Inspired by an INA article I read several years ago, I recently made a device to help hoist my outboard motor onto the stern rail. I simplified the construction and made mine out of plywood instead of metal. I’m really pleased with how well it works. No doubt many of you are familiar with the device. But in case there are some new owners out there who haven’t seen such a thing I thought I’d share my photos.
Essentially, it’s just a plywood board about 27" long. One end is shaped to fit into the holes in the end of the wishbone. The other end has two eyebolts. In use, you attach the halyard to the eyebolt facing up, and a block and tackle to the eyebolt facing down. Tighten the halyard just to hold the device horizontal. (There’s also a hole in the board near the wishbone end that I use to run a line around the end of the wishbone just to hold the device in place.) Attach the block and tackle to the outboard and Bob’s your Uncle!
So easy to lift the motor and the board helps get the block and tackle well over the transom. Can also be used to lift heavy bundles from the dinghy to the boat.
Hope this helps somebody.
Jim Cosgrove
FATE 30U #343
Galesville, MD
