How to transport an outboard motor in your car or truck

[@jimmurguia2727]

That’s a great idea. I’ve always laid it down on the proper side it can lay on propped up with pillows while laying on an old foam pad for a bed. This is definitely better. Will be building one

[@KayakCliff]

Hey Jim - Thanks for watching and commenting! You’ll love having this setup / hack for safe outboard storage and transportation! Take care!

[@RedfishInc]

Thank you! This is exactly what I've been looking for. So simple yet very sturdy and I just happen to have a 2x12 on hand! Thanks again for sharing!

[@KayakCliff]

Hey, thank you for your comments! I'm glad it worked out for you! Safe adventuring out there this summer :-)

[@woodlandsnorth]

Nice idea. 4 stroke motors need to be laid down on one side, typically with the carb side up. My honda has two "nubs" on the one side to facilitate it laying down on that side - check your manual. Great motors!

[@KayakCliff]

Mine leaks when laid down on the nubs. Dealer said I wasn’t doing anything wrong and that happens. I much prefer the setup I have with the 2x12’s it sits nice and secure, just like it sits when I have it clamped to my transom with the motor tilted up. No more problems. Even if it didn’t leak, I would still transport it this way, much more stable, doesn’t slide around and finish is protected. Have a great week!

[@mevanouski]

Hello Cliff, great video. I just bought a sea eagle skiff 16 and a Yamaha 6hp outboard and will be transporting both on a large motorcycle rack on the back of my motorhome. I’ve been debating on the best way to strap the motor down and after seeing your video, I made the “H” . It works perfectly. It’ll make transport so much easier ,thanks, MIKE from Boise Idaho.

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋. Thanks for watching and commenting! That fishskiff 16 will work great with the 6hp. I think you should get to 15-16 mph with one person. Glad my “H” motor transport will work for you!

[@clwhitt]

Thanks! I picked up a Honda 5 HP 4 stroke motor, laid it on its side supports in the back seat and had oil all over by the time I got home. I built your "H" out of a 2x6 (because that's what I had laying around) and it's perfect - fully supporting the engine with the prop end off the ground (though I'll pad it and set it down for the 2000 mile trip coming up).

[@KayakCliff]

Awesome, thank you so much for sharing your story! Enjoy that 2000 mile trip, sounds fun!

[@trailtalkswithandy936]

Built your "H" with handles (when helper is available) that rests on dolly high enough to slide aka "rock" onto SUV mat. Wheeled dolly doubles as flushing stand. Great idea.

[@KayakCliff]

I like 👍 that!

[@pradub3541]

Great video, finally great solution, finishing my cigare and go to build one right now, village style, greetz from czech :)

[@KayakCliff]

Awesome, hope it works as well for you as it does for me. Greeting from Texas!

[@alexbarton4966]

Thanks Cliff, You solved a big problem for me. I appreciate it.

[@KayakCliff]

Glad to hear, thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@gorrdd]

Hey Cliff... did some checking around and the AQUOS outboard motor trolley seems to be by far the best solution for both transport and storage. It just flips right up into the back of your SUV or truck bed, as seen on their KZbin video. Can't beat it. Almost no heavy lifting required.😊 Gord

[@robertgarcia6325]

This is so simple it’s genius I would have made a way more complicated mount thanks for the video love it

[@EngineeringDisaster]

Your rationale was my thoughts too. I was going to do the same thing with my small motor because you can transport it in the back of a boat in the angled stowed position so why not transport it the same way when off a boat. I too once laid my mercury on the side and not only did it leak oil it leaked gas. Great video.

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I hope you have a great week!

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Great video Cliff. I think you've convinced me even more there is no way I'd want to put a gasoline motor in the trunk of the sedans I drive. They all have microfiber carpet in the trunk & everywhere. Not the hard plastic in the vehicles you've shown. Once oil or gas spills on microfiber, the vapors would probably be there for months. Cleaning would be very difficult. There is no way I"d want to chance that. I'd love to have a 5HP motor for my Paddleski 437ps, but I just see so many potential disadvantages for me. Hawaiian Dan at Sea Eagle has shown a mount that attaches to the outside of a vehicle. That would be a possibility, but I don't like advertising it. Boating is not always about going from home to the water for me. It's often about visiting the area too before or after boating. I'm not so trusting someone wouldn't mess with it. The 5HP motor looks a lot heavier than a 3HP, but I'm not sure. I'm sure it would be great to go long distances on that at decent speeds. Another problem for me, even at more like 2.5HP my front passenger on a normal day gets splashed with waves crashing over the bow. To avoid this, I have to go slower unless I'm alone. It would be rare I'd get to take advantage of the extra speed. The Torqeedo Travel still seems like the best fit for me as long as I can keep my working, even though it's not perfect. But what is? I'd love the range of gas, although at most locations I can go the distance I need.

