Outboard Motor Storage Ideas (w/ pics)

[ryan626]

I recently acquired a 12ft Achilles boat that I want to transport in the bed of my truck. The boat itself folds up really small and stores in two bags, but the outboard is kind of awkward. I want to find a way to safely store the outboard on trips that include washboard dirt roads. Optimally, the storage device should be water resistant, fairly rigid and have some extra room to add some padding. Also, after the outboard has been in water, it is supposed to be stored vertically or residual water can drain into the motor and cause it to seize. So I know this is a lot of requirements but does anyone know of any cases that might work. I’m guessing I will most likely need a case of some kind but a good bag might work as well. The dimensions of the motor are 43” x 12.5 ”x 19”. Here are a couple pics. as well. Thanks for any ideas you may have.

 

[4x4x4doors]

If what you're looking for is a way to transport from the water on Sunday evening back to the weekly storage, I'd consider something similar in shape to a bicycle rack that mounts on a rear bumper or receiver that mimics a short section of transom. Basically mount it on the rear of the truck using the transom clamps to secure it (maybe add a locking mechanism) where its held upright and will probably get a second look at "that guy with the outboard mounted on the back of his truck".

That wouldn't be my first choice for an everyday storage solution though.

 

[ryan626]

I'm hoping to take it with me down to Baja and on offroading trips when there are lakes near by, so I'm going to need something more secure and protection.

 

[ryan626]

keep the ideas coming

 

[proper4wd]

Your storage solution doesnt have to be "water resistant"... That thing is designed to get soaked and run all day long, so long as it's upright. Just build a vertical quick release bracket. Kind of hard to help any further without knowing what vehicle you have or seeing pictures of where you'd like it stored.

 

[Racer-X]

The picture that was posted of the motor in the bed of the truck:
This is a good spot.
Buy some thick high density foam
cut out a rough shape of the motor
place motor on foam
tie motor to bed.

There you go.

A box will be to awkward to open and put motor in each time.

Otherwise you could rig up a mounting point similar to a transom
mount it to the tailgate
then get a light cover for the motor

hope this makes sense.

 

[K2ZJ]

Kind of hard to help any further without knowing what vehicle you have or seeing pictures of where you'd like it stored.

See below?

If what you're looking for is a way to transport from the water on Sunday evening back to the weekly storage, I'd consider something similar in shape to a bicycle rack that mounts on a rear bumper or receiver that mimics a short section of transom. Basically mount it on the rear of the truck using the transom clamps to secure it (maybe add a locking mechanism) where its held upright and will probably get a second look at "that guy with the outboard mounted on the back of his truck".

That wouldn't be my first choice for an everyday storage solution though.

I have a similar boat and motor, I don't have a pickup though. I can take a pic if needed but, I built a stand similar to what 4x4x4 is talking about to just store it upright and off the floor in my garage. I used some leftover 2x6s but I just clamp it like it goes to the transom. If you built a similar bracket you could use a cable lock to keep it secure. Cover it with a tarp or similar to keep it more out of sight. You have an open bed, not much security anyway, now you want to put it in an easy to carry away case?

EDIT: I was typing while Racer was, look at the times I am not copying him

 

[r_w]

Get a heavy duty headache rack and clamp it on.

 

[lcsodiver]

Get a heavy duty headache rack and clamp it on.

As long as you have a snorkel on the truck, you can then say that it's for when the water gets to deep for the snorkel :Wow1:

 

[ryan626]

Your storage solution doesnt have to be "water resistant"... That thing is designed to get soaked and run all day long, so long as it's upright. Just build a vertical quick release bracket. Kind of hard to help any further without knowing what vehicle you have or seeing pictures of where you'd like it stored.

I wanted the storage container to be water resistance more for dust and dirt then water. I have a 01 Tacoma

The picture that was posted of the motor in the bed of the truck:
This is a good spot.
Buy some thick high density foam
cut out a rough shape of the motor
place motor on foam
tie motor to bed.

There you go.

A box will be to awkward to open and put motor in each time.

Otherwise you could rig up a mounting point similar to a transom
mount it to the tailgate
then get a light cover for the motor

hope this makes sense.

I like the idea of getting some foam and cutting it to the outboards shape, but there would be not way to stand it upright after running it.

I feel like mounting it off the tail gate would not only run the risk of scratching the paint but not be very secure when on rougher trails. I've seen case for shipping bikes that are pretty large and have foam inserts but I'm not sure of their exact dimensions. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[ryan626]

You have an open bed, not much security anyway, now you want to put it in an easy to carry away case?

With the right case I could run cable locks through the handles and secure it to the bead cage. Not theft proof but definitely would slow someone down.

 

[Racer-X]

Here is a good ide:

Bag:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUTBOARD-Motor-CARRY-BAG-Storage-Cover-Engine-8-10-Hp-/400200081543



Or get a bag made up.

 

[chasespeed]

Not to disagree with anyone...

ONLY restrictions on transporting outboards laying down, that I am aware of, are the four strokes... I always transport my kicker laying down... in fact, my father was doing that since I was a kid.

No reason that it has to be transported vertically. Just make sure, and let the motor sit vertically while you break down the infaltable... even crank the motor over a few times(AFTER running it out of gas in the water)... that should move the impeller around...

Older 2 stroke... eh... I would pull the casing off after the first(run it on a hose) wet test... and lay the OB down... remove the spark plug for good measure, and see if you get any water... shouldnt other than condensation.... now FUEL on the other hand... you will leak fuel into the crankcase and air box if you dont run the carb dry.....

Chase

 

[ryan626]

I'm just going off what it says in the owner manual. If I don't have to store it upright that would be great.

I really like that UK made storage/carry bag. I could have something like that made up pretty easy. Maybe even have some thin foam added between the material for some add protection. If I don't have to store upright then bag would work out pretty good.

 

[brunus]

pending size and weight of said motor, you could try to find a big enough pelican case or other similar style of case and make a slide out mount for the motor inside of said case. if you do it right you could use something like the caribou mounting system to secure the case upright to the front end of the bed (behind the cab) and it would keep every thing out of the case as well as keep the motor secure while you transport it. a couple of footman loops inside the box with some straps would keep the motor from moving around inside and keep loading it fairly simple. just slide out the mount, put the motor on it, slide the mount back in, strap in place and lock the lid.
theres always a simple way to do anything that needs to be done. best of luck.