Transportation of the outboard motor is the stage of operation of water equipment, which is often forgotten when buying, but which inevitably arises before every water motor. Handle for transporting outboard motor It's not just an accessory, it's a critical ergonomic element to avoid back injuries and damage to expensive equipment. Without specialized grip, moving a unit over 20 kilograms is a challenging physical task, especially if you have to overcome an uneven shore or a slippery ramp.
Many boat owners underestimate the importance of proper grip, relying on regular design elements that are not always adapted for hand-carrying. Staff vomit-transom or the tops of a lower unit often have sharp edges or slippery surfaces, which creates a real risk of a falling motor. carry-knob Solves these problems by distributing weight and providing reliable control over the position of the engine.
In this article, we will take a look at the types of solutions available, the features of their installation and the nuances that will allow you to safely deliver the engine from the car to the water, you will learn why universal models can be less efficient than specialized ones, and what materials should be considered when choosing. For two-stroke engines with a carburetor, it is critically important not to tilt the handle so that gasoline gets into the air filter when carrying.
Types of designs of handles for carrying
The water accessories market offers several design solutions, each with its own advantages. The most common type is the universal brackets, which are attached to the lower unit with clamps. stainless steel Or durable plastic with rubber coating, which is suitable for most engines up to 15-20 hp, where the weight still allows one person to carry the unit.
For more heavy models such as Yamaha F25 or Tohatsu M30, using composite frame handles, these designs span the engine from multiple sides, sometimes fixing on the lower unit and gearbox body simultaneously, which ensures better center of gravity balancing, which is especially important when moving on sand or pebbles. Stiffness of fixation In such systems, it is much higher than that of simple brackets.
There are also specialized models designed for specific brands, such as pens for the use of the Suzuki They often have a unique gripper shape that replicates the geometry of the casing. Using the original accessories guarantees a perfect fit, but limits the ability to change the handle to another motor in the future. The choice between versatility and specialization depends on whether you plan to change the technique in the foreseeable future.
- 🔩 Chornet anchorages: They are quickly installed, suitable for engines of different diameters of lower unit.
- 🛡️ Protective linings: Many handles have rubber buffers that prevent scratches on the paintwork.
- ⚖️ Balancing: Some models allow you to adjust the point of application of force for a comfortable lift.
When choosing a type of construction, be sure to consider the material of your engine's lower unit: aluminum alloys are softer than steel and require a wider adjoining area of the fasteners so as not to deform under load. Point pressure It can lead to the formation of dents, which in the future will become foci of corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: Never use the starter's vomit or gear lever to carry the motor, which are not designed to weigh the entire engine and can break off at the most inopportune moment, causing the engine to fall and leg injuries.
Manufacturing materials and their impact on durability
The aggressive marine environment imposes stringent requirements on the materials used in the manufacture of accessories. AISI 304/316 stainless steel Steel handles are very strong and have minimal backlash, but they have a higher weight, which is a significant disadvantage when carrying a heavy motor.
Fiberglass-enhanced plastic composites are becoming more popular, lighter than metal and not corrosive in principle, but cheap plastics can crack in the cold or from being hit on the side of a boat. Attwood or Perko They use special polymers that retain elasticity even at low temperatures.
An important element is the handle coating, rubber or EVA pads provide a secure grip even with wet hands, and smooth metal or plastic combined with water or oil becomes slippery, which is dangerous when carried. Textured surface It is not just a matter of comfort, but a matter of safety.
When inspecting the handle, pay attention to the quality of welds or castings. On steel models, the seams must be cleaned and treated with anticores unless they are made from a solid pipe. Plastic products should not have visible junction lines of shapes that can become stress points and lead to destruction.
Instructions for installing a pen on lower unit
Proper installation is essential for safe operation, and most of the universal handles are attached to the lower unit (suspended) with screw clips, and before installation, you need to thoroughly clean the surface of the lower unit from dirt, oil and oxides, which will ensure a tight fit and prevent the handle from rotating under load.
The installation process usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes and requires no special tools, except those included in the kit, it is important to follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage the engine elements. Puff moment The screws should be sufficient for fixation, but not excessive, so as not to deform the thin-walled lower unit.
☑️ Pre-installing check
First, loosen the clamping screws and set the handle to the selected position. The optimal place is considered the upper third of the lower unit, where the diameter of the pipe allows you to securely lock the clamping, but the design does not interfere with the work of the deadville vomit-transom (if any) or gear switch. Then evenly tighten the screws, ensuring that the handle does not sway.