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 - That Honda 5hp is about 65 lbs. Not too bad to maneuver around. You definitely want to store and transport it right though! That hitch mount is really nice. PaddleSki - Website page - bit.ly/33PbnFH My review of the PaddleSki - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mTc6KAnp2LoKs

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@KayakCliffMaybe some day I'll get that mount he suggested. I need to get a shed first before I can even think of storing a gas motor at my house. A motor like that would be nice to have, but in truth I'd probably use the Torqeedo 75% of the time or more. It's adequate for most locations I go. There are a few I'd like to go that I'd be hesitant without the range of a gas motor, and the extra speed would help arrive to further destinations too.

[@redbustourguide]

Well I’m going to use your method and thanks!!!

[@plam0007]

Great idea. But I have had any issue with oil leak with my 2022 Honda BF5 (bought brand new) motors when I had it laid down on both sides. But mostly on the side with the little legs in my SUV. Honda definitely makes great motors! Love seeing all your Seaeagle Paddleski videos with the Honda motor.. please keep on making them. Can't wait for the future videos of them.

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting @plam0007

[@artat777]

Great video thanks I’m glad I found it. Ever since seeing the motor laying down on its side in the back of your truck I was curious thinking that didn’t look right 😅

[@KayakCliff]

Well, that’s the confusing thing……Honda designed that engine with two metal pegs on the side of the engine, that enable you to lay it down on it’s side without hurting anything. But it leaks oil though and they say it will do that. I guess the metal pegs are ONLY for laying the motor down on it’s side if it doesn’t have any oil in it. Kind of weird. I love the engine though and to me, that wood “H” is the best way to transport safely & securely

[@jonathanstevens1917]

Great video!! Well explained and clearly demonstrated. I’m going to do the same thing!❤

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! It's the best way I have found a transport my outboards.

[@sslcfc]

Perfect

[@roybilodeau4165]

Good idea👏

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks Roy!

[@gorrdd]

Cliff, Further investigation shows AQUAS unit doesn't seem to be available anymore. But the Boat Hoist outboard motor trolley is similar and it's available. Gord

[@KayakCliff]

Sounds good 👍

[@gorrdd]

@@KayakCliff Yes, having roller wheels at, or near, the handlebars... allows for the tilt and slide onto a SUV or pickup bed. It offers both transport and storage without dead lifting the setup. Gord

[@ovidiudraghici9941]

According to the Honda manual you can store it horizontally on those two legs (which I do), but the tiller has to be in normal position, or it will leak. And no, gas wont leak, but vapors will, especially when it's hot. More recent Yamaha engines can be stored in any position. Honda outboards are not that great IMHO.

[@KayakCliff]

Mine leaks no matter what, I tried everything. My motor mount is perfect for my needs! I do love the engine though!

[@rcoony]

I have a Suzuki 2.5HP outboard, and it can be laid down on it's right side (the side with the handle). I've transported it that way in the trunk of my car a number of times with never any problem. Supposedly it will leak oil if I set it down on the other side, but I've never tested that. I'd be curious as to what your motor's owner's manual says about transporting it.

[@KayakCliff]

Oh, yes, the owners manual does address laying down the engine. Just does not say anything about how you should NOT do it with oil in the engine. No way to lay down this motor or many other four stroke motors with oil in the engine. Most of them leak. You are lucky!

[@JamesJames-jt3ts]

​@@KayakCliff Hi, if you are supposed to lay them on their handle side it must be true. What they don't say is that the motor must be slightly higher than the propeller side. Is the principle of fluids. They flow where gravity pulls them

[@KayakCliff]

@JamesJames-jt3ts Thanks for watching and commenting! I’m just happy with my new setup with the 2x12’s, works great and protects the finish by keeping everything upright and not sliding around. Take care!

