BajaNomad

transporting outboard

PaulO111 - 7-8-2007 at 12:59 PM

OK Guys, we all know that the Nomads are ingenious in their packing. Any suggestions on the best way to transport an outboard. Am I taking down my 25hp Merc outboard in my Nissan Pathfinder. It is not on a boat. I am just trying to figure the best way to pack it while taking up as litlle as space as possible, so I still have room for gear.
Thanks in advance.

Bob and Susan - 7-8-2007 at 01:15 PM

pack it on top...no one EVER looks up...:light:

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 01:28 PM

I have packed mine several ways over the years, including on top of my camper (big Callen-built roof platform) under my 14 foot GREGOR tin-boat, but then it is only a Johnson 15, and relatively light. The most important thing in my opinion is to "cushion" it-----I pack it totally surrounded by 4 inch sponge rubber on sides, and bottom, so that it is not subject to the vibration of the San Felipe to Gonzaga washboard. It has survived many trips this way with no bad stuff happening. Often I put it between the bed-boxes in my Callen camper, where it fits perfectly in it's sponge rubber cacoon. Hope this helps.

bajaguy - 7-8-2007 at 01:40 PM

My suggestion would be to get a Hitch Hauler and build a 2x6 cradle, bungee it down and go for it. Get the Hitch hauler with the fold-up option....they work really well.

http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/65A1388A0A...





[Edited on 7-9-2007 by bajaguy]

surco_hauler_1piece_basket_down.gif - 2kB

smlslikfish - 7-8-2007 at 06:45 PM

I've had to pay import duty on outboards that were not on a boat, I'd recommend you stash it out of sight. Baja dirt roads are harsh on motors laying in the back of a truck, I built a wooden box for mine and used expansion foam to create a molded bed to lay the motor in. Works great with NO damage after 5 years X 6 trips a year down the San Felipe to Gonzaga road.

PaulO111 - 7-8-2007 at 09:11 PM

I know this will sound stupid, so please forgive my ignorance. Can you lay the motor down on it's side to transport? As I'm thinking about it, I cannot see why not, but for some reason, I thought you had to transport it upright.

Bob and Susan - 7-9-2007 at 05:40 AM

only if its 4 cycle
two cycle does'nt matter as long as you
empty the gas;)

Barry A. - 7-9-2007 at 07:57 AM

-----but, if you lay it on it's side, be aware that you may break off the "forward/backward" lever, or the tiller/throttle complex lever on the other side--------I would let it rest on it's built-in "feet", if I were you.

On its feet

baitcast - 7-9-2007 at 08:50 AM

Empty the gas in the carb and tank and a 2 stroke will be happy up,side down not so with a 4 stroke,empty the gas and you may still have oil issues,I have.

I think I will empty the oil as well next time,only a small rig,but mind you I try to stay off the asphalt as much as possible,like the man said "stand it on its feet" and use foam.

PaulO111 - 7-9-2007 at 09:01 AM

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help.

Hook - 7-9-2007 at 09:04 AM

I think it is very likely that you will have import issues with a motor off the boat. Be prepared.

Roberto - 7-9-2007 at 09:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I think it is very likely that you will have import issues with a motor off the boat. Be prepared.


Hook is 100% correct. If they see the motor, the will ask questions. Much less likely to happen if you cross at Mexicali West (old crossing).