Recommended tightening moment: 3-5 Nm (for aluminum lower units)Once installed, be sure to perform a static load test. Raise the motor by the handle a few centimeters from the ground (or transom), but do not let go completely. Make sure the structure does not make creaks, and the fastener does not turn. If you use a model with additional mounting points, check their reliability.
⚠️ Attention: When installed on water-cooled motors, make sure that the handle fasteners do not overlap or crush the rubber cooling hoses running inside the lower unit.
Safety technique when carrying the engine
Even the most reliable handle will not save you from injury if the weight is not distributed correctly. outboard motors have a shifted center of gravity, usually the deidvile part. When lifting, try to keep the motor body closer to the center of your body to minimize the lever on the spine. Breaking loads It's totally unacceptable.
If the motor is heavier than 25 kg, it is highly recommended to use the help of a second person or a specialized trolley. To carry heavy four-strokes alone, even with a comfortable handle, risk damaging the ligaments. wheel-platform to move on flat surfaces, and use the handle only for the final ascent to the transom.
Pay special attention to footing when moving. The coastline is often a mixture of sand, rock and algae. Non-slip shoes and a confident grip are your main allies. If you carry the motor alone, the second hand should insure the dadevil part or gearbox, controlling the swing.
- 🦶 Leg position: Keep your legs shoulder wide, lift weight by extending your legs, not your back.
- 👐 Double control: When carrying the two, coordinate the movements to avoid jerks.
- 🚫 Prohibition of distortion: Do not allow a strong inclination of the engine, especially if there is fuel left in the float chambers of the carburetor.
Lubricate the threaded joints of the handle fastener with silicone lubricant before winter storage. This will prevent the bolts from "catching" and make it easy to remove the accessory at the beginning of next season.
Comparative table of popular models
To make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparison of the specifications of several common pen types, based on technical specifications and user feedback.
| Model/Type | Materials | Max, load. | Weight. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attwood 9605 | Steel/Rubber | 25 kg | 0.8 kg | Adjustable capture, universal capture |
| Yamaha Universal | aluminum | 20 kg | 0.6 kg | Lightweight, original design |
| Perko Heavy Duty | Nerzh. 316 steel | 40 kg | 1.2 kg | Reinforced, for heavy motors |
| Generic Plastic | Arms plastic. | 15 kg | 0.4 kg | Budget, only for light motors |
When analyzing the table, pay attention not only to the maximum load, but also to the accessory's own weight. two-stroke 5hp A heavy steel frame would be a redundancy, increasing the overall weight of the carry, and vice versa, for a 30 hp engine, a plastic handle could be a dangerous compromise.
The best choice is a model with a margin of safety of 30-40% relative to the weight of your engine, which will ensure durability and safety under dynamic loads.
Accessories care and maintenance
Sea water and solar ultrafilene are the main enemies of any equipment. After each release, the handle must be washed with fresh water. Salt, remaining in threaded joints and under rubber linings, triggers corrosion processes that can imperceptibly destroy the fastener. Regular washing It extends the life of accessories at times.
Once a season, it is recommended to inspect the fasteners. The screws may weaken from vibration when the engine is running. Check the puff and twist them if necessary. If metal clamps are used, check them for rust. The appearance of the first spots is a signal to clean and paint or replace the element.
Plastic and rubber elements are useful to treat with protective compounds (UV protectors), which will prevent the drying of rubber and the appearance of microcracks through which moisture can penetrate the metal frame, and it is better to store the motor with the handle installed in the case to minimize the impact of direct sunlight.
The Secret to Long-Term Service
Treat the inside of the rubber linings with graphite lubrication, which will prevent rubber from sticking to the metal of lower unit and make it easier to remove the handle if it "stalls" in a season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a handle to lift the motor out of the water?
Absolutely not. Carrier handles are not designed to lift a motor out of the water, especially if it's mounted on a transom. They're designed to weigh the engine itself, but not the force required to overcome water resistance or lift a boat. Use a winch or a ladder.
Will a universal pen be suitable for the Honda engine?
Yes, most generic models (especially screw clips) are suitable for Honda engines, as the diameter of the lower unit pipe is standardized by most manufacturers.
What if lower unit is covered with a layer of antifouling?
At the point where the handle is installed, the antifouling coating should be carefully cleaned to metal. A thick layer of paint can float under the pressure of the clamps, and the handle will begin to slide. The stripping site can be coated with transparent varnish or regularly lubricated.
Do I need to remove the pen during storage?
Not necessarily, unless it interferes with packaging in a case or in a garage, but removing the pen for the winter will reduce the load on the lower unit (metal “rests”) and allow better canning of surfaces under the clamps.