Pick a New Engine | What to Look For | Making a Blank | Removing the Old Engine | Disconnecting Systems | Mounts and Coupler | Lifting the Old Engine | Engine Beds | Shimming | Filling Holes | Flat Mounts | Landing the Engine | Exhaust System | Other Systems | Finishing Up
Lifting the engine.
This is an engineering feat, and not for the faint of heart. Every boat will be different, and engines are heavy but not as heavy as you might think. They can be moved around on a couple of 2 by 8 s to get in place for a clear lift. I’ve seen people cut out holes in the cockpit, remove bulkheads, and generally hack and burn a space big enough for the engine to come out. If you’re lucky, you can just remove the engine compartment door or the steps, and lift out the hatch.
Consider removing parts from the engine to make it lighter – you would be surprised how much it helps to take off the starter, or even the manifold. The truly desperate can remove transmissions and water pumps as well. Only lift the engine by the lifting points, anywhere else is dangerous. If you have to use a pulley or the coupling to lift from, watch for roll and be aware that you will probably damage the engine.
Most people use the boom to lift if they are in an out of the way spot, but it’s not the best or safest way to lift. If you can, get a small crane, forklift, davit, or similar system to help lift out the old and put in the new. If you must use the boom, attach the main halyard at the point where you will be lifting, and keep an eye on the strain at the gooseneck and along the length of the boom.
Remember when you swing the engine over to the side, the weight will heel you over a lot. I’ve seen this done with comical results – engines going through the floors of dinghies or into the water as the boat heels over 45%. Never never never lift using the boom if you are hauled out, you could tip your boat off the jackstands easily.
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