Lifting engines from boat
 

After some unfortunat problems with my SBC's in my 1979 formula 233 twin, I've decided to pull them and rebuild. What do you guys use to lift the motors out? I don't think a engine hoist will be enough because the ack of my boat is about 5.5 feet from the ground. I would have to rent something.

On another note, I got a quote for 6200$ for complete rebuilds With installing an uninstalling the motors and replacing both gimbals.

I was able to get a BBC out of my Corsa with a shop crane, but I had to deflate the tires to get the oil pan over the gunwale. It was close.

If you are just doing it once, you can make yourself a decent A-frame gantry. A pair of 2x8's or a 4x8 spanning over top, and make legs with a pair of 4x4's at either end. Install diagonal braces in the upper corners made of mitered 4x4 or 2x4. Make it high enough to get enough headroom to get a chainhoist, slings or leveler, etc. Lift it up, drive the boat away, lower it down.

You should be able to do it for under $100 plus the chainhoist. I have a 3 ton from Harbor Freight. It works fine. It is slow, but I figure it has to be good for at least a ton and a half...

P.S. I forgot, get a 18" or so web sling to put over the top beam and hang your chain hoist from. You can easily adjust the position from side to side, and you won't be reliant on questionable eye hooks, etc.

I have a local tow truck guy come over and for $75 they are out in no time.

Use a backhoe:whistle:

I built a gantry crane, best $800 ever spent. I have had the motors in and out of my boat a half a dozen times and this thing helps emesnly! Might not be an option for you but figured I would share anyway!

You can see it in the background in this photo

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...b/be3c11c9.jpg

fork truck

Here is one in action

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...b/a2a17634.jpg

Gantry cranes are nice, but they take up a hell of a lot of room and really don't work for anything else. We have a really nice one, but generally use a 5,000 lb capacity propane powered fork truck - which comes in handy for many other things too.

Find a friend with a forklift...pull the engines...put them in the back of a pickup and deliver to the engine shop. This will save you thousands.

Also...check your local rental places for a Tilt and Tow....they work well also.

My brother built an A Frame Gantry for $100 bucks and moves the boat around to get his engine in ad out...but you can't beat a fork lift...unless you have access to an overhead bay crane!!