25' Cape Dory-getting motor out of the well

[Roy J.]

Is there a mechanical method of getting my outboard out of the well. Last summer was the first time I took the boat out by myself. I found that I couldn't lift it and consequently it got full of junk and didn't work most of the summer. Any information is appreciated.

Roberta Moss-Jacobowitz
Auburn
Marblehead MA

[pete faga]

Roberta
I have seen a picture on this site that someone used the boom with a tackle attached.
I will check the archives
If you can get someone from below the transom to push up while someone is in the lazarette that will help.
I'm guessing you have a 9 2 stroke 25inch shaft that is a pia to get out
Pete

[bgephart]

I have been fighting this battle for 35 years - first on a 1974 model, and since 1984 on my current 1979 CD25. Twisting, pulling, cussing, and shoving were standard procedure until I started using a boom vang hanging from the boom end a few years ago. It is still a pain, but my back is much better than before. It still requires a good bit of twisting and pulling, but it is better. The CD 25 well was not designed for OMC outboards, and I have tried 15HP, 9.9HP, and most recently a 6HP. So, get good boom vang and give it try.

[Roy J.]

I like the boom vang idea. I have a 6HP. Can you tell me how/where you attach the vang to the motor? And how often do you pull it?

Thanks,

Roberta

[Jim Walsh]

Here's an example. A "Easylift Motor Tote". With a little ingenuity you can devise your own out of old lines or webbing.

[bgephart]

I use an old industrial safety harness to wrap around the motor then attach the vang to a metal loop on the harness. The rig shown in the prior note looks better. I pull my motor twice a year to paint with anti foul. Otherwise it in the water continuously.

[Paul Clayton]

I use an easylift harness as pictured above and lift mine out on the main sheet. I kick the boom end way up on the topping lift to get enough room under it to lift out the engine. For safety's sake, I attach the sail peak end of the main halyard to the end of the boom and set the halyard up tight. That way if I am not hanging all that weight on the topping lift. Then, I ease the engine up on the sheet's three-part purchase, cork-screwing the motor out of the well. If I'm on a floating dock or the water is high, I can swing the boom across and lower the engine onto the dock, if I want to put it on a rack for work.

For pictures, see my website, http://www.neuseriversailors.com, the article entitled "Motor Mount Replacement."