Operating an outboard inflatable floater is often a physical exercise, especially when it comes to pulling the screw out of the water. outboard Weighing 30-40 kilograms for one person is a major challenge, especially given the slippery side and unstable position on the water, and the use of manual force in such conditions is not only tedious, but also unsafe for the spine and equipment.
It is for this purpose that this task was created. boat-lifter The current model transforms heavy physical work into light movement, while ensuring that the engine is firmly fixed over water or on a transom while parked.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the design features of different lifting systems, compare their performance and look at the nuances of mounting on transverses of different thicknesses. Understanding the principles of these mechanisms will help you choose the best solution for your boat.
Why do you need a mechanical assistant on the transom?
The main function of the device is to reduce the force required to turn the engine around the horizontal axis. When manually re-channeling, the operator has to simultaneously hold the weight of the engine and overcome the resistance of the water if the lift is directly from the reservoir. transom winch or the lift takes over the main load, allowing you to fix the position of the motor at any height.
In addition, the use of specialized mechanisms extends the life of the engine's attachments. Sharp jerks when lifted manually create shock loads on the lower unit and brackets. Smooth stroke provided by a cable or screw gear, eliminates the risk of accidental impact of a screw on the side of the boat, which is especially important for the safety of the boat. PVC materialswhich are easily damaged by sharp blades.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to lift the engine behind a rod or a lower unit without using a safety cable, even if the weight of the engine seems small to you. Slippery hands can cause a heavy unit to fall directly on the foot or on the bottom of the boat.
Also worth noting is the ease of use of the assistant when driving in shallow water, the ability to quickly lift the screw without getting out of the seat, allows you to quickly respond to changes in depth, this is critical to maintaining integrity. propeller and reducer when passing overgrown areas or rocky rolls.
Types of lifting devices for outboard motors
The water accessories market offers several fundamentally different designs, each with its own advantages, and the choice of a particular type depends on the weight of your engine, the design of the transom and the owner’s personal preferences.
The most common option is cable-liftIt's a system of blocks and a cable that's wound onto a drum with a ratchet mechanism, and it's designed to be smooth and reliable, and the main advantage is that it can be mounted on transom boats of any thickness, because it's usually through through holes or powerful clips.
The second popular type is screw-liftThey work on the jack principle, where the handle rotates the force to the screw pair, lifting the motor. These devices are compact and do not require maintenance of the cable, but the lifting process takes longer because of the need to do many revolutions.
Electric winches are a niche, connected to the boat's battery and controlled by a button or remote control, ideal for heavy four-stroke engines or people with disabilities, but electrification requires additional wiring and protection of contacts from moisture.
- 🔩 The cable systems are universal, withstand heavy loads, require periodic lubrication of the cable.
- ⚙️ The screw mechanisms are compact, there is no risk of skewing the cable, but slower in operation.
- ⚡ Electric drives - maximum comfort, high price, dependence on battery charge.
Criteria for Choosing a Boat Lift for Your Boat
When buying equipment, you first need to pay attention to the load capacity. Although the engine can weigh 25 kg, the safety margin of the mechanism should be two times. Workload In dynamics, it is always higher than static weight due to inertia and water resistance.
The second important parameter is the way the transom is attached. For soft-trans inflatable boats, only overhead models with wide clamping paws are suitable, which will not damage the cylinders. aluminum-transom you can consider models with end-to-end mounting bolts, which guarantees absolute immobility of the structure.
When choosing a lift for a boat with a soft transmessor, be sure to check the presence of rubber pads on the clamping elements. They will prevent PVC fabric from pressing and rubbing under load.
Also consider the fabrication material. The marine environment is aggressive, so you should prefer stainless steel or aluminum models with a quality anodized coating. Cheap dyed steel will quickly become rust, which will not only spoil the appearance, but can weaken the structure.
