Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: How do I take off a 175 hp motor?

Posted by arthureld on 04/15/08 - 6:15 AM
#1

I was thinking about installing a 6" setback jackplate myself on my 1984 Outrage 20 w/ 175 hp Etec.
I am wondering how the heck you guys lift the motor off and put it back on. A cherry picker with some kind of strap would probably work, but I'm hoping there is a better way.
What do you guys use?

Posted by drandlett on 04/15/08 - 7:21 AM
#2

I used a forklift to remove and reinstall my 90hp on my 16' whaler. Worked real well. I used nylon webbing to make a bridle just below the engine (where it begins to narrow and eventually becomes the lower unit).

You could make lifting rings that thead into your flywheel and lift from them. I believe this is how dealers lift engines.

It you dont have access to lift, you could always make a gantry type thing, back the stern under and use a chainfall to lift the engine off. I believe Jeff made a gantry type thing to lift his boat off the trailer, see his PP for pics.

Good luck.

Posted by Jeff on 04/15/08 - 7:26 AM
#3

You should use an OEM lifting ring that can be borrowed from your dealer. Then either a fork lift or cherry picker will work. You could also look for a wood or metal gallows frame like I built or an steel I beam in a ceiling of a building then use a chain fall or come along.

I have read before about people stating a set back on the 20' Outrages can actually increase the hull's porpoising tendency. I think Tom can lend advice on that fact.

Edited by Jeff on 04/15/08 - 12:59 PM

Posted by arthureld on 04/15/08 - 12:30 PM
#4

Thanks for the advice guys. And I hope Tom has some input too.

I never did have a porposing problem with this boat, but I know of the rumors.

There sure seems to be a lot of mixed feelings about the subject of jack plates. Many people swear by them and others swear at them. lol

I might just do the hydraulic stearing for now so I can get in the water and have some fun.

Edited by arthureld on 04/15/08 - 7:04 PM

Posted by CES on 04/15/08 - 1:06 PM
#5

Back in the day we used a tree, come along and a chain to take them off. You guys are too technical. :D

Posted by Phil T on 04/15/08 - 4:42 PM
#6

Out on the islands, they take 3 good posts (4x4's) 8-10 ft long, lash the top making a tee-pee type structure and drop a chain with a come-along to the engine lifting ring.

Posted by Jeff on 04/15/08 - 6:04 PM
#7

Here is how I am doing it with my Motor. I am lucky to have a factory lifting ring mounted to the block. Then I use a come-along winch hooked to a chain that is looped around an I - Beam in my rafters.

Posted by Jeff on 04/15/08 - 6:23 PM
#8

I am removing the motor to remove the aftermarket CMC tilt trim set back bracket. I have got 2 OEM mid 70's tilt and trim units and want to install them to make the boat look as VINTAGE OEM as possible.

Posted by blakesanborn on 04/16/08 - 2:28 AM
#9

The engine ring and then use a engine lift stand. Like what you see to pull out engines in cars. That is how we always did it at the boat dealership.
This allows for easy rolling.
Blake

Posted by Binkie on 04/16/08 - 4:21 PM
#10

There is a cherry picker on sale now at Harbor Freight Tools. ($149). They are the easy and convenient way to remove an outboard. When you lift it off, you can just roll it into a corner out of the way. Jeff's way you have to move the boat to work on it, then line it up with the motor to reinstall it. Would be a real pain to do by yourself. Get a cherry picker.
rich

Posted by ioptfm on 04/16/08 - 7:02 PM
#11

You can also rent a automotive engine hoist from most rent-all companies the will attach to the lifting ring. I think about $25 per day

Posted by DelawareDan on 04/16/08 - 7:36 PM
#12

To get my 115 Yamaha off of my boat, I rolled a rolling scaffolding over the stern, and hooked a chain to the lift ring. Then I had someone lift the tongue of the trailer; the stern dropped, and I rolled her out of the way. Would also work with a setup like Jeff's, to a strong overhead beam, but you'd have to roll the boat forward after lifting the tongue.

Posted by kamie on 04/17/08 - 2:52 PM
#13

When I sold the 150 HP, we pulled the boat into the driveway, hooked up an engine hoist, undid the bolts pushed the engine free and then drove the boat away.
If all you want to do it install a jackplate that would be the easiest way.

Posted by Binkie on 04/17/08 - 6:33 PM
#14

When you own a cherry picker, you will find a lot of uses for it. I just used mine today to lift the stern of my boat up, so I could change the bunks. When I bought it I thought it would be a one use thing. I`ve also used it to pick up the rear of my riding mower.
Rich

Posted by ioptfm on 04/17/08 - 6:39 PM
#15

I hate to sound like a total dumb ass, but what is a cherry picker? I thought it was some sort of boom truck :(

Posted by kamie on 04/17/08 - 7:14 PM
#16

Check Harbour Freight
# 7620-4VGA
# 35915-4VGA

Works best if you have a solid surface on which to work. My problem is storage, too much stuff and not enough space already

Posted by DelawareDan on 04/17/08 - 7:24 PM
#17

a motor hoist is often called a cherry picker (but boom trucks are also called that)

[IMG]http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee190/black89t/DSC01854.jpg[/IMG]

Posted by arthureld on 04/18/08 - 2:35 AM
#18

Ok, I like the Harbor Freight cherry pickers. What a deal.
Now, I can't see wraping a chain around my new Etec so where can I buy one of those OEM lift rings or something else that won't damage my engine?