Every boat owner has to deal with the problem of transporting an outboard motor, and dragging a heavy unit on your hands from the car to the water is not only tedious, it's also traumatic. boat-cart This simple device makes it much easier to logistic downhill and uphill, saving you the energy to go fishing or cruising.
The question of choosing a suitable transporter becomes acute when the weight of the engine exceeds 20-25 kilograms. Yamaha, Mercury or Tohatsu Regardless of the brand, the physics remains the same: the more powerful the engine, the harder it is to carry, and a well-chosen trolley allows you to confidently move even heavy four-strokes weighing 100 kg one at a time.
There are many ready-made solutions on the modern market, but many craftsmen prefer to make them themselves. The optimal wheel diameter for sandy shores is at least 300 mm, which avoids getting stuck in soft ground. In this article we will discuss in detail the design features, materials and nuances of the operation of this equipment.
Why you need a specialized cart for outboard motor
The use of specialized outboard motors (outboard motor) is not simply a matter of convenience, but a matter of care for expensive equipment. When carried by hand, there is a high risk of dropping the unit, which can damage the lower unit, anti-cavitation plate or gas control system.
In addition, the correct positioning of the motor during transportation protects its internal mechanisms. The engine must be in a strictly vertical position or at a certain angle, so that oil does not flow into the cylinder (for two-stroke models) and that water does not enter the exhaust system through the muffler. Deidwout fixation on the trolley provides stability when driving on the irregularities of the coast.
Ergonomics is also important: standard cart handles allow you to push or pull a load using body weight, not just hand power, and this is especially true when covering long distances from parking to the pier, and additional shelves or mounts allow you to place a canister of fuel, a toolbox or a battery.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the motor mounted on the trolley in an upright position for long periods under direct sunlight unattended. Plastic mounting elements may deform and the fixation weaken, causing heavy equipment to fall.
Design features and types of trolleys
All motor carts can be divided into several main types depending on the frame design and the way the engine is attached, and the most common models with a vertical rack, where the motor is fastened to the platform with a lower unit fixed by clamps, are as compact and stable as possible.
The second popular type is the sloping platform trolley, which mimics the transom of the boat, which can be mounted in a working position, which is convenient for pre-launching or maintenance, and some models have adjustable stops that allow you to change the angle of inclination depending on the length of the lower unit.
- 🛒 Single-wheeled models: They're very maneuverable, but they require balance when they're moving, and they often have a large pneumatic wheel.
- 🚛 Two-wheeled platforms: More stable, allow you to install the motor without additional support, but have a larger width.
- 🔧 Modular systems: Consisting of collapsible elements that are easily dismantled for transportation in the trunk of a passenger car.
An important element of the design is the system of attaching the motor itself to the trolley, usually using soft belts with buckles or metal clamps with rubber pads. Rubber pads mandatory, since the metal clamps can damage the paint coating of the dadevut when vibrating during movement.
Manufacturing materials: steel, aluminum or plastic
The durability of the cart depends on the materials it is made of, and because it is used in an aggressive environment (water, salt, sand, solar ultraviolet), the choice of frame material is critical. Let's look at the basic options.
Steel trolleys are typically made from a powder-painted or hot-dip galvanized profile pipe, and they are highly durable and can withstand motors of any power, but if the protective layer is damaged, the steel is susceptible to corrosion. Hot galvanizing This is the best protection option, but these products are more expensive.
Aluminum structures are free of rust. Aluminum alloys (like duraluminum) are lightweight and strong enough. They are ideal for those who travel frequently and appreciate every kilogram of equipment weight. However, aluminum is less durable at breaking under impact loads compared to steel.
Plastic carts are less common, usually all-leaf products for light motors, they are not afraid of water at all, but they can crack in the cold or when hitting a rock hard, and plastic is not recommended for heavy motors.
| Materials | Structure weight | Resistance to corrosion | Max, load. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel is painted | Highly | Medium | 150 kg |
| Stainless steel | Highly | Very high. | 200 kg |
| aluminum | Low. | High. | 100 kg |
| Plastic. | Medium. | High. | 40 kg |
Wheelbase: choice of tires and axles
Wheels are the element that takes the bulk of the load when you're driving, and the type of wheel that you're using depends on the permeability of the trolley, and hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete slip) are used for solid rubber or solid polyurethane wheels, and they're not afraid of punctures, and they last for years.
