Transportation boat-engine A small weight of 20-30 kilograms may seem insignificant, but cruising long on rough ground or slippery descent to the water becomes a serious problem, which is why experienced water-engineers have long switched to specialized transportation vehicles known as carts or motor wheelbarrows.
The main difficulty is that a standard truck for the transport of goods often does not take into account the specific shape of the lower unit and bracket of the hanging. Incorrect fixation can lead to a fall of the engine, damage to the ramp or, worse, injuries to the operator. motorcart ensures the vertical position of the unit, excluding the leakage of oil residues and water entering the cooling system.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose a ready-made solution or make a reliable transporter yourself using available materials. You will learn about the intricacies of balancing, the choice of wheels and mounts that ensure the safety of your equipment. A properly organized descent is the key to successful fishing or cruising.
Selection criteria and basic design requirements
When selecting or designing a cart, the load capacity and stability of the structure are paramount. A 40 kg motor creates a significant load on the axle and frame when driving on sand or stones. Rama It should be made of durable materials that can withstand dynamic loads without deformation, most often a profile tube of square section or an angle that has been anti-corrosion treated.
The second critical parameter is the type of wheelbase. pneumatic wheels The narrow plastic wheels, often fitted to cheap factory models, are instantly stuck in the sand, turning transportation into torture. The diameter of the wheel also plays a role: the larger it is, the easier it is to overcome obstacles on the way to the dock.
⚠️ Warning: When using a cart with narrow wheels on the sandy shore, there is a high risk of getting stuck, which can lead to a fall of the motor and damage to the screw or lower unit.
The third aspect is the versatility of the mount, and the design should allow the motors of different brands to be securely fixed, whether they are. Yamaha, Mercury or TohatsuThe fixing mechanism should exclude backlashes and vibrations during movement, but at the same time allow you to quickly remove the engine before mounting on the transom of the boat.
- 🛠️ Frame material: Aluminum (lightness, but more expensive) or steel (heavier, but stronger and cheaper).
- 🛞 Type of wheels: Pneumatics with a camera or whole-cast polyurethane.
- 🔒 Holder: Strap ties with a ratchet mechanism or rigid clamps.
Required materials and tools for assembly
If you're going to make a cart yourself, you're going to have to prepare a set of tools and materials in advance. profile-pipeFor light motors (up to 15 hp) suitable pipe 20x20 mm with a wall thickness of 2 mm. For more powerful units it is better to take 25x25 mm or 30x30 mm. The use of thin-walled pipes is dangerous, as they can burst under load.
Welding is the most common way to connect the elements, which is to ensure monolithicity and durability. However, if there is no welding machine, you can use bolt joints, although this will require more accurate marking and drilling of the holes. Remember to purchase quality metal paint or soil enamel "3 in 1" to protect against corrosion in aggressive aqueous environment.
Pay special attention to the choice of wheels. The ideal option would be garden wheels or specialized wheels for boat trailers. As an axle, they often use smooth fittings with a diameter of 12-14 mm or steel rods. bolts M8 or M10, nuts with grovers and possibly a piece of plywood or textolite to create a support pad.
- 🔧 Tools: Corner grinding machine (Bulgar), welding machine, drill, roulette.
- 🎨 Expenditure: Electrodes or wire for welding, degreaser, paint.
- ⚙️ Components: Bearing units, axles, fasteners.
Step-by-step instructions for making carts DIY
The assembly process starts with a drawing or a sketch, and you have to determine the height of the rack so that the center of gravity of the motor is as low as possible, but the lower unit does not touch the ground. The optimal height of the vertical rack is about 60-70 cm from the wheel axis. First, cut the profile pipe according to the dimensions and spread the parts on a flat surface for pre-assembly.
The frame should be welded with pretzels, checking the geometry with a coalbed. Pay attention to the junction of the vertical rack and the horizontal platform. Here the load is maximum, so the seam should be boiled on all sides. After welding, be sure to clean the seams with a Bulgarian to remove slag and sharp edges that can damage the coating of the motor or the owner's hand.
☑️ Checklist for frame assembly
The next step is to install the axle and the wheels. If you use bearing assemblies, weld them to the frame strictly perpendicular to the rack. The axis skew will cause the cart to move aside when driving. To lock the motor on the upper end of the vertical pipe, you weld a platform with bolt holes or bracket that replicates the shape of the engine heel.
The final step is painting. Even if you use stainless steel or aluminum, you can use extra protection, so you can apply the soil, wait for the drying, and cover the product with 2-3 layers of enamel paint, which will extend the life of your homemade product for many years.
