Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

[towtruck1]

Hello

This topic doesn't fit neatly in any other category, so I'm sorry if it's in the wrong place...

Based on what I've learned in this category, I would like to try raising the engine a wee bit. Can this be done w/o an engine hoist? In other words, is this something that 2 or three guys with a bit of muscle can do? The engine weighs about 170 lbs.

I certainly wouldn't try it with the boat on the water, but I may need to be able to do it at the lake.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Towtruck

 

[SML Boomer]

Re: Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

I have adjusted mine up two holes this summer with the boat on the trailer. Block the tires to keep the trailer from moving and trim the motor to the down position. Put a board under the skeg to support the motor weight.
Jack up the front of the trailer until the skeg is sitting on the board. Carefully loosen the two bottom bolts just enough so the motor will slide in the slots. Loosen the top bolts and see if they will back out. You may need to jack the trailer tongue up or down slightly to take the pressure off the top bolts. Slide the top bolts out just enough to clear. Have someone slowly jack up the front of the trailer while you watch for the next set of holes to line up.

 

[towtruck1]

Re: Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

Thanks!

I had thought of doing that, but felt uneasy about the whole weight of the motor being on just the tip of the skeg.

Maybe I can cut a groove about 1" wide into a block just a bit taller than the skeg. That way, the skeg would go into the groove, and the weight would rest along the prop-shaft housing. Or am I being too paranoid?

Thanks again!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

Just make sure you get the transom resealed.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

As well, this doesn't work if you forget to block the wheels.

Other than that, I've done it twice to mine recently, twice only because I didn't raise it enough the first time.

 

[towtruck1]

Re: Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

Block the wheels. Check!
Reseal the transom. Check!

Wait a minute. Whaddya mean reseal the transom? I note there appears to be silicone around the bolt-heads & washers on both sides of the transom. I assume this is what you are talking about? And I assume the concern is water intrusion into the inside of the hull? The boat itself is a self-bailer.

BTW, there are no bolt slots on the bottom of the engine mount. Only holes. But this shouldn't be a problem.... ?

Thanks to all! Very helpful!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

Not so concerned about water getting inside the boat as getting inside the transom and rotting the wood core or saturating the foam, depending on design.

 

[towtruck1]

Re: Adjust engine height w/o hoist?

Thank you very much Dhadley!

I'll make sure it's sealed well.

Towtruck