But for fishing and recreation on the "wild water" often have to overcome sand, clay or grass. pneumatic wheels The large contact spot and the ability to reduce tire pressure allow the cart to float on the surface of the sand without falling, and the standard size for such conditions is 10 to 12 inches.
The axis of rotation also requires attention. High-quality bogies use rolling bearings that allow easy ride even under load. Cheap sleeves can sour from the ingress of sand and water, requiring constant lubrication. Closed bearings (e.g. 2RS series) are best protected from moisture.
If you often go to sandy beaches, consider installing wheels from a baby stroller or a bicycle with wide tires "-bike" on a cart, which will dramatically improve the passability.
Instructions: how to make a cart for the motor yourself
Hand-made carts are a popular solution among home craftsmen, and this allows you to create a device that is perfect for a particular motor model and your physical parameters, a process that does not require complex equipment, a welding machine and a Bulgarian.
You have to start with a drawing or a sketch, and the basic dimensions depend on the size of your motor, and the height of the vertical strut should allow you to hold the motor so that the lower unit doesn't touch the ground, but the center of gravity is low, and the optimal height of the strut is 70-80 cm from the axis of the wheel.
The assembly process includes the following steps:
- 📐 Cover the material: Slicing of the profile pipe (usually 20x20 or 25x25 mm) according to the drawing.
- 🔥 Frame welding: Putting elements together into a single structure. It's important to keep right angles.
- 🛡️ Anti-corrosion treatment: Printing and painting or galvanizing the finished frame.
- ⚙️ Installation of knots: Installation of the wheel, axles, handles and motor fastening elements (hamuts, belts).
☑️ Checklist before welding frame
To attach the motor to a homemade cart, you often use squirt boards from old boats or specially carved pieces of moisture-resistant plywood, lined with plastic, which creates a soft and reliable support for the daydwoot. Be sure to provide space for the safety belt.
Do I need a drawing for a simple cart?
For the simplest single-seater cart, a detailed engineering drawing is not necessary. A hand-sized sketch is enough. The main thing is to correctly calculate the wheel's mounting point relative to the center of gravity of the motor. Usually, the axis of the wheel is placed just ahead of the plane of the lower unit, so that when the trolley is tilted, the motor does not fall back.
Operation and maintenance of the transporter
Even the strongest trolley requires minimal maintenance, especially after operating in salt water. Salt is a powerful catalyst for corrosion. After each seagoing trip, the trolley must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, paying attention to the welding sites and the wheel axles.
Moving elements such as the wheel axle and hinges (if the trolley is foldable) are recommended to be lubricated periodically, for this purpose lithium-based lubricants or sprays of the WD-40 type with the subsequent application of thick lubrication, this will prevent jamming and creaking.
⚠️ Warning: When storing the trolley in winter, be sure to remove the pneumatic wheels or lift the trolley so that the wheels do not touch the floor. Prolonged pressure on one point can lead to a strain of the tire or a "hernia".
Check the condition of the fasteners regularly, and the vibration of the movement on irregularities can unwind even tight nuts. growers or fixing sealant for threading will help to avoid loss of parts at the most inopportune time.
Regular freshwater washing after salt water prolongs the life of the cart by 3-4 times. Don't ignore this simple ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum weight of the motor withstanding a standard cart?
Most factory models are designed for loads up to 80-100 kg. For more powerful engines (150 hp and above), you should look for reinforced versions or make a structure from a larger cross-section pipe using two wheels.
Can I carry a battery on the cart?
Yes, many models have a special platform or basket for the battery. It is important to securely lock the battery so that it does not fall and overturn, which can lead to leakage of the electrolyte.
How to store a cart in the garage in winter?
It is best to store the trolley in suspension or upside down with the wheel to relieve the load from the tire. It is also recommended to treat the metal parts with conservation grease.
Will the PVC boat trolley work?
Specialized motor trolleys are not designed to carry the PVC boat itself, as they do not have a loading capacity for cylinders. However, there are universal models-transformers, but their carrying capacity is usually lower.