Transporting a outboard motor is often a major challenge for the back and arms of the fisherman, especially if the distance from the car to the water is long. Standard factory handles on lower unit are not always convenient, and when cruising for a long time they can rub their hands, causing discomfort and loss of control over the load. boat-belt - a simple but extremely effective accessory that allows you to evenly distribute the weight of the unit.
There are many configurations of these devices, from simple loops covering lower unit to complex systems with carabiners and wide shoulder linings. strap Not only does it make it easier to exercise, it also minimizes the risk of expensive equipment accidentally falling on rocks or sand, and in this article, we will look at what belts are, how to fasten them properly, and what to look for when buying them.
Why you need a belt to transport the engine
The main task of any portable belt is to shift the center of gravity and shift the load from the hands to the more hardy parts of the body, most often on the shoulders or back. When you carry a motor weighing 20-30 kilograms, holding it by the regular handle, the main load falls on the forearms and fingers, which quickly leads to muscle fatigue. shoulder-belt Free your hands to balance or open the gate, which is critical in the field.
In addition, specialty belts are often equipped with anti-slip elements and rigid inserts that prevent the engine from turning during movement, especially for models with smooth metal lower unit, which become slippery in the heat or when wet. The use of a belt reduces the risk of spinal injuries by 40% when carrying weights regularly.
It's also worth noting that when you're carrying it on weight, you're at risk of hitting the engine on the side of a boat, bumper of a car, or rocks on the shore, and you're wearing a belt that captures the position of the engine relative to the body of the operator, making it more predictable and safer for you to move around. prairie and lower unit.
- 🏋️♂️ Reducing the load on the hands and spine due to weight distribution.
- 🛡️ Protection of the motor body from impacts and scratches when moving in difficult conditions.
- 👐 Free one hand for assistive tasks.
Design features and types of belts
The water-powered accessories market offers several design solutions, each with its own advantages. loop-beltIt's a closed tape of durable fabric that is worn on a lower unit, versatile, cheap, but may not be very comfortable with long-term carrying because of the lack of a soft lining on the shoulder.
A more advanced class is carbine-boardIn these models, the belt has two ends that are fixed on opposite sides of lower unit or on special eyelets with metal carbines. This provides reliable fixation and allows you to adjust the length of the straps. Often these models are equipped with a soft shoulder lining that does not crash into the clothes even under the weight of a 30-kilogram motor.
There are also specialized transport These can include wide back straps resembling backpacks or additional handles, and it is important that the fabrication material is resistant to salt water, ultraviolet light and fuel.
Manufacture materials
The most durable are considered belts made of polypropylene tape with nylon braiding. Metal elements (carabiners, rings) must be made of stainless steel or have a zinc coating to prevent corrosion.
When choosing a belt type, consider the design of your engine. Some motor models have a specific form of lower unit, where a standard loop can slip. double-fix Or combinations.
Criteria of choice: what to pay attention to
The choice of the right accessory depends on many factors, among which the weight of the engine is paramount. For lightweight two-strokes weighing up to 15 kg, a simple sling may be enough. Yamaha F20 or Tohatsu M30, requires a reinforced design with a wide shoulder lining. the width of the belt should be at least 5-6 cm, so as not to squeeze the blood flow in the shoulder.
The second important thing is the quality of the fittings, and cheap plastic carbines or rings can't withstand the jerking load, especially if you stumble on an uneven bank, prefer metal elements, and also pay attention to the way you adjust the length: plastic-buckle It is convenient, but in the cold it can become brittle, while the metal buckle is more reliable, but heavier.
And don't ignore the ergonomics. The belt shouldn't slide over the clothes. The presence of rubberized inserts on the inside of the shoulder pad significantly improves grip. If you plan to use the accessory in the winter, make sure the material doesn't tan in the cold.
⚠️ Attention: Never use conventional seat belts or slings that are not designed for such loads to carry the engine, they can burst at the most inopportune moment, causing the engine to fall to its feet or damage to the lower unit.
