Engine Height Again

thomas · 28 January 2012, 14:06

Same problem, different boat - Ribtec 585 & Merc 115.

I have chine walk problem and was chatting to Mark at MB when he serviced my engine, even before he saw the boat he said the engine was probably too low, looking at it it does seem low, what do you guys think?

I have plenty of holes left to use but it weighs 182kg so I'll not just be able to rest it on a bit of wood and wind the jockey wheel so any ideas on how to lift it would be welcome, I've looked and car engine hoists but not sure they'll be high enough.

Dirk Diggler · 28 January 2012, 14:51

Days rental on an engine crane would be a worthwhile investment. Looking at the photo I'd go up at least a couple of holes!

Ian M · 28 January 2012, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas

I have plenty of holes left to use but it weighs 182kg so I'll not just be able to rest it on a bit of wood and wind the jockey wheel

Why not? It's what I have done with my 200 etec

To be honest I prefer a trolley jack under the skeg; it is then all in the same area so you can see if something starts to go wrong. You obviously need to make sure that everything is in line.

clydeoutboards · 28 January 2012, 15:54

Hi

I would buy one. 2nd hand less than 80 and fleebay has new from around £120.00 and the fold so dont take up much space.

pow2gran · 28 January 2012, 17:47

I ve used a engine hoist on a 70hp Tohatsu weighing 120kg with no real problem

Hightower · 28 January 2012, 18:08

G clamp a couple of peices of wood either side of the saddle on the transom to stop it from slipping sideways. Another g clamp or two between the saddle and transom to stop the outboard from falling away and a trolley jack peice of wood under the skeg to jack her up. Did a +200kg outboard this way by myself and was easy.

thomas · 28 January 2012, 18:30

Thanks for the pointers, my boat does sit quite high on the trailer, I guess if I use a hoist I'll need a lifting ring too, I am reluctant to rest the skeg on anything as I've just had it fixed.

I am tempted to go up two holes as it made such a difference on the last boat.

Pikey Dave · 28 January 2012, 18:45

Did both of my engines the "jockey wheel" way no problem. Of the 4 fixing bolts, 2 are on slots so you don't need to remove the bolts completely. Just loose them off, remove the 2 "fixed" bolts & slide the engines up the slots. easy peasy

thomas · 28 January 2012, 19:29

That's part of the problem, my Yamaha had two slots on the lower two bolts and it was a doddle, this one just has holes, using g clamps as guides will help.

Erin · 28 January 2012, 21:04

Three scaffold poles, a couple of strops and some rope. Helps to have Martini on hand too

. Worked a treat on 260kg of Suzuki

mister p · 28 January 2012, 21:19

A way of doing it "in the field" as it were.
It's a way we used to alter engine height once boats had been fully offloaded and sent off for other "jobs".
The engine can be "walked" up the transom by undoing one side whilst braced from underneath with a stout support. The other side should now be left with one bolt only, loosened.
You now swing the engine up to meet the next hole and insert bolt. Assuming enough give in transom holes to accept this method.
Now remove the pivot bolt and raise that side.
Needs a few hands but very do-able.
Chock and brake the trailer mind.

mister p · 28 January 2012, 22:31

Used this method to alter 3 tonne trailer nose height without unhitching when on a steep incline to clear crests. It's surprisingly effective. Esp if you prepare the available mounting hole for this action beforehand. Only the receiving ( the hole after the first swing ) needs prepping, if at all.

wiLlfish · 28 January 2012, 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Three scaffold poles

fuk mee. fansy puttin a seerydr a frayme onn a hospry

wottevvver nekst?

Downhilldai · 29 January 2012, 01:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister p

A way of doing it "in the field" as it were.
It's a way we used to alter engine height once boats had been fully offloaded and sent off for other "jobs".
The engine can be "walked" up the transom by undoing one side whilst braced from underneath with a stout support. The other side should now be left with one bolt only, loosened.
You now swing the engine up to meet the next hole and insert bolt. Assuming enough give in transom holes to accept this method.
Now remove the pivot bolt and raise that side.
Needs a few hands but very do-able.
Chock and brake the trailer mind.

Spot on Mr P. Beat me to it again.

Tis a one man job though.