Plans for outboard engine stand?

[BrianW]

As we're repowering our skiff with a new outboard, I'll be getting the old one back from the shop.

It's pretty heavy, about 490lbs, so I need a substantial engine stand to store it. Just wondering if anyone has seen a set of plans for an engine stand?

I'd like it to be on wheels, so I can move it around as needed.

Another question... I'm sure the shop can get the motor into the bed of my pickup, but I'm not sure how I'm going to get it out. No shade trees near the garage, no cherry picker handy, although I might be able to rent one.

[Tylerdurden]

Modify a hand truck to hold it. Clamp it to the hand truck before you load it then you can walk it off the P/U. The best hand truck for this is a applliance truck with tuck away casters. Once its out of the truck you pull out the casters to get a 15 degree angle and just roll it around on that. Just weld a bracket at the height of the outboard on the front of the hand truck to mount it. If you weld square tubing at right angles to the sides you can make your mounting removable so you can use the truck for other things.

[Donn]

http://static2.instructables.com/pub/F1Y/RGB7/F1YRGB7Y1DEP306GW1.medium.jpg

http://daveosborne.com/dave/projects/images/motorstand.gif

http://members.fortunecity.com/jb6290/Real/IMAG0203.JPG

[Ron Carter]

I have a $49 engine stand for working on automotive engines. Bolted a hardwood board across the mounting arms for the bell housing and it works great. Set up for significant weight and on a good set of casters. Did disable the rotation feature since the power head is heavier than the lower unit.

[Tristan]

Check out NorthernTool.com. Look at their "material handling" section. They show an endless selection of equipment which you could use/modify to use. At least you'll get some ideas. On the other hand, I expect there are comercial lift/stands you could buy which are specifically designed for outboards.

[Woxbox]

If it's a one-time job to lift it out of the truck and get it onto the boat, lots of auto parts stores "rent" engine lifts for nothing.

[BrianW]

Thanks folks for the suggestions so far.

Given the size of my town, I'm sure there's no engine stands for sale in any of the auto stores (both of'em) but they may rent a cherry picker. Not that I've ever seen a cherry picker in their stores, and I've been in the back of both of both stores.

I do have a friend who works at an auto repair shop, who drives the wrecker, he may be able to help.

As far as the engine stand, given the lack of commercial varieties around, will consist of lot's of 2x4's lag bolted together. I don't have an exact plan yet, but my brain is thinking stuff up. :)