Pulling Out A Boat Engine: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing an engine from a boat can be a tricky task, but it can save you a lot of money. Before attempting to remove the engine, it is important to disconnect the battery, steering, and control cables, as well as draining all fluids from the engine. You will then need to establish a gantry or hoist system to lift the engine out. This can be done using a crane, forklift, tow truck, or even a strong tree branch with a block and tackle system. It is important to have a stable setup to avoid damaging the boat or engine. Once the engine is lifted out, you can then transport it to your workspace to begin maintenance or repairs.

Using a hoist

Firstly, ensure you have a suitable hoist for the job. Engine hoists, automotive cranes, and chain hoists are all viable options, but you may need to get creative to achieve the necessary height. Some people have suggested extending the hoist by building a tube that bolts to the end, allowing the hoist to reach higher and clear the boat. If you don't have access to a hoist, you can rent one or consider using a forklift or tow truck with a hydraulic boom instead.

Next, prepare the boat by disconnecting the engine from all cables and fluids. This includes the battery, steering, control cables, gauges, wiring harnesses, and engine fluids such as oil and fuel.

Now, it's time to set up the hoist. If you're using a tree, find a strong branch at least eight inches around and at least two feet higher than the top of your outboard. If not, you'll need to construct a freestanding gantry. Build a sturdy structure with four legs, a main transverse beam, and cross-bracing. Use stakes to secure the bases of the gantry, preventing any unwanted movement.

Once your hoist is securely in place, attach a webbed strap with sufficient weight capacity to the transverse beam. You can use a come-along, which is an inexpensive tool that will help with the lifting. Attach the come-along to the engine's lifting eye, and ratchet it until there's minimal tension on the strap.

With the hoist ready, you can now start removing the engine. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the motor mount and transom. You'll need an assistant for the next step: slowly pull the boat forward while someone holds the motor and gently rocks the lower unit back and forth to jiggle the bolts free. Once the bolts are clear, pull the boat away, leaving the engine hanging.

Finally, lower the engine carefully. If you're planning to sell it, cushion it with old life jackets as you lower it into the buyer's truck. Remember to seal the transom holes immediately to prevent moisture damage.

While this process can be challenging, it can also be rewarding, both financially and in terms of personal satisfaction. Just remember to always put safety first and don't be afraid to seek professional help if needed.

Preparing the boat

Before you begin, ensure you have disconnected the battery, steering, and control cables. Coil and stow the cables neatly, as potential buyers will want them. Next, carefully remove the gauges, controls, and associated wiring harnesses. Label and set aside all parts, being careful not to damage anything.

Afterwards, drain the engine of all fluids. On an outboard engine, pull the plug on the lower unit and drain the oil. For a four-stroke engine, also drain the crankcase oil and remove the oil filter. Don't forget to remove any internal fuel filters and drain the fuel lines.

Now, you need to establish a gantry—a frame used for hoisting heavy objects. If you have a tree in your yard with a branch at least eight inches around and at least two feet higher than your outboard, you can use that. Otherwise, you'll need to construct a freestanding gantry.

The gantry should have four legs, a main transverse beam, and cross-bracing. Use six-by-two wooden beams for the legs and cross-bracers, and a four-by-four for the transverse beam, as it will bear the most strain. Secure the bases of the gantry by driving stakes at least one foot into the ground and attaching the legs to them. This will provide stability and prevent the bases from moving.

Instead of nails, use large C-clamps to secure each piece in place as you drill holes for fasteners. Then, through-bolt the sections together. Constructed in this way, your gantry should be able to support an outboard engine of up to 500 pounds.

With your gantry ready, hitch your tow vehicle to the trailer and back the boat into place so that the outboard is centred underneath.

Lifting the engine

Before beginning, ensure you have the necessary equipment, including a hoist, straps, and a gantry or stable anchor point. If you don't have access to a hoist, consider renting one or using a forklift or tow truck with a hydraulic boom. You will also need to disconnect the battery, steering, and control cables, as well as the gauges, controls, and associated wiring harnesses.

First, establish a sturdy gantry or frame to support the weight of the engine. If you have a tree in your yard with a branch at least eight inches around and at least two feet higher than the top of your engine, you can use that as an anchor point. Otherwise, you will need to construct a freestanding gantry using four legs, a main transverse beam, and cross-bracing. Use stakes to secure the bases of the gantry to the ground, and through-bolts to hold the structure together, as nails may not be strong enough.

