Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

[sp007c]

Hi, guys!

I love your forum, which I have been reading for months, but now I decided to post something of my own.

I bought a 1987 Bayliner Capri with Force 85HP for 2,000$. It came with no trailer, and I keep it in my berth. So far, everything is good, and I love my baby!

However, it's time to do some maintenance on the outboard engine (lubricating, replacing the fuel filter, etc.)

What is the most inexpensive way of lifting the boat out of the water for a couple of hours? Is there perhaps some inflatable cushion that I can buy for, say, less than 500$?

P.S. Power outlets are within 10 feet.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

Many boat dealerships have loaner trailers for people living on lakes--to bring their boats in for service. See if they'll lend or rent you a trailer if you purchase the parts from them.

My neighbors have two 24' pontoon trailers, two PWC trailers, a Triton 21' bass boat trailer and a Ski Nautique trailer sitting in my yard. If I need to get my pontoon out, I'll just borrow one of "our trailers".

 

[5150abf]

Re: Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

Ya you need to find a trailer and get it out of the water, no way to change the lower oil in the water and that may be the most important part of maintenance.

Ask around, someone has to have a trailer they will let you borrow for a couple hours or as Bamaman said check a local marina.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

this won't work for the lower unit, but you could beach it and work on it. problem is, if you don't get it right, you are stranded!

Since you just bought it and it is old, I suggest taking it to a marine mechanic to have him do all the maintenance, including (most important) the water pump. Let him help you with the trailer issue. Then you will have a local expert on your side who knows your motor. He will likely find something you would have overlooked. It would be worth the money IMO.

 

[whistler66]

Re: Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

This is going to sound a little smart alec but working on a boat or motor in the water is a sure way to loose tools, supplies and parts........! My thoughts is to find a way to get it out of the water. You will be a better mechanic and do a more complete inspection of things that need to be addressed.

 

[F_R]

Re: Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

sp007, do you even have a vehicle capable of towing it if you had a trailer? Hitch, lights, etc?

You may be better off taking it to a marina and have them lift it out and do the work. Sure, it will cost a few bucks, but that's part of owning a boat and you may as well get used to it.

 

[BobList]

Re: Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

Always some trailers on Craigslist for $500 and under.. even a "no title" junky one can at least get it out of the water, towing on the roads is a whole different ball game

Bob

 

[sp007c]

Re: Outboard engine maintenance with boat in the water

Thanks, guys. I decided to borrow the trailer from a neighbor and do the maintenance myself one weekend every 6 months.