So It looks like I have a decent used motor for the project boat but I'm not ready to mount the engine just yet.

I'm wondering what the safest way to transport and store the engine until I'm ready to mount, besides crating and building a motor stand for it. How can I do this on the cheap without causing any damage? Its a 2-stroke if that makes any difference?

Thanks guys!

Cheers MM,

When we owned the Marina we transported motors all the time. We had a rack for the back of our one ton so we never had that issue. However, when we had to send a motor away with a client, we obtained some large truck tires (rims removed), took the cowling off the engine to keep from damaging (cracking) the fibreglass and simply laid the motor on the tires. Depending on the tires you might be good to go with one tire under powerhead and one under prop area or you might need two at either location. If you need two simply stack the tires and then tie the tires together with rope in three spots (120/240/360 degrees) to ensure the tires don't seperate if they move or you need to move them for a reason. The rubber provided a cushion and having the powerhead in the centre of the tire opening ensured it was well protected, there is not pressure on the head and it didn't move while travelling. The same can be done in a garage or where ever you wish to store the motor. Simply lay the motor on the tires and you are good to go. The added benefit is that the motor is low so that it cannot move should children or curious adults wish to 'explore' the novelty. You can even slide the entire assemply on the tires with a rope and some muscles.

If the motor is not going to be used for an extended time, one would be wise to flush the gas lines, drain the bowels or fuel system and fog in the cylinders exactly like you would if you were winterizing. One would also drain and replace the lower leg oil. A thorough cleaning then a coat of wax on the entire engine surface, spray the top side (engine/controls) with anti-rust coating and remove the prop and grease the hub and splines, will ensure nothing is worse the wear when it's time to install your new(ish) engine.

exactly what I need!! I guess you aren't just another pretty face eh Gerry!

Pics of the proj! Love seeing project boats.

FG, thanks for the good advice on storing/transport. Much more sensible than the haphazard way I have occasionally handled outboards in the past. Also, Kelly raised a good point. We want pics of the progress of the project boat to satisfy our not so secret (LOL) desire to create our own marine masterpiece. So, pretty please, show us some pics?

I'll try and get some updated pics this weekend on the project guys. To be honest not a ton of things have happened in the last month or so do to weather and my real job keeping me pretty busy over the holidays.

This is the hull as I bought it in the summer for those that missed my project thread:

thanks again Gerry - the tires worked like a charm today. of course the trick now is getting it out of the truck

looks like a real beauty mm. good luck the nwef.

Cheers Moisture Missle,

Easy to remove the motor from the truck. If you don't have access to an overhead then do the following:


- back the truck to where you wish the engine
- remove tailgate
- place a 3/4 inch plywood sheet as a ramp
- tire a rope around the unit and pull *GENTLY*
- the tires will support the engine and it will slide down the ramp as one unit (that was the reason for tying tires together
(I have done this several times and it does work)
- if it is a flat area (esp. concrete) the tires/engine can be pulled anywhere you wish with little friction