A comparative table of specifications of different types of lifts will help to determine the choice:
| Type of device | Max. load (kg) | Materials | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-held cable | 150 | Stainless steel | Medium |
| Screw. | 80 | Aluminum/Steel | Low. |
| Electric winch | 200 | Plastic/Metal | High. |
| Lever (suspended) | 60 | Steel | Low. |
Technology of installation of the lift on the transom
Installation of the device requires careful preparation of the transom surface. If you own a boat with a rigid insert, make sure that the installation site is free of dirt and grease. For soft transneurs, it is critical to use wide distribution plates so that the point pressure from the mechanism does not lead to deformation. PVC.
The installation process of the cable system usually begins with the marking of holes under the fastening bolts. Use a drill of the appropriate diameter to avoid cracks in the transom material. Bolts should be tightened evenly using washers of increased diameter on the inside of the boat.
☑️ Check before the first launch
Once the base is fixed, you need to extend the cable through the block system, and it's important to make sure that the cable is placed in the streams of the blocks smoothly, without overlapping. Tie-tieing It's regulated by special nuts or screws on the winch body, and a weak cable will lead to slippage, and a pulled one will lead to rapid wear of bearings.
⚠️ Note: When drilling a transom, be sure to use depth limiters to avoid damaging the opposite side of the boat or the internal structural elements.
Maintenance and care of the lifting mechanism
The durability of your assistant depends on the regularity of maintenance. After each trip to the water, especially if it was in salt water, the mechanism must be rinsed with fresh water. The salt, drying, cryalizes and acts as an abrasive, destroying metal surfaces.
Moving parts, such as block axles and winch drum, require periodic lubrication. Use specialized silicone lubricants or lithium compounds that are resistant to water leaching. Graphite lubricants They are also great for cable systems, as they do not collect sand and dirt.
How to store the lift in winter?
Before winter storage, completely disassemble the cable system, wash all the parts in warm water with detergent, dry and grease abundantly with conservation grease. It is better to store the mechanism in a dry room in a disassembled form or weakened to relieve stress from the springs and cables.
Check the cable regularly for individual vein ruptures. If you notice that more than 10% of the wires are damaged, the cable must be replaced immediately.
Frequent errors in operation and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is to try to lift the motor without fixing the boat. If the boat is not anchored or anchored, the lifting force can displace the craft, and you risk falling into the water with the motor. squat before the work begins.
Another mistake is ignoring the angle of lift, so you have to lift the motor vertically or in the plane that the transom design requires, and you try to lift the engine sideways, and you put uneven loads on the mounts, and you can deform the transom.
Some users neglect to fix the crank. Before lifting, the handle for controlling the gas and the direction of travel must be securely fixed in a neutral position. A dangling ramp can hit the operator or get tangled in the ropes of the lift.
- 🚫 Raising the motor on the go without need - creates excess water resistance.
- 🚫 Using a damaged cable is a risk of a break and fall of the engine.
- 🚫 Lack of lubrication - jamming the mechanism at the most inopportune moment.
Properly selected and installed motor lifting assistant is not just a convenience, but an element of security that protects your health and expensive equipment.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install an electric winch on a boat without a battery?
No, electric models require connection to a 12B power supply. However, there are compact portable battery packs that can be mounted on a transom next to the motor if there is no regular battery on board.
Will the lift withstand a 50 kg engine?
Most modern cable systems are designed for loads of up to 100-150 kg. The main thing is to make sure that the transom of the boat itself is able to withstand the weight of the engine in the raised state, especially if it is an inflatable boat with a soft bottom.
Do I need to remove the motor from the transom after lifting?
Not necessarily, the lifting assistant design allows you to lock the motor in a vertical transport position right on the transom, which is convenient for short-term parking or driving in shallow water, but for long-term storage, it is better to remove the motor.
How often should I change the cable on the winch?
With active use and proper care (washing and lubrication), the cable lasts 3-5 seasons. Visual inspection before each season is mandatory: if you see scuffs, corrosive sores or breaks of individual wires, the cable requires immediate replacement.