively affecting aluminum alloys and paintwork. Using a special transport cover made of dense fabric with water-repellent impregnation will prolong the life of your equipment.
Protection against theft and external factors
Unfortunately, outboard motors are a tasty piece for intruders, especially when left unattended in pond parking lots or even on a trailer in the yard. Standard locks, which come with some models, are often not reliable enough. Saved owners use additional protections, such as hardened steel cables or specialized tiller blockers.
One of the most effective ways is to use Transom Saver Or similar stops that not only guard the transom, but can also serve as a mounting point for the cable, and by putting the cable through the lower unit and mounting it on the frame of the trailer or the farcope, you make it much harder for the kidnappers to do this, and it's important that the cable is pulled and not lying loose on the ground.
| Type of protection | Efficiency | Complexity of installation | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| State castle | Low. | Minimum | Completely |
| Steel cable | Medium | Low. | Low. |
| Blocker tiller | High. | Medium | Medium |
| Signaling with tilt sensor | Maximum | High. | High. |
You also need to consider the human factor: When you leave your car with a trailer in an unequipped parking lot, try to park in a way that is visible to you or under supervision. Sometimes simple vigilance works better than the most expensive locks. Don't leave valuable equipment unattended overnight in crowded areas.
Secret method of marking
Many owners put a hidden tag (the owner's VIN or unique symbol) on the insides of a lower unit with an ultraviolet marker, which helps identify the motor in the event of a theft and subsequent detection by police, even if the serial number on the plate is spiraled.
Common mistakes in transportation
Analysis of breakdowns and incidents reveals a number of common mistakes that even experienced drivers make: the first and most common is neglecting to fix the lower unit leg. Many simply lift the motor into a transport position, but do not click the lock or tie it with a belt. On a bump, the motor can fold and screw the ground or the side of the boat.
The second mistake is to carry a full tank of oil in a gearbox unless designed to be horizontal. Although modern oils are less fluid, the risk of extruding the glands during long-term upside-down or side-on-side transport. Honda, Suzuki or other manufacturer regarding the transport position.
The third mistake is the use of poor-quality fasteners: cheap belts with plastic fasteners or stretched bands-triggers will not withstand a jerk when braking. Only metal carbines and dense textile or polyester slings with a rattle mechanism guarantee safety.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use wire or ropes to fasten the motor that can RUB against the metal edges of the transom. Only certified rigging belts!
And finally, ignoring the weight, and forgetting about the heavy motor on the transom, drivers often misallocate the load on the trailer axles, and shifting the center of gravity backwards can cause the trailer to wag at speed, which is extremely dangerous. Always check the trailer's balancing before you go on the track.
The safety of motor transport is made up of three factors: proper physical fixation, traffic compliance and protection against theft, and neglecting any of them leads to risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive a motor on my side?
It is strongly recommended not to put the motor on its side, especially if there is oil left in the lower unit, this can lead to its leakage through the glands and sapuns, as well as to oil entering the cylinders (for two-stroke) or crankcase, which will cause a hydraulic shock on the first start. If the situation is hopeless, the motor can only be put on a certain side (indicated in the instructions, usually on the exhaust side) and only after a complete drain of liquids.
Do I need to remove the motor from the boat for transportation?
It depends on the power of the motor and the design of the boat. Low-power motors (up to 5-6 hp) are often carried on a transom. Powerful motors are better removed so as not to overload the transom of the boat when driving on rough roads and not to create excess sailing. However, if the transmolor is reinforced and the motor is securely secured with belts, transportation in the assembly is acceptable and common.
How to protect the motor from headwinds when transporting on the roof?
Use a tight transport case that fits tightly around the engine and does not flutter in the wind. Sailing is the main enemy of the stability of the car. You can also use windscreens or stow the engine in a special box, if possible in size.
What to do if the motor mounting weakens during the journey?
Stop immediately in a safe place. No further dangling is permitted. Tighten your belts, check the traverse wheel locks, and only after the backlashes are eliminated, continue on your way. Regularly check the mounts every 100-150 km.