Also important is compatibility with the type of lower unit: short lower unit (S) and long (L) may require different lengths of belt for comfortable carrying in an upright position.
| Motor type | Recommended weight of the belt | The width of the ribbon | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| two-stroke (up to 9.9 hp) | 25 kg | 40-50 mm | A simple loop is enough. |
| four-stroke (15-20 hp) | 45 kg | 60-70 mm | I need a soft pad. |
| Powerful four-stroke (25+ hp) | up to 60+ kg | 80 mm | Carbine system |
| Electric motor | 15 kg | 30-40 mm | Short loop |
When buying a belt in a store, be sure to ask to check the strength of the seams and the reliability of the carbines' attachment. Visual inspection can reveal protruding threads or metal casting defects.
Instructions: how to properly fasten the belt
The right belt fixing is the key to a safe carry. A faulty fastening can cause the motor to slip. First of all, you need to determine the mounting point. Most lower units have a thickening or handle that the belt clings to most reliably. If you use a carbine system, they should be fastened so that the load is distributed symmetrically.
The process of installation is usually as follows: first the belt is put on the shoulder, then the motor is raised, and the belt is lowered on the lower unit. Or vice versa: the belt is fixed on the motor lying on the ground, and then put on the operator. The second option is safer for the back, because it eliminates sharp jerks.
☑️ Algorithm for fastening check
It's important to make sure that the belt doesn't twist. The twisted sling creates high-voltage points that can cause the material to rupture. lever or a handle of the bumper, so as not to accidentally add gas or drop the engine due to the displacement of the center of gravity.
⚠️ Attention: Before you take a full step, make a few test moves, swaying the motor from side to side, make sure that the belt sits tight and does not move to the edge of the lower unit.
If you use a belt-loop, make sure it is below the handle of the carrier, but above the lower unit pipe, so as not to damage the ossicles or elements of the cooling system during the stretch.
Carrying and maintenance of portable systems
Despite its simplicity of design, the boat belt also requires maintenance. Constant exposure to salt water, sand and dirt can break down fabric fibers and cause metal elements to corrosion. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the belt must be rinsed with fresh water and dried.
Periodically check the condition of the joints and bends. If you notice that the threads have begun to diverge or the fabric has worn out, it is better to replace this belt. Operating damaged equipment is a direct risk of dropping the engine. Metal carbines should be lubricated. silicone WD-40 to prevent jamming.
You should store the belts in a dry place, in a straightened form, and you should not leave them in the sun for a long time, because ultraviolet light destroys the structure of polypropylene and nylon, making them brittle. Proper storage extends the life of the accessory several times.
Regularly washing the belt with fresh water after contact with salt is the only way to prevent rapid corrosion of metal parts and tissue destruction.
Homemade solutions vs Factory accessories
Many anglers are asking themselves, is it worth buying a factory product or can you make a belt yourself? Of course, in a garage, you can make a strong strap from a car seat belt or a sling, and it will cost less and make a length that is perfect for your height.
But factory products are tear-tested and quality-guaranteeed, often designed to fit the ergonomics of a particular brand of motors, homemade belts can be too rigid or over-stretched, which is dangerous when carrying weights, and factory fittings are usually more reliable than artisanal ones.
If you do decide to make a belt yourself, use only certified slings with a known load limit. Don't skimp on carabiners - buy climbing or tactical ones designed to weigh significantly more than the weight of the engine. Security This should be a priority in this matter.
⚠️ Attention: When making a belt, avoid using knots as the main way of attaching. The knots reduce the strength of the sling by 30-40%. Use firmware or metal clamps.
Ultimately, the choice between homemade and buying depends on your skills and reliability requirements. For rare trips to the light boat will be suitable and quality homemade option, but for heavy tourism, it is better to choose a professional accessory.
Where to buy a quality belt?
You can find it in specialized boating stores or large fishing nets, and there's a lot of cheap China on marketplaces, and the quality of it is unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a single belt for different engines?
Yes, if the belt is adjustable along the length and can withstand the weight of the heaviest of your engines, the versatile carbine models are suitable for most lower units up to 50-60 mm in diameter.
What load does a standard belt carry?
High-quality belts for outboard motors are usually designed for a load of 50 to 100 kg, which gives the necessary safety margin for engines weighing up to 40-50 kg.
Does the belt damage the Dadwood motor?
If you use it right, you don't. But if you drag the motor around the ground with your belt, you can damage the paintwork of the lower unit, and the belt is only for weight bearing.
What is the difference between 2T and 4T engines?
The main difference is the load capacity and the width of the belt. Four-stroke engines are heavier, so the belts are wider and equipped with more powerful carbines and reinforced shoulder linings.