Outboard motor hoist - ideas?

[Julian Merson]

This is particularly a question for Baycruiser owners, given the raised cockpit combings and relative height of the boat when on its trailer.  Has anyone found an effective means of hoisting their outboard onto their boat?

The Baycruiser cockpit needs a ladder for access, and since I've had the brakes installed, the boat sits even higher.  I'm counting the days when, through my usual fumbled process, the ladder or my back or both give way.  I usually do all of my boating, both ashore and afloat, single-handed - which, of course, doesn't help.

I've just changed my outboard from a Yamaha 6 to a new Mercury 6 (long story for another time) and, whilst the new outboard is now safely in place, the exertion is fresh in the mind, not to mention the muscles...

[Sea Simon]

Maybe use your boom as a derrick/crane?
Seen it done, but not on my Swallow.

I'd test with water-weights first.

[Rob Johnstone]

If possible I would wait to mount the motor on Vagabond (BC23) after she was in the water and alongside a pontoon!

Otherwise it was hard work with a loop of line round the body of the motor, much padding of the side of the boat and a two stage lift. Stage1 to get the motor standing upright on the top of one one of the cockpit lockers and stage 2 to get it into the well. If you can find an old crate lying around, it's worth placing the motor on that at the start.

[Rod Shiers]

I've always used my boom as a hoist. I have a topping lift fitted so perhaps the boom is better supported than just on the lazy jacks. I use the mainsheet as lifting tackle. It copes with my Yamaha 6 very well.

[Julian Merson]

I think I'll try the boom hoist idea next time.  Thanks for the replies.

[Sea Simon]

Otherwise it was hard work with a loop of line round the body of the motor, much padding of the side of the boat and a two stage lift. Stage1 to get the motor standing upright on the top of one one of the cockpit lockers and stage 2 to get it into the well. If you can find an old crate lying around, it's worth placing the motor on that at the start.

I do this, but with the boat usually on a trailer, mast down.

If you're not confident making a rope strop/cradle to lift your motor you can buy specialist-made webbing harnesses for the purpose.

Not sure about other boats, but the BRe "topping lifts" on my boat are simply eyes screwed on to the boom. Not strong enough imho. Put main halyard where lifting tackle is attached.

[graham2burton65@gmail.com]

I've just today hoisted my new Honda 6hp into the boat on the trailer. BC20 Jaunty.
I have been worrying about it for a while.

I used the boom
halliard and topping lift on the outer end of the boom.  Kicker off, boom high
Jib and forestay secure
secured the mainsheet temporarily under the boom at the end of the sail track, over the outboard.
a spare rope to hold the boom from swinging too far

worked well and was easy. no strain.
the most awkward part was securing a rope to form a sling around the motor head.
Jane did help me from the ground just to steer the outboard as it descended to the ground.  But could have been done solo, I think, just awkward to pull the boom out far enough while heaving/easing on the main sheet.

very relieved.
although slightly disappointed that the Honda does take up more space and does not lie flat.  4mm packer needed under the tiller.

cheers folks
Graham B

[Julian Merson]

Thanks Graham.
Very useful.