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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

motor removal

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Walt Oler
1st Mate

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USA
44 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/22/2009 : 20:07:10

It is time for some bottom end service on our old Mecury 9 hp. Can anyone point me to a technique for lifting the motor while the boat is in the water. My days for the brute force method have passed.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2009 : 20:29:25

Walt, I have a Honda 8 and got my 25 yr old son to give me a hand. However my shop charges $40 extra for pickup. There are additional ways to remove using block & tackle. Do a search on this site as much discussion is available.
Steve A

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2009 : 21:08:16

Are you on a slip (main dock with fingers and large posts pounded down into the seabed), or on a mooring?

On a dock, you may be able to back the boat in and using several lag bolts, mount a 2x6 or 2x8 horizontally somewhere around 6-8 feet up between two posts, then tie a 3X or 4X block and tackle to the 2x6. At this point, you have a hoist.

So now you'd have to get, buy or create a cradle out of 2" nylon straps that holds the head of the engine and gives you a hitch point to attach a line or hook to. You could also use some ropes, but you'd have to be pretty good at making a cradle that would not slip or let go of the engine while you tried to raise it.

Make sure that you also toss a line over the 2x6 through the engine mount so that even if the "masterpiece" did slip, the engine would not fall into the water. As you raise the hoist, also clinch the single line to something solid, just in case. I believe the old "belt, plus suspenders" philosophy - always have a failsafe or a backup, because you never know.

If you are on a mooring, then pay a marina to help you out. In the long run its cheaper than letting the engine fail due to not maintaining it, or dropping it into the water.

Unfortunately, the boom is too short to work like a crane - it does not reach far enough back to help you with the engine.

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Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 08/23/2009 : 07:27:31

Hi Walt,

I had a 10hp Chrysler that I had to remove while the boat was in the water. I pulled up along the slip and tied the motor up to the dock in case it got loose on me -- didn't want to have in on the bottom of the lake. A buddy helped me lift the motor up and onto the dock.

I suspect the motor is between 80 - 110lbs yes?

I was also able to place the motor back on the boat while it was in the boat was in the water as well. The trick is to have plenty of help, a safety line, and to place the boat where the motor mount is as close to the slip as possible -- the bow may need to be angled out some.

I wanted to let you know that removing a motor and placing it back is possible.

Best to you,
Deric

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 08/23/2009 : 16:03:42

My Honda is around 110lbs. I also have a solar collector above it but it is mounted high enough above it that I can get the motor off without removing the panel. I do not remove the motor often, tending to do a lot of the mtn while it is mounted on the boat. But changing the gear oil in the lower end is the one job that is hard to do properly without removing the motor. The last time I did it, I happen to have the boat out for painting the bottom with a multi-year paint and so took advantage of it being in the mtn yard and changed the oil with the motor onboard.

When I have to take the motor off, I rearrange the dock lines so as to get the motor as close to the finger slip and main dock as possible. I get one of those dollies the marina has available and while it is not ideal to transport the motor to the car, it does the job. I then get one of the marina guys to help me but I have been able to lift it off myself...but with each year getting older...utilizing the marina guy is best. I give him $5-$10 for assisting me.

Make sure when you lay the motor down that it is with the motor end higher so that water does not get into the topworks. Also, most motors have a preferred side to lay them down on. On the Honda, there are flat stops on one side and that is the side that is to be laid down. If you lay it down on the wrong side, then oil gets in where it does not belong.

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2009 : 12:38:22

Same motor as Larry. Hi, Larry - Wanna go sailing some time?

I make use of high tide and fixed docks at my marina on a creek off a river off the Chesapeake. Last weekend I put the motor on after some service, and the tide was a foot or two higher than normal, from rain I guess, and maybe from hurricane Bill, too, 1000 miles away.

I loosen the clamps and lift it about a foot to stand it up on the dock, then lift it again onto my homemade motor carrier that's on a heavy steel dolly.

I got into pretty good shape from moving logs from my neighbors old maple tree last month. This year the OB seemed lighter than last year!

Previously I rigged up a temporary davit with a 9' aluminum pole against the cockpit bulkhead held aloft with the main halyard and dangling the boom vang off the pole to lift the motor. It was held sideways with lines to the cockpit coaming cleats. The pole didn't move, just the boom vang.

It's much easier for me just to pick it up myself, making sure there is little distance to move it onto a solid surface.

Happy shlepping!!!

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2009 : 17:39:13

John, If you need an additional workout, we probably could round up a few in the area that need help with their motors ! When your done, you should be able to pick your motor up with just one arm !

I'll have to send you an EMail about getting together for sailing soon. The weather this Spring/Summer has not all been that cooperative. I'll probably be out sailing after work tomorrow but winds may only be 5 kts.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.