Overview of popular ready-made models and their features
The market offers many ready-made solutions for transportation outboardThe segment is often dominated by versatile carts that can be adapted to different weights, such as telescopic handles that allow for adjusting grip heights, which are convenient for people of different heights, and often have a folding mechanism that facilitates storage in the trunk of a car.
There are also dedicated cart racks designed to store and transport high-power motors (50 hp and above), which feature a reinforced frame and additional support wheels or rollers to prevent rollovers. Some models are equipped with soft pads in the areas of contact with the engine, which eliminates scratches on the paint coating. lower unit.
When buying a finished cart, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the assembly and components. Cheap Chinese counterparts often sin with weak welding and fast-wearing bearings. It is better to choose a model from a proven manufacturer of boat equipment or specialized accessories for boating equipment.
| Model/Type | Load capacity | Type of wheel | Weight of the cart |
|---|---|---|---|
| The universal | 50 kg | Pneumatics 10"" | 6.5 kg |
| Stand-cart Pro | 80 kg | Whole-cast | 9.0 kg |
| Lightweight folding | 30kg | Plastic/Foam | 3.2 kg |
| Reinforced frame | 120 kg | Pneumatics 12" | 12.5 kg |
Safety technique during engine transportation
Safety when moving heavy equipment is not just a recommendation, it is a necessity. Before you start driving, always check the reliability of the engine fixation on the cart. Fastening bolts The straps must be tightened and the straps tightened, and the sharp jerks at the start can shift the center of gravity, causing the load to fall.
When you're going down a sloped descent to the water, you should keep the cart in front of you, controlling the descent speed. If the cart is heavy, you should lower it together. Never try to catch a falling motor with your hands - inertia of several tens of kilograms can lead to serious injuries to the legs or fingers.
Why can’t you drive the engine horizontally?
Horizontal position is permissible only for two-stroke engines and then for a short time. four-stroke engines are strictly forbidden to put on the side or put upside down, as oil from the crankcase will get into the cylinder and exhaust system, which will lead to a hydraulic shock at start.
⚠️ Note: When transporting a four-stroke motor upright on the cart, make sure that the angle of inclination does not exceed the manufacturer's allowable (usually no more than 45 degrees) so that oil does not enter the combustion chamber.
Weather is also important, as the metal parts of the cart and motor become slippery in the rain, rubberized gloves for a secure grip, and after each trip, especially on salt water or sand, the cart must be rinsed with fresh water to prevent corrosion of the metal.
Carrying and maintenance of transportation equipment
Like any equipment, the motor cart requires regular maintenance. The main enemy of metal structures is corrosion. After every trip to a body of water, especially the sea, the frame and axles must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Salt quickly corrodes even painted metal, especially in places where welds and scratches are found.
Mobile connections such as wheel axles and swivel mechanisms (if any) need periodic lubrication. Use lithium lubricants or WD-40 sprays to displace moisture and rust. Check the condition of the wheels once a season: pump up the pressure in the pneumatics or inspect the whole-wheels for cracks.
To store the cart in the off-season, lubricate all metal parts with a thin layer of conservation lubricant and cover the product with a dense cloth or place it in a case to avoid dust and moisture.
If you notice that the paint on the frame has started to peel off, don't delay repairs. Clean the damaged area to metal, degrease and paint it out. This is a simple procedure that takes 15 minutes, but saves the structure from collapse. Regular care will extend the life of your cart for decades.
Regularly washing with fresh water after use in salt water is the only way to prevent rapid corrosion of the cart's metal frame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular garden cart for the transportation of a outboard motor?
Technically, you can adapt the mount, but garden trolleys are often too low-sided or inconvenient to fix a high and narrow lower unit, and you'll need to make an additional vertical bulge.
What is the maximum weight of the engine is sustained by a homemade cart from a profile pipe 20x20?
With high-quality welding and proper geometry, this design can easily withstand up to 60-70 kg. However, for engines heavier than 30 kg, it is recommended to use a 25x25 mm or 30x30 mm pipe for greater reliability.
Do I need to remove the screw before installing the motor on the cart?
Removing the screw is not necessary if the cart size allows, but if you plan to transport it over rough terrain, removing the screw will reduce the risk of damage to stones or grass and reduce the overall weight of the structure.
What is better to fix the motor on the cart: belts or bolts?
The bolt connection (through the holes in the mounting heel) is the most reliable and safe, as it completely eliminates backlash. belts are convenient for fast fixation, but over time can stretch and require a lift.