[@satra270]

Hi Cliff, great idea, husband and I are looking at the fast cat 12 for use in Florida water south west Florida area to be exact was wondering what your thoughts where on this inflatable vs the skiff 16 ?

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I actually just got a FastCat 12, I used it for the first time a week ago and was extremely impressed. I’ve used the PaddleSki on many adventures and love how it’s is easy to paddle as well, when you want to do that. The benefit of the FastCat is it is wider, better for two people and I like how you sit up higher with the elevated seating. I will be doing a full review of the FastCat in the coming month, plus you will see it on adventure videos as well. As far as the FastCat vs. the Fish skiff - they are both awesome! You just get more room in the FishSkiff and you can power it with up to a 10hp outboard that will propel it to 22 mph. The FishSkif gets to about 15 mph, which is great too! What HP motor are you considering using? You can’t go wrong with either the FishSkiff or the FastCat, it all boils down to weather you want a little more room. Both pack down to about the same size for transport. Below are my affiliate links for both boats, sorry I don’t have a video on the FastCat yet, but it is coming . . . FastCat 12 - More room to stand up and move around than the PaddleSki. Excellent for two people fishing and standing. A little too wide if you want to kayak paddle or stand up paddle compared to the PaddleSki. bit.ly/41hOq7d FishSkiff 16 - Maximum amount of room in a large 16’ boat. Great for up to 3 people fishing! bit.ly/41eScyj

[@redbustourguide]

lol it says right in the owners manual to remove the oil before laying it on its right side

[@KayakCliff]

You're right, LOL! That is simply NOT practical to remove your oil after every use. I love my method, works great and is how I would transport, even if you could lay on its side.

[@fabianoslack4269]

1:24 „maybe a couple of then does not leak“ Do you guys know an a 5hp or less outboard motor that does not leak when we lay it down?

[@KayakCliff]

I really don't know of any motor that does not leak. That does not mean that one does not exist though. I'm just not aware of one.

[@HotdogVendor1337]

Checkout Yamahas F4/F5 oil leak prevention system

[@KayakCliff]

@user-ur5qn6mx2p I will check it out! Is this like an accessory that will hook up to my Honda?

[@poobank]

I’m looking to buy that same motor. Any recommendations on where to buy? How much did you pay? Did you get the optional alternator or battery charger system?

[@KayakCliff]

I got mine from Sea Eagle. Here is the link - www.seaeagle.com/Accessories/honda-outboard-motors

[@poobank]

@@KayakCliff thanks for the reply. Looks like Amazon sales it for $400 cheaper. I was considering Amazon but just seems a little weird buying a boat motor from them lol. Thanks also for the H mount video idea. Doing my homework first. Just got a 12’ Jon boat from tractor supply for $599

[@KayakCliff]

@poobank hey, as long as it is a real Honda, cheaper is cheaper. Gotta go with the cheapest price! Have fun with that new Jon boat!

[@yucelunal3519]

Hi, is it possible to know the measurements of this wooden part, I would like to make my own boat .your info would be appreciated with thanks

[@KayakCliff]

I would say it is 12’’ x 12’’ x 12’’. Not super important, just somewhere in that area of sizing. Hope this helps!

[@cungbo]

I have a 5HP Honda outboard and can lay it down on the side with no oil or gas leakage.

[@KayakCliff]

I was told by Honda that leaking is to be expected when oil and filter are in the motor. I guess you got lucky with your model! How old is yours? Mine is about two years old.

[@redbustourguide]

Why does the owners manual say to not transport it this way? To keep it in upright condition for transport?

[@KayakCliff]

I don't know that the owners manual says not to transport it this way. There are tabs on the side that allow you to lay it on its side, but it leaks oil all over the place. Best way for me to transport is the way I do in this video.

[@redbustourguide]

The manual also states to drain the oil before laying it on its side. Love your invention!

[@danielrobert7181]

Well, just get a (used) 2-stroke outboard and lay it anyway you please in your car/truck.

[@KayakCliff]

I don't miss having to premix all that oil, 50:1 ratio was it? The exhaust smelled great though, every time I smell it, it brings back a bunch of memories from my childhood and earlier boating years :-)

[@igprborysenko425]

You were supposed to find out the reason for oil leaking first, before making the stand.

[@KayakCliff]

No reason, other than the fact that oil and filter are in the motor. Honda told me that leaking is to be expected.