Transporting outboard on a bike rack?

[AndyL]

I just bought a 2.5hp outboard that weighs about 37lbs. I will be using it on a small inflatable dinghy. I do not have a trailer and plan to transport the dinghy deflated in my car. That brings up the issue of transporting the outboard. I have a bike rack that can hold two bikes with a combined weight of about double the outboard. I am thinking about securing a 2x6 board to the bike rack, as shown by the red lines in the picture, and using it to transport the outboard. I've seen pictures of something similar using a hitch mounted bike rack to transport an outboard.

Has anyone tried this? Any reason it's a bad idea?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[dlochner]

Why not just stick the outboard in the back of the car? Just drain the fuel and place the engine in the right orientation so the oil doesn't leak out.

 

[Whatfiero1]

I like it sounds great even test start if air cooled before put on boat and run out fuel by running on board afterward

 

[Hunter216]

Has anyone tried this? Any reason it's a bad idea?

I’m thinking this is an “original idea”

If the weight is less than the two bikes the rack or attachment points to the car should be OK.

How securely will the 2x6 be attached (think of looking in rear view and NOT seeing the motor ! ) If you are going to drill the rack to attach the 2x6 it could weaken the rack!

Will the motor make contact with the bumper - scratches.

Will you park anywhere where someone might walk away with the motor?

 

[Tally Ho]

Thank goodness...I thought you were going to put it on a rack on a bike! Your idea is way better


Greg

 

[justsomeguy]

Why not just stick the outboard in the back of the car?

OP didn't state the length of the drive, but that could be a fairly noxious commute.

 

[jssailem]

Looks like a plausible idea.
I do not think I would stop at a restaurant to get a cup of coffee with the motor there. It may not be there when you come back to the car.
That said if the motor hangs properly and the board can be attached to the bike rack with out compromising the rack, it might even save your car from getting scratched by one of the bike pedals.

 

[Ron20324]

I just bought a 2.5hp outboard that weighs about 37lbs. I will be using it on a small inflatable dinghy. I do not have a trailer and plan to transport the dinghy deflated in my car. That brings up the issue of transporting the outboard. I have a bike rack that can hold two bikes with a combined weight of about double the outboard. I am thinking about securing a 2x6 board to the bike rack, as shown by the red lines in the picture, and using it to transport the outboard. I've seen pictures of something similar using a hitch mounted bike rack to transport an outboard.

View attachment 186962

Has anyone tried this? Any reason it's a bad idea?

Thanks,
Andy

I don't supppose that is a city or county name on the bottom of your license plate? Geneology search

 

[capta]

I think it might work OK, if the OB clears the ground sufficiently for your trip. I'd mount it as high as possible and put the wood on the car side of the bike rack, it the motor will fit that way. Much less tress on the tubes and bolts.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

My biggest concern would be the bottom end touching your bumper. I suppose an easy solution would be to wrap the lower end in a towel or foam. I used to put my 4hp in the back of my SUV fairly often. Two-stroke with on board fuel tank. Never any issues with it leaking fluids.

If you have a hitch do yourself a favor and pickup one of those hitch baskets. Worth their weight in gold. Used it to carry a larger outboards. Menards has them for less than $50

 

[LloydB]

2-hole rigid conduit straps to bolt the board to the frame rather than trying to drill through the vertical tubing to secure it to the rack. It will work just fine even if the motor was 4 times is heavy as it is mostly because all of the vertical load would be carried by the bumper anyway.

 

[AndyL]

Thanks everyone. I would not drill the tubes but would use something like this to attach the board.

And it's a good point about clearance for the bottom end and prop. I'll need to check that carefully.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Ubolts can weaken tubing if too tight. Also check to make sure the clamp screws can’t rub or bump the lift gate when you go over bumps.

PS - I‘ve always carried my dinghy outboard laying down in the back of the car. Like @Project_Mayhem advised, just make sure it’s oriented with proper side down as per the manufacturer spec.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Like @Project_Mayhem advised, just make sure it’s oriented with proper side down as per the manufacturer spec.

My Tohatsu was really picky about orientation. I'm guessing it caused air to get into the carb or fuel line.

I think a 2x4 and u-bolts will work nicely