Lifting an Outboard Off a Boat

Modern outboards that provide more than about six horsepower are heavier than one person can comfortably lift, which means you will need a lifting device to assist. There are several types available, ranging from stationary lifting devices, such as a simple chain fall, fastened to a secure, overhead framework, like a strong beam in your shop or an engine lifting frame, to shop cranes that you can roll around, as long as you roll them on concrete.

Things You'll Need

  • Stationary lifting device
  • 1-inch socket
  • Shop crane
  • 5//16-inch box-end wrench
  • 3/8-inch box-end wrench
  • Propeller wrench
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Instructions

  1. Stationary Lifting Device

    • 1

      Back your boat under the stationary lifting device with the assistance of another person. Your assistant must tell you to stop backing when the outboard is directly beneath the lifting device.

    • 2

      Remove the top cover of your outboard. Lower the hook of the lifting device to the top of the outboard.

    • 3

      Raise the lifting ring on the top of the outboard. Engage the lifting ring with the hook. Turn the locking handles on the motor mount clamps counterclockwise to loosen the clamps or, if the motor is bolted in place, remove the nuts and washers with a 1-inch socket. Operate the lifting device to raise the hook and pull the engine from the boat.

    • 4

      Pull the boat from beneath the stationary lifting device.

    Shop Crane

    • 5

      Push the shop crane to the rear of the boat.

    • 6

      Remove the hood -- the top cover -- from the outboard.

    • 7

      Raise the lifting shackle and engage the hook on the shop crane. Remove the nuts and washers from the bolts holding the motor in place. Operate the crane to lift the motor from the boat.

    • 8

      Move the shop crane and motor away from the boat.

    Small Motors, Pure Muscle

    • 9

      Turn the locking clamp handles clockwise until the locking clamp is free.

    • 10

      Grip the motor any way that you can.

    • 11

      Lift the motor from the back of the boat. Usually, lifting the motor straight up and into the boat is the best bet.