winching an outboard with a plastic housing

[John Funk]

We recently bought an extra long shaft, electric start outboard to mount on the stern bracket of our Catalina 25 (#1903). The boat's in the water; we took the 116 lb. engine to a dock with a winch so we could hoist it, swing it over the bracket and gently put it in place. There's a plastic "carry handle" between the screws that secure the engine to the bracket. We strapped the winch line to the plastic handle, raised the motor and carefully moved it out over the stern bracket. The engine is 1. top-heavy, so it wants to tip backward to an almost horizontal position, and 2. encased in a plastic housing so you can't use straps to raise it in a vertical position. The plastic handle broke; but, fortunately, the engine was almost in position to lower and it landed on the bracket. With great difficulty, we centered it on the bracket and secured it. I have no idea how to move this engine on and off the boat. Customer Service claims they never said to use the handle with a winch; it's only meant to be used to carry the engine. Ever tried to carry a 116 lb. engine with one carry-handle? The engine is terrific: easy to start, efficient, and quiet. But how the h#ll can I get it on and off the boat?

 

[Dirk]

Motor Caddy

Davis makes a sling affair to fit around the engine cover that works pretty well on my 80 lb outboard. I hook a line to its handle from the end of the boom to raise and lower the motor on and off the dinghy.Good luck.

 

[Tom s/v GAIA]

You can also

Use some line to tie your own sling. That how we lift our outboard. Save the money and go out to dinner.Toms/v GAIA

 

[FrankR]

Take cover off

You might find a lifting strap/bar on top of the engine. My 9.9 Tohatsu (130 + lbs) has one.