Once the gantry is in place, use a webbed strap with sufficient weight capacity to attach a come-along to the transverse beam. A come-along is a device used to ratchet straps and lift heavy objects. Attach the come-along to the engine's lifting eye, which is usually located under the cowl. If your engine doesn't have a lifting eye, you may need to purchase one that screws into the top of the motor. Ratchet the come-along until there is minimal tension on the strap.

Now, you can begin to remove the nuts and bolts securing the engine to the motor mount and transom. With the help of a partner, slowly pull the boat forward while someone holds the motor and gently rocks the lower unit back and forth to jiggle the bolts free without damaging the mounting holes. Once the bolts are removed, carefully pull the boat clear, leaving the engine hanging in mid-air.

Finally, seal the transom holes with silicone to prevent moisture intrusion. At this point, you can lower the engine onto a pallet or directly into a pickup truck bed if you have a hoist attached. Remember to cushion the engine properly during the lowering process to avoid damage.

Throughout the process, it is crucial to prioritize safety and stability. Always ensure that the hoist or lifting mechanism is securely attached and can handle the weight of the engine. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it may be best to consult a professional or seek assistance from a marina or boatyards.

Removing the engine

Before you remove the engine, you'll need to prepare it. Disconnect the battery, steering, and control cables. Coil and stow the control cables, as well as the steering cable if it won't be reused. Remove the gauges, controls, and wiring harnesses, being careful not to yank, break, or cut them. Tie a pull-cord to the end of the wiring harnesses and pull it through the chase as you take out the harness, leaving it in place. Remove all of the engine's fluids, including the oil and fuel.

Next, you'll need to establish a gantry—a frame used for hoisting heavy objects. If you have a tree in your yard with a branch at least eight inches around and at least two feet higher than the top of your outboard, you can use that. Otherwise, you'll need to construct a freestanding gantry. The gantry needs four legs, a main transverse beam, and cross-bracing. Use stakes to secure the bases of the gantry and prevent it from moving.

Once the gantry is in place, use a webbed strap with sufficient weight capacity to attach a come-along to the transverse beam. Use the come-along to attach to the engine's lifting eye. Ratchet the come-along until there's minimal tension on the strap. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the motor mount and transom, then slowly pull the boat forward as someone holds the motor and gently rocks the lower unit back and forth to jiggle the bolts free. Once this step is complete, you can pull the boat clear and leave the engine hanging.

Now, you're ready to remove the engine. Seal up the transom holes immediately with silicone to prevent moisture from getting in. If your boat is on a trailer, you can use a forklift to lift the engine out and then put the engine on a trailer. You can also use a tow truck with a hydraulic boom, a backhoe, or a crane. If you're using a crane, it's important to have a counterweight to balance the engine as it's lowered.

Lowering the engine

First, you will need to disconnect the engine from all cables and hoses. Make sure to neatly coil and stow any control cables, gauges, and wiring harnesses, as these can be reused or sold along with the engine. It is important to keep these parts labelled and in good condition to preserve their value. Don't forget to remove the battery, steering cables, and drain all fluids from the engine, including oil and fuel.

Next, you will need to establish a sturdy support structure to hoist the engine. If you have access to a tree with a strong branch at least eight inches around and two feet higher than the top of your engine, you can use that. Otherwise, you will need to construct a freestanding gantry. This structure should have four legs, a main transverse beam, and cross-bracing. Use six-by-two wooden beams for the legs and cross-bracing, and a four-by-four beam for the transverse section, as it will bear the most strain. Drive stakes at least one foot into the ground to secure the bases of the gantry and prevent any movement.

Once your support structure is in place, you can begin setting up the hoist. Use a webbed strap with sufficient weight capacity to attach a come-along to the transverse beam. A come-along is a tool used to ratchet and lift heavy loads and can be purchased for around $30. Attach the come-along to the engine's lifting eye, which is usually located under the cowl. If your engine does not have a lifting eye, you may need to purchase one that screws into the top of the motor. Ratchet the come-along until there is minimal tension on the strap.

Now, you can begin the process of removing the engine. Have an assistant slowly pull the boat forward while you hold the motor and gently rock the lower unit back and forth to jiggle the bolts free without damaging the mounting holes. Once the bolts are free, pull the boat clear, leaving the engine hanging in the air. Be sure to seal the transom holes immediately with silicone to prevent moisture intrusion.

Finally, you can lower the engine. Have the buyer back their pickup truck or flatbed under the engine and lower it down slowly and carefully, using old life jackets or other cushioning to protect the engine.

Throughout this process, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure that your support structure and hoist are secure and stable before proceeding. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it may be best to seek professional assistance.

Frequently asked questions