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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Removing Motor

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4298 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/28/2023 : 11:00:48

I need to remove my 8HP 2-cycle Suzuki outboard and replace the water pump.

My slip is 12' wide so I think I can angle it across the slip enough to get the motor close to the dock but not sure how to get it off the mount and onto the dock.

Any suggestions on the best way to remove it?

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GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5881 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2023 : 11:24:02

Do you back in or are you in the slip bow-first? If you back in, you can back up close to the dock. If you tilt the motor up, the lower unit and prop might even hang over the dock. Tie a safety line to the motor that's long enough so it won't interfere with moving it off the boat onto the dock. If you drop it, the motor will get dunked, but at least you won't have to dive to retrieve it. Tie up the boat so it can't move fore and aft, so the boat won't drift while you're lifting it off. Google says it weighs about 74 lbs. Two men can probably lift it off safely.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4298 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2023 : 19:55:38

I pull in bow first but your idea sounds like a possible plan. Would definitely be safer if I back in and can get the lower unit over the edge of the dock.

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GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4298 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2023 : 19:59:08

Since I've owned the boat I bet I haven't put 25 hours on the motor thanks to being close to open sailing waters. It's probably been 14 years since the lower unit was removed.

Anyone care to guess what the odds are I'll be able to get all the bolts out of the lower unit without snapping them off?

Any suggestions for removing the bolts if they don't come out easily?

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GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3408 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2023 : 21:41:19

Hi Gary !

I normally back my boat into the slip and so the times I removed the outboard and subsequently installed it back on the mount, it was with the stern close to the main dock and the outboard in the vertical position. I recall doing this at least one time by myself but as I got older and maybe smarter, I asked one of the marina guys if he could give me a hand. It would seem a bit awkward with two people in close proximity to do these actions but better than doing it by yourself. By the way, this was for my Honda 9.9hp weighs well over 100lbs.

What I have also done is to time lower gear oil replacement and water impeller replacement at the time my boat is due for bottom painting. That way, I can leave the outboard on the mount and do the maintenance in-place. Since, I use ablative/copolymer bottom paints, I usually have the bottom painted ideally every 4 years or so ... but this last time....well the bottom is being done right now, it has been more like 6 years ! I had a hard time the past couple years scheduling maintenance since my marina at the Quantico Marine Base has no travel lift. Finally was able to schedule maintenance at a marina ~ 32 miles downriver - 7hrs by outboard. I decided to have them do the outboard maintenance as well. Brought it down last Saturday.Marina was closed Sunday and Monday but they were planning to have it done by this Friday Actually, that is two boats by this Friday. My friend also traveled down with his 32' foot. We may sail back on Saturday if weather cooperates. But I have a very tight window since I am leaving on a beach vacation on Sunday.....So I may have to delay bringing my boat back.

I recall the first time I replaced my water impeller, changed the lower gear oil, etc it was during a period when my boat was having the bottom painted. Removing the screw bolts that hold the housing were tight but with the appropriately sized screwdriver, they were not a problem. On the other hand, the lower gear oil bolt was a bear to remove. I think it was also a bolt screw but really needed a larger screwdriver than what I had. I believe I borrowed a tool from one of the marina workers.

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - OLarryR on 06/28/2023 21:54:23

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4010 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2023 : 09:12:46

Gary I use a EasyLift Motor Tote to get my engine on and off the boat but I do it on land at the beginning and end of the season. I'm thinking you could make a similar harness out of some line. Then having the boat backed into your slip and tied off you could use a 2x4 that would span from the main dock, over top of the engine to the finger dock on a 45 deg. angle then tie the engine harness to the 2x4 and with 2 people (one on each side of the 2x4) just lift. I think this would be safer and nobody is awkwardly hanging over the dock, boat etc.

EasyLift Motor Tote

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Edited by - islander on 06/29/2023 09:45:57

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4298 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2023 : 14:18:53

I like that idea. Sounds doable. I'll look into this.

Association Member

GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5312 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2023 : 08:29:01

Not sure whether you have any pilings around your dock. Generally in tidal waters you�ll see them, in Lakes and rivers they�re less likely.

I had to lift my 108# Honda 8 off the motor mount and put it on the dock to replace the impeller. I didn�t want to risk horsing the outboard off the mount and potentially slipping and dropping it either into the water or have it come crashing down onto the dock.

I used some 5/8� line to create a cradle similar to the image in Scott�s post, then used a set of blocks and line to make a 3:1 block and tackle. I attached that to the piling using a few round double hitches. As I hoisted it up, I had a friend stabilize the motor and we were able to control it as it swung over to the dock.

The knots are key since you don�t want the rig to slide down the piling. A rolling hitch works pretty well or doubling up a clove hitch.

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 07/30/2023 17:42:15

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4010 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2023 : 10:36:59

quote:
then used a set of blocks and line to make a 3:1 block and tackle.

I used my Boom Vang. It has the cam cleat so you can stop it anytime during the lifting.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

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