Has anyone removed and installed a boat motor without a Pro engine hoist? Are there other options for lifting an engine high enough to drop an engine into a boats engine compartment?

I use the forklift at work now, I have used a buddies tow truck before, a chainfall and a tree limb...there are many ways to do it.

I use my forklift with 8' fork extensions, It works perfect! Hopefully you know someone that has one? Just make sure your ceiling is tall enough, I had to flip the forks to gain enough lift height with my 12' ceilings.

Used a front end loader once. No problem.

I built a gantry crane out of steel (probably overkill) a buddy of mine built one out of 2x4's and 4x4's

i used a gantry crane similiar to like what you can get from harbor freight for $700 that was rated for 3000lb, and i have also used a tow trucks rear boom, and a forklift with long forks on it. all worked well to get it out.

the gantry crane i would say is best as it allows the most room all around to line everything up and move stuff around as the chain length is longest with this setup and is probably the safest setup also provided you have the proper hoist attached to the I beam

Tow truck, $185. Easy and quick.

Be a "true" backyard mechanic: block and tackle on a sturdy tree branch.

I just did this and it works like a champ. Bought a 1 ton chain fall from Harbor Freight and some lumber from local hardware store. Built a gantry about 12 feet high and 12 feet wide. Costs $120 for the entire gantry and hardware. Back the boat underneath and hoist out engine.

I performed the entire removal operation solo from hitching, backing, hoisting etc. Started at 0900 and by 1400 the engine was in the garage for tear down. I was taking my sweet time doing this and labeling every wire, cable connection etc and taking a bunch of digital pictures to help with the assembly process. That was invaluable.

See my post # 10 http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...days-work.html

See my post # 14
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...-forklift.html

I like the Gantry because you can take your time and not feel rushed - you aren't at the mercy of the Tow Truck driver, or the rental price of the Forklift. Especially if it is your first time. With the crane, if you screw something up, or for some reason have to lift it back up you are right there to do it.

That's my .02.