SKETCHBOOK

Ways of getting your outboard on, and off, the boat

Dealing with outboards; safe ways to get them on, and off, your boat

A

It’s a good idea to rig a safety lanyard, so you don’t lose the outboard completely if you drop it. You can also lift the engine with it, but remember, “Keep a straight back and bend zee knees!”

B

You can damage your back by lifting like this, and the engine as well if you let it invert so that cooling water runs back and into the cylinder.

C

Make sure the carburetor is empty by turning off the fuel tap as you approach the big boat, or by keeping it running while still lashed alongside. Then, to avoid burnt and mucky hands, let the motor cool down, because some bits can be hot and oily. Take care, especially in choppy weather, because some inflatables with tubed transoms can tip up as you move aft to release the motor. Ones with the tubes running aft, past the motor, are more stable.

D

Small outboard cranes save your back, and can be designed in many ways. They can be permanently mounted or made to be taken apart and stowed away inside a locker.

E

They can swivel at the top or bottom. One plastic tube, with a ball in the bottom, could be used to stow the Dan Buoy while at sea.

F

If you’re happier working in wood, use strong plywood to make a derrick-type crane.

G

Some cranes have even been made to pivot on a sturdy set of boarding ladder steps.

H

Many strong radar arches often incorporate a small fold-out crane to lift outboard engines and other heavy items. Or you can sometimes use a main or mizzen boom that’s well-guyed out on either side. Inverting the mainsheet makes it easier to pull and can help in a MOB situation. If you’re singlehanding, you can often haul the motor up while still sitting in the dinghy, secure it, climb aboard, swing it over and manhandle it down onto the